Chicken biryani
Chicken Biryani is a fragrant South Asian rice dish featuring marinated chicken thighs, aromatic spices, and basmati rice. This recipe offers a rich and satisfying meal that’s perfect for special occasions or weeknight dinners.
Cook time 35 min
Prep time 15 min
Ingredients:
1/3 cup curry paste6 chicken thighs
2 tsp olive oil
1 onion
1 tbsp ginger root
2 garlic cloves
1 tomato
1 cinnamon stick
2 bay leafs
1/2 cup basmati rice
1.50 cups chicken gravy
Chicken Biryani is a flavorful and aromatic rice dish that is popular in South Asian cuisine. This easy-to-follow recipe combines tender chicken thighs with a mix of spices and basmati rice, creating a rich and satisfying meal. Ideal for special occasions or a hearty weeknight dinner, chicken biryani is sure to delight your taste buds.
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix the curry paste with the chicken thighs until well coated. Cover and let marinate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour in the refrigerator.
- Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
- Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or pot over medium heat.
- Add the marinated chicken thighs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the grated ginger and minced garlic, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the chopped tomato, cinnamon stick, and bay leaves to the skillet. Stir and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes start to break down.
- Return the browned chicken thighs to the skillet, placing them on top of the tomato mixture.
- Sprinkle the rinsed basmati rice evenly over the chicken and spices.
- Carefully pour the chicken gravy over the rice, making sure all the rice is covered.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and let it cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid. Avoid lifting the lid during this time to ensure proper steam cooking.
- Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5-10 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together.
- Remove the cinnamon stick and bay leaves.
- Fluff the rice gently with a fork and serve hot.
With this recipe, you can enjoy a delicious and aromatic Chicken Biryani that brings the flavors of South Asia right into your kitchen. Perfectly cooked rice, tender chicken, and a blend of spices make this dish a crowd-pleaser. Serve it with a side of raita or a simple salad to complete your meal.
Chicken biryani FAQ:
The Chicken Biryani needs to cook for 25-30 minutes on low heat after adding the chicken gravy. It's essential to cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid during this time to ensure proper steam cooking.
The rice is done when it's tender and has absorbed all the liquid. You should avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain the steam, but you can check for doneness by gently fluffing the rice with a fork after the cooking time.
A large, deep skillet or pot is recommended for this recipe to accommodate the layering of the chicken, spices, and rice, ensuring even cooking.
Yes, you can substitute curry paste with a blend of spices such as curry powder, but keep in mind that this may alter the flavor profile. Adjust the amount based on your taste preferences.
Store leftover Chicken Biryani in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
Tips:
- Marinate the chicken in the curry paste for at least an hour or overnight for an extra burst of flavor.
- Use high-quality basmati rice for the best results. Rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch and ensure it cooks evenly.
- To enhance the flavor, you can toast the cinnamon stick and bay leaves in the olive oil before adding the other ingredients.
- Cook the biryani on low heat to allow the rice to absorb all the flavors and prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- For a richer taste, you can add a pinch of saffron soaked in warm milk to the rice before cooking.
Nutrition per serving
4 ServingsCalories 430kcal
Protein 27g
Carbohydrates 18g
Fiber 1.84g
Sugar 3.52g
Fat 30g
More recipes
Tikka masala seafood
Enjoy Tikka Masala Seafood with shrimp and white fish in a spiced yogurt marinade.
04 Feb 2026Bacon, zucchini and lemon spaghetti
A fresh and zesty bacon, zucchini, and lemon pasta dish.
26 Dec 2025Lemon and herb fish rissoles
Enjoy crispy Lemon and Herb Fish Rissoles made with fresh fish and herbs.
07 Jan 2026Vegan toasted mushroom macaroni
A creamy, earthy vegan macaroni made with mushrooms and cashews.
12 Jan 2026Thai-style chicken with noodles
Enjoy this quick Thai-style chicken with rice noodles and coconut sauce.
27 Nov 2025Grilled chicken kebabs with bbq sauce
Easy grilled chicken kebabs with BBQ sauce and vegetables.
24 Nov 2025Keto shepherd's pie with sweet potatoes
A hearty Keto Shepherd's Pie with sweet potatoes and ground beef.
07 Feb 2026Chilli chicken stir-fry
Quick and spicy chilli chicken stir-fry with vibrant vegetables.
29 Jan 2026