Chicken Biryani Recipe (Easy Step-by-Step Details)

Chicken Biryani is one of the most loved dishes in South Asia and around the world. It is believed that Biryani came to India from Persia (modern-day Iran). The word "Biryani" comes from the Persian word “birian,” which means "fried before cooking." When the Mughal emperors came to India, they brought this dish with them. Over time, Indian cooks added their own spices and style to the dish, and Chicken Biryani became a favorite in Indian and Bangladeshi kitchens. In this post, I will share an easy and delicious chicken biryani recipe that you can make at home, similar to Dragon Chicken Recipe, Malai Chicken Recipe, and Chicken Pulao Recipe. You don’t need to be a master chef. Just follow the steps, and you will enjoy a delicious homemade Biryani that your family and friends will love.

What is Chicken Biryani Recipe

Chicken Biryani is a rich and flavorful rice dish made with spices, rice, and chicken. Many people enjoy it for lunch, dinner, or on special occasions like weddings and festivals. Biryani is special because it is full of taste, color, and aroma. When you cook it, your whole kitchen smells amazing.

In the Chicken Biryani Recipe, the chicken is usually marinated first. That means it is mixed with yogurt and spices and kept for some time to make it soft and tasty. Then, the marinated chicken is cooked The rice is cooked until it is half done. Then, the chicken and rice are layered in a pot. Some people also add fried onions, mint, coriander, or saffron water for extra flavor and color. The pot is then covered and cooked on low heat. This method is called “dum.” It helps mix all the flavors well.

How to Make Chicken Biryani

Chicken Biryani is a famous and loved rice dish made with chicken, basmati rice, and many tasty spices. It is full of flavor, rich in smell, and looks beautiful with colorful layers. Many people think making biryani is hard, but with the right steps, it becomes easy and fun. In this blog, we will show you how to make delicious chicken biryani at home. Let’s start making this amazing dish and enjoy a wonderful meal with family and friends.

Marinate Chicken

Step 1:- Take a big mixing bowl. Add 500 grams of chicken pieces to the bowl. Add 1 cup of yogurt, Add 2 tablespoons of ginger-garlic paste, 1 teaspoon of red chili powder, ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of garam masala, 1 teaspoon of cumin powder, 1 teaspoon of coriander powder, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.

Step 1:- Mix all the ingredients well to make a smooth and thick marinade.

Step 1:- Add half of the fried onions (save the rest for later). Mix well so that every piece of chicken is fully coated with the marinade.

Step 1:- Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap. Keep it in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or overnight for the best taste. Take it out and let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before cooking.

Cook Rice

Step 1:- Take 2 cups of basmati rice. Wash it 2 to 3 times with clean water until the water looks clear. Then soak the rice in water for 20 minutes.

Step 1:- In a big cooking pot, add 4 cups of water. Put the pot on the stove and turn on the heat. Let the water boil.

Step 1:- When the water starts boiling, add 1 teaspoon of salt. (Optional: You can also add whole spices like 2 bay leaves, 4 cloves, 4 green cardamoms, and 1 cinnamon stick for more flavor.)

Step 1:- Drain the soaked rice and carefully add it to the boiling water. Let it cook on medium heat for 5–7 minutes until the rice is 70% cooked. The rice should be soft outside but a little hard inside.

Step 1:- Turn off the heat. Drain the hot water using a strainer or lid. Spread the rice on a plate or tray to cool a little. Keep the rice aside for biryani layering.

Cook Chicken

Step 1:- Take a large pan or pot. Add 3 to 4 tablespoons of oil or ghee. Heat it on medium flame.

Step 1:- When the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken into the pan. Spread it out evenly. Cook the chicken on medium flame for 10 to 12 minutes. Stir gently now and then. The chicken will release water and start to cook.

Step 1:- Add 2 chopped tomatoes and a few mint and coriander leaves. Cook for another 5 to 8 minutes until the chicken is soft and the oil starts to separate.

Step 1:- Turn off the heat. Keep the cooked chicken aside. It is now ready to be layered with the rice for biryani.

Layer Biryani

Step 1:- Take a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or the same pan where you cooked the chicken. Spread the cooked chicken evenly at the bottom.

