A Flavorful One-Pot Chicken Biryani

Ingredients

• 1 cup basmati rice (boiled)
• ½ tsp mint leaves
• Salt, as required
• 2 tsp virgin olive oil
• 3 green cardamom pods
• 2 cloves
• 2 onions (sliced)
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic paste
• 1 cup hung curd
• 2 tablespoon coriander leaves (chopped)
• Water, as required
• 1 tablespoon ghee
• 600g chicken thighs (cleaned and patted dry)
• 1 tablespoon garam masala powder
• 1 tsp saffron
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 black cardamom pod
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 4 green chilies (slit)
• 1 tablespoon ginger paste
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• ½ tablespoon ginger (julienned)
• 2 drops kewra essence
• 1 tablespoon rose water

Instructions

1. Begin by soaking saffron in ¼ cup of water. Separately, mix kewra essence with water. Set these aside for later use. Chop onions and coriander leaves for garnishing.

2. Heat olive oil in a deep-bottomed pan. Once hot, add cumin seeds, bay leaf, green cardamom, black cardamom, and cloves. Sauté for a minute until aromatic. Add sliced onions and cook until they turn golden.

3. Next, add the chicken along with slit green chilies, turmeric powder, salt, ginger-garlic paste, and red chili powder. Stir everything well and cook for 2-3 minutes. Once the spices are well combined, add the hung curd and mix thoroughly.

4. Reduce the flame to low and add garam masala, ginger juliennes, coriander, and mint leaves. Pour in the kewra water, rose water, and saffron water. Allow the chicken to cook until tender. Spread the cooked basmati rice evenly over the chicken. Drizzle the remaining saffron water and ghee over the rice.

5. For an authentic dum-style biryani, cover the pan with a lid and cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes to let the steam infuse the flavors.

6. Garnish the biryani with fried onions and fresh coriander leaves. Serve hot with your favorite chutney, raita, or a side of onion rings.

Chicken Biryani is a timeless classic, loved for its layers of fragrant rice, tender chicken, and aromatic spices. Whether you prefer the robust flavors of Hyderabadi biryani or the subtle sweetness of Kolkata’s version, every style offers something unique. With this simple and easy-to-follow recipe, you can recreate restaurant-style Chicken Biryani right at home. Perfect for any occasion, this dish pairs beautifully with salan, raita, or a fresh salad. Dive into the rich and satisfying flavors of this iconic dish and elevate your dining experience. Happy Cooking!