Name: Chicken Biryani Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons olive oil or ghee; 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch chunks; 1 yellow onion, diced; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1 tablespoon minced ginger; 2 roma tomatoes, grated; 1/2 cup water; 1 green bell pepper, sliced; 2 teaspoons Kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1/2 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper; 2 teaspoons garam masala; 1 teaspoon coriander; 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 4 cups chicken broth; 2 cups basmati rice, rinsed and drained

Jump to Recipe

If you’re ready for a vibrant, heartwarming meal that transforms any dinner table into a festive occasion, Chicken Biryani is the star you need. This classic dish weaves fragrant rice, tender chicken, and layers of aromatic spices into a one-pot masterpiece that satisfies every craving. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a curious first-timer, Chicken Biryani promises an explosion of taste, color, and comfort with each forkful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Chicken Biryani brings its own personality to the dish, adding depth, color, or a special pop of flavor. These essential elements come together for a meal that’s surprisingly simple once you have them all laid out.

Olive oil or ghee: Ghee offers that authentic, rich flavor, but olive oil works wonderfully in a pinch for sautéing and depth.
Chicken thighs (boneless, skinless): Thighs stay perfectly juicy and tender, even after simmering with all those spices.
Yellow onion: This adds a subtle sweetness and forms the aromatic base of the dish.
Garlic: Freshly minced for an irresistible earthy kick that weaves through every bite.
Ginger: Zesty and punchy, ginger keeps the flavors alive and well-balanced.
Roma tomatoes: Grated tomatoes melt into the sauce, providing a tangy foundation.
Water: Added to simmer and soften, melding everything together.
Green bell pepper: Offers a slightly sweet crunch and a splash of color in every serving.
Kosher salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors forward—taste as you go!
Cayenne pepper: Just the right kick for those who love a little heat; adjust to your spice preference.
Coarse ground black pepper: Deepens the flavor profile and keeps the spices grounded.
Garam masala: The heart of Chicken Biryani’s signature aroma—don’t skip this!
Coriander: Warm and citrusy, coriander adds complexity to the spice mix.
Ground turmeric: Turmeric brings that golden sunshine color and subtle earthiness.
Cumin: For a deep, nutty aroma that’s integral to any biryani.
Cinnamon: Just a whisper of cinnamon ties the entire spice blend together with warmth.
Chicken broth: Infuses the rice and chicken with savory flavor; homemade or store-bought both work.
Basmati rice: Rinsed and drained for perfect, fluffy grains that soak up all those wonderful spices.

How to Make Chicken Biryani

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by heating olive oil (or ghee, if you have it) in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add your chicken pieces and let them brown on both sides. This step isn’t just about color—it’s about locking in flavor and ensuring your chicken stays juicy while absorbing the aromatic spices later.

Step 2: Build the Aromatic Base

Once the chicken is nicely seared, add your diced yellow onion to the pot. Stir occasionally and cook until the onions turn translucent and start to soften—about 3 to 4 minutes. This sets the stage with a gentle sweetness and begins layering those classic Chicken Biryani aromas.

Step 3: Add Garlic, Ginger, and Tomatoes

Time for the flavor bomb! Add in the minced garlic, ginger, grated tomatoes, and that half cup of water. Stir it all together, and let it come to a gentle simmer. Allow this mixture to cook down for about 20 minutes, letting the water evaporate and leaving behind a concentrated, deeply fragrant sauce.

Step 4: Spice It Up and Add Veggies

Now the fun really begins. Toss in your sliced green bell pepper, kosher salt, cayenne, black pepper, garam masala, coriander, turmeric, cumin, and cinnamon. Stir well so every bite of chicken and every grain of rice will later be infused with these flavors. This is the moment Chicken Biryani earns its title!

Step 5: Add Broth and Cook the Rice

Pour in the chicken broth and turn up the heat to bring everything to a boil. Stir in your rinsed and drained basmati rice, making sure it’s evenly distributed in the liquid. Reduce the heat all the way down, cover the pot, and let it gently cook for 18 to 20 minutes. Try not to peek—this step is all about letting the rice steam and absorb every last drop of flavorful broth.

Step 6: Rest, Fluff, and Serve

As tempting as it is to dive right in, turn off the heat and let your Chicken Biryani sit, covered, for a final five minutes. This quick rest lets the rice finish steaming and ensures everything is perfectly fluffy. Fluff the biryani gently with a fork before serving so every spoonful shows off its color and fragrance.

How to Serve Chicken Biryani

Garnishes

For a truly showstopping Chicken Biryani, sprinkle a handful of chopped fresh cilantro or mint over the top right before serving. A shower of toasted sliced almonds or fried onions can also add crunch, while a wedge of lemon on the side brings vibrant brightness to each plate.

Side Dishes

Pair your Chicken Biryani with cooling raita (yogurt with cucumber and herbs), crisp papadum, or a simple cucumber salad for freshness. A squeeze of lime and a bowl of pickled onions set off the warmth of the biryani, while naan or paratha bread makes scooping up every last bite a true joy.

Creative Ways to Present

Entertain in style by serving Chicken Biryani in a large, shallow platter so everyone can admire those beautiful grains and colorful toppings. Or, for a personal touch, pack scoops of biryani into small ramekins, unmold onto plates, and garnish individually. For festive occasions, scatter a few edible rose petals for an extra flourish!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover Chicken Biryani in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making each reheated bite even more irresistible the next day.

Freezing

Chicken Biryani freezes beautifully! Pack portions into airtight, freezer-safe containers. For the best flavor and texture, aim to enjoy your frozen biryani within two months—just remember to label and date your containers so you don’t forget about them.

Reheating

For best results, gently reheat Chicken Biryani on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the rice moist. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until everything is steamy and evenly warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While chicken thighs are more forgiving and remain juicier, chicken breast will work. Just be mindful not to overcook the breast pieces, as they can dry out more quickly.

Do I have to use basmati rice?

Basmati is the traditional choice and its length and fragrance really shine in Chicken Biryani. If you’re in a pinch, another long-grain rice will do, but the unique texture of basmati is hard to match!

Can I make Chicken Biryani vegetarian?

Of course! Swap the chicken for cubes of paneer, mixed vegetables, or even chickpeas. Just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and keep the same spices for authentic flavor.

What should I do if my rice turns mushy?

Mushy rice usually means too much liquid or overcooking. Next time, measure the broth carefully and check the rice a minute or two before the time is up; remember, a final five-minute rest will help firm up the grains too.

How can I make Chicken Biryani spicier?

If you love heat, feel free to add extra cayenne or even a chopped green chili to the pot along with the other spices. Just taste as you go, so you hit your perfect spice level.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never made Chicken Biryani at home, now’s the time! Every step brings you closer to a meal that’s bursting with flavor, color, and warmth. Gather your ingredients, trust the process, and don’t forget to share this incredible dish with someone you care about—homemade Chicken Biryani always tastes even better with company.

Chicken Biryani Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 5 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

Print Recipe

Description

Delicious and aromatic Chicken Biryani recipe that is packed with fragrant spices and tender chicken, perfect for a flavorful meal.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken on both sides.
Cook the Aromatics: Add onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in garlic, ginger, tomatoes, and water.
Simmer: Bring to a simmer and cook until water has evaporated, approximately 20 minutes.
Season and Add Rice: Incorporate bell pepper, salt, cayenne, black pepper, garam masala, coriander, turmeric, cumin, and cinnamon. Add chicken broth and bring to a boil. Mix in basmati rice, reduce heat, and cook covered for 18-20 minutes.
Rest and Serve: Turn off heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes before serving.