Step 1:- Now add a layer of half-cooked rice on top of the chicken. Spread it gently and evenly with a spoon.

Step 1:- Sprinkle the rest of the fried onions, some chopped mint leaves, coriander leaves, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice over the rice. (Optional: You can also sprinkle saffron milk or biryani color for nice color and smell.)

Step 1:- Cover the pot tightly with a lid. If the lid is loose, seal the edges with dough or place a heavy pan on top to trap the steam.

Dum Cooking

Step 2:- Place the pot on very low heat. You can also place a flat tawa (griddle) under the pot to stop the biryani from burning at the bottom.

Step 3:- Let the biryani cook on low heat (dum) for 20 to 25 minutes. This slow cooking helps all the flavors mix together nicely.

Step 4:- After 25 minutes, turn off the heat. Let the biryani rest without opening the lid for 10 more minutes. This helps the steam finish cooking the rice and chicken.

Step 5: Open the lid gently. Use a flat spoon to mix the biryani slowly from the sides. Be careful not to break the rice grains. Now your Chicken Biryani is ready to serve.

Serve

After dum cooking and resting time, open the biryani pot carefully. Be careful of the hot steam.

Use a big spoon or a flat spatula to gently take the biryani from the side of the pot. Try not to mix too much so the rice stays long and fluffy.

Take some chicken and rice together in each serving. This way, every plate has both meat and rice. Serve the biryani hot on a plate or in a bowl.

You can enjoy it with raita (curd with onion and spices), salad, boiled egg, or pickle on the side.

Expert Tips

1. Use Good Quality Basmati Rice:- Use long-grain basmati rice. It cooks fluffy and doesn’t break easily. This gives your biryani a nice look and taste.

2. Soak the Rice Before Cooking:- Soak rice in water for 20–30 minutes. This helps the rice cook faster and become soft, but not sticky.

3. Marinate Chicken for Long Time:- Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour. If possible, marinate overnight in the fridge. This makes the chicken juicy, soft, and full of flavor.

4. Use Fried Onions for More Taste:- Fried onions (also called birista) add rich flavor and color. You can use store-bought or fry thin sliced onions at home until golden brown.

5. Use Fresh Herbs:- Add fresh mint leaves and coriander leaves while layering. These herbs give fresh smell and taste to your biryani.

6. Do Not Overcook the Rice:- Cook rice only 70% (about 5–7 minutes). If the rice is fully cooked, it can become mushy when you do the dum cooking.

7. Seal the Pot Properly for Dum:- Seal the lid tightly using dough, foil, or a heavy lid. This traps the steam inside and helps mix the flavors nicely.

8. Use a Heavy-Bottom Pot or Tawa:- Use a heavy pot or place a flat tawa (griddle) under the pot while doing dum. This avoids burning the bottom layer.

9. Let It Rest Before Serving:- After dum cooking, let the biryani rest for 10 minutes before opening the lid. This helps the flavors set perfectly.

10. Serve with Sides:- Serve your biryani with onion raita, salad, or boiled eggs for a complete meal.

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Recipe Card

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Chicken Biryani Recipe (Easy Step-by-Step Details)

Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 75 minutes

1 Cup= 240 ml, 1 Tablespoon = 15ml, 1 Teaspoon = 5ml

Serves: 5

Ingredients

Chicken: 500 grams (with bone or boneless)
Rice: 2 cups (basmati rice is best)
Yogurt: 1 cup
Onions: 2 large (sliced thin and fried until golden brown)
Tomatoes: 2 medium (chopped)
Ginger-Garlic Paste: 2 tablespoons
Green Chilies: 2 (optional, chopped)
Mint Leaves: ½ cup
Coriander Leaves: ½ cup
Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons
Oil or Ghee: 4 tablespoons
Water: 4 cups

Spices:

Turmeric Powder: ½ teaspoon
Red Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon (or as needed)
Biryani Masala: 2 teaspoons
Garam Masala: 1 teaspoon
Salt: as needed
Whole Spices: 2 bay leaves, 4 cloves, 4 green cardamoms, 1 small cinnamon stick

