Easy chicken breyani

Easy chicken breyani combines tender chicken, aromatic spices, lentils, and rice for a delightful meal. This one-pot dish is perfect for family dinners with its rich, layered flavours.

11 Jan 2026
Cook time 30 min
Prep time 10 min

Ingredients:

1 egg
3 tbsp vegetable oil
1 onion
2 tbsp curry powder
2 tsp turmeric powder
4 cups chicken soup
1 dash salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 cup white rice
8 chicken breasts
1 cup lentils
25 almonds
1 tomato
1 tbsp coriander leaves

Easy chicken breyani is a delightful and flavorful dish that combines tender pieces of chicken with aromatic spices, rice, and lentils. This classic dish is perfect for family dinners or special occasions, and it can be made with relative ease using commonly available ingredients. You'll love the rich, layered taste of this traditional Indian meal.

Instructions:

1. Boil the Egg:
- Place the egg in a small pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 9-11 minutes. Remove the egg, cool under cold water, peel, and set aside.

2. Sauté the Onion:
- In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until the onions are golden and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

3. Add Spices:
- Stir in the curry powder and turmeric powder, allowing the spices to cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Cook the Chicken:
- Add the chicken pieces to the pot. Cook the chicken until it is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.

5. Prepare the Base:
- Pour in the chicken soup, and stir in the salt and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.

6. Add Rice and Lentils:
- Add the white rice and lentils to the pot. Stir well to combine. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice and lentils are cooked and the liquid is absorbed.

7. Finish with Almonds and Tomato:
- Gently stir in the chopped or whole almonds and the chopped tomato. Cook for another 3-5 minutes until the tomato softens a bit and the almonds are heated through.

8. Garnish:
- Chop the boiled egg into wedges or small pieces and use it to garnish the breyani, along with the chopped coriander leaves.

9. Serve Hot:
- Serve the chicken breyani hot, with your favorite sides or as a wholesome meal on its own.

Your easy chicken breyani is now ready to be served. Enjoy the rich and aromatic flavors of this delicious dish, which pairs perfectly with a fresh salad or some warm naan. Whether you are feeding a crowd or just your family, this recipe promises to be a hit and a staple in your culinary repertoire.

Easy chicken breyani FAQ:

What is the best way to know when the chicken in breyani is fully cooked?

The chicken is fully cooked when it is no longer pink in the center and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Cut a piece in half to ensure it is cooked through.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this breyani recipe?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice, but you may need to increase the cooking time and adjust the liquid to ensure it cooks properly. Brown rice typically takes longer to cook.

How can I store leftovers of chicken breyani?

Store leftover chicken breyani in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

What spices can I substitute if I don't have curry powder?

If you don't have curry powder, you can use a combination of ground cumin, coriander, and a pinch of cayenne or paprika for flavor. Adjust to taste.

How long should I simmer the rice and lentils in the breyani?

You should simmer the rice and lentils for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.

Cooking Tips:

- Marinate the chicken breasts with a bit of the curry powder and turmeric ahead of time to enhance the flavors.

- Use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent the rice from sticking and to allow even cooking.

- For a more fragrant dish, use basmati rice instead of regular white rice.

- Add a bit of ghee or butter when cooking the onions for a richer flavor.

- Toast the almonds lightly before adding them to the dish for an extra layer of texture and taste.

- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves just before serving for a burst of color and freshness.

- Use low-sodium chicken soup to control the amount of salt in the dish.

- If you prefer, you can use boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a juicier result.

Nutrition Facts

6 Servings
Calories 710kcal
Protein 90g
Carbohydrates 54g
Fiber 6g
Sugar 5g
Fat 22g

Easy chicken breyani