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinate Chicken:
In a bowl, mix chicken with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric, salt, lemon juice, and half of the fried onions. Let it rest for 30 minutes.
Cook Rice:
Wash rice and soak for 20 minutes. Boil 4 cups of water, add whole spices and a little salt. Add soaked rice and cook until 70% done. Drain and set aside.
Cook Chicken:
In a large pot, heat oil or ghee. Add marinated chicken and cook for 10-15 minutes until the chicken is half cooked.
Layer Biryani:
Spread chopped tomatoes, mint, coriander, green chilies, and the rest of the fried onions over the chicken. Then layer the half-cooked rice on top. Sprinkle biryani masala and garam masala.
Dum Cooking:
Cover the pot tightly with a lid. Cook on low heat for 20-25 minutes. This helps the flavors mix well.
Serve:
Gently mix before serving. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Biryani with raita or salad.

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Nutrition Facts

When we enjoy a tasty dish like chicken biryani, it’s also good to know what nutrients we are getting from it. Chicken biryani is not only delicious but also gives our body important things like protein, energy, vitamins, and minerals. It can be a healthy meal when eaten in the right amount. In this section, we will share the nutrition facts for chicken biryani so you can understand how it helps your body. Let’s see what goodness is packed inside a plate of this wonderful dish.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value (Based on a 2,000-Calorie Diet)	Health Benefits
Calories	450–500 kcal	22%	Gives energy and helps you stay full.
Protein	22 g	44%	Good for muscles, body repair, and strength.
Carbohydrates	40 g	13%	Gives energy through rice.
– Dietary Fiber	3 g	12%	Helps with digestion and keeps the gut healthy.
– Sugars	2 g	–	Natural sugars from onions and tomatoes.
Total Fat	20 g	31%	Provides energy and helps the body absorb vitamins.
– Saturated Fat	6 g	30%	From ghee/oil and chicken skin—enjoy in balance.
Cholesterol	60 mg	20%	Comes from chicken and yogurt.
Sodium	600 mg	25%	From salt and spices—use less salt if needed.
Potassium	300 mg	6%	Helps control blood pressure and muscle function.
Calcium	150 mg	15%	From yogurt—important for bones and teeth.
Iron	2.5 mg	14%	Helps carry oxygen in the blood and gives energy.
Vitamin A	400 IU	8%	Good for eyesight and immune system.
Vitamin C	5 mg	6%	Helps boost immunity and improve iron absorption.
Vitamin D	12 IU	2%	Works with calcium to make bones stronger.
Vitamin E	1 mg	7%	Protects body cells from damage (antioxidant).
Vitamin B6	0.3 mg	18%	Helps the brain and body use protein and carbs.
Folate (B9)	40 mcg	10%	Helps with cell growth and repair.
Vitamin B12	0.6 mcg	25%	Good for red blood cells and nerves.
Magnesium	45 mg	11%	Supports muscles and nerves, helps control blood sugar.
Phosphorus	180 mg	18%	Works with calcium for bone and tooth strength.
Zinc	1.5 mg	13%	Helps the body heal and supports the immune system.
Copper	0.15 mg	7%	Helps absorb iron and keeps blood vessels healthy.
Selenium	12 mcg	18%	Fights stress in the body and supports thyroid function.
Manganese	0.5 mg	17%	Helps with digestion and bone health—comes from whole spices like cloves, cardamom.

Store and Reheat Process

After enjoying your delicious chicken biryani, you might have some leftovers. No need to worry! You can easily store and reheat chicken biryani to enjoy it later. Storing it the right way keeps the biryani fresh and tasty. Let’s learn how to keep your biryani yummy for the next meal.

How to Store Biryani:

Cool Down First:- Let the biryani cool down to room temperature after cooking. Do not keep it hot when storing.

Use Airtight Container:- Put the biryani in a clean, airtight container. This keeps it fresh and stops other smells from mixing.

Store in Fridge:- Place the container in the fridge if you want to eat the biryani within 1–2 days.

Store in Freezer:- If you want to keep it for a longer time (up to 1 month), you can store it in the freezer. Use freezer-safe boxes.

How to Reheat Biryani:

Option 1: Reheat on Stove:- Take the biryani out of the fridge. Put it in a non-stick pan or a thick-bottom pot. Sprinkle a few tablespoons of water on top (to keep the rice soft). Cover with a lid and heat on low flame for 5–10 minutes. Stir gently so rice doesn’t break.

Option 2: Reheat in Microwave:- Take the biryani out of the container and place it on a microwave-safe plate or bowl. Sprinkle a little water over the rice. Cover the bowl with a microwave lid or a plate. Heat for 2–3 minutes. Mix gently and heat for 1 more minute if needed.

Tips:

Only reheat the amount you want to eat.
Don’t reheat again and again.
Eat stored biryani within 2 days if kept in the fridge.

Conclusion

Chicken Biryani is not just a dish, it’s a celebration of taste, aroma, and tradition. In this blog, we have learned everything about chicken biryani—from what it is, a little bit of its history, and the step-by-step method to make it at home. We also discussed how to marinate the chicken, cook the rice perfectly, and layer everything with care. Finally, we slow-cooked it using the dum method to bring out the best flavor.

This dish may look difficult at first, but if you follow each step with patience, you can make tasty and perfect biryani at home. Even if it's your first time, don’t worry. Just take your time and enjoy the cooking process. We also shared expert tips, storage methods, reheating ideas, and nutrition facts to help you understand and enjoy biryani even more.

So, gather your ingredients, and start cooking this delightful treat today. Share your feedback and let us know how your chicken biryani turned out.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Chicken Biryani?
Answer:- Chicken Biryani is a famous Indian dish made with rice, chicken, and spices. It is cooked in layers — one layer of flavorful chicken curry, one layer of half-cooked rice, along with fried onions, herbs like mint and coriander, and a few drops of saffron or rose water. After layering, it is cooked slowly (called dum cooking). This makes the rice absorb the taste of the chicken and spices. It is loved for its rich flavor, smell, and beautiful look.

2. Which rice is best for Chicken Biryani?
Answer:- The best rice for Chicken Biryani is long-grain basmati rice. This rice has a natural aroma and cooks into long, fluffy grains that don’t stick together. It makes the biryani look and taste amazing. Always soak basmati rice for 20–30 minutes before cooking so it becomes softer and cooks evenly.

3. How long should I marinate the chicken?
Answer:- You should marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour so the spices go deep into the meat. If you have more time, marinate it overnight in the fridge. This makes the chicken more juicy, tender, and full of flavor. The marinade usually includes yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, and spices. Yogurt helps soften the chicken naturally.

4. Can I use normal rice instead of basmati rice?
Answer:- Yes, you can use normal rice like sona masoori or jeera samba if you don’t have basmati. But remember, the texture and look will be different. Normal rice is shorter and may become sticky. Biryani made with basmati rice is more flavorful, fragrant, and has a better appearance. If you use regular rice, reduce the water a bit and avoid overcooking.

5. What is ‘dum cooking’ and why is it important?
Answer:- Dum cooking means slow cooking in a closed pot on low heat. It is very important in making biryani. After layering chicken and rice, the pot is sealed tightly and cooked on low flame. This helps all the flavors mix well and the steam cooks the biryani gently. It also keeps the rice soft and the chicken juicy. You can place a flat pan (tawa) under the pot to avoid burning the bottom.

6. Can I make biryani without onion and tomato?
Answer:- Yes, but the taste will change. Onions and tomatoes are often used to make the chicken gravy. Fried onions give sweetness and rich flavor. Tomatoes give moisture and a slight tangy taste. If you skip them, your biryani will taste more like pulao. You can try different styles, but traditional biryani tastes better with onions and tomatoes.

7. Is Chicken Biryani very spicy?
Answer:- It depends on how much spice you use. Some people like spicy biryani, while others prefer mild. You can always adjust the amount of chili powder and green chilies. If you don’t eat much spice, use less chili and more yogurt to balance the flavors. The good thing about homemade biryani is you can make it just the way you like.

8. Can I use boneless chicken for biryani?
Answer:- Yes, you can use boneless chicken. It cooks faster and is easier to eat, especially for kids. But bone-in chicken (like drumsticks or thighs) gives more flavor to the biryani while cooking. Many people prefer a mix of both. If using boneless chicken, reduce cooking time so it doesn’t become dry.

Chicken Biryani Recipe (Easy Step-by-Step Details)

What is Chicken Biryani Recipe