Simple chicken biriyani for beginners | Chicken biriyani for beginners

If you're new to making biryani, this is the perfect recipe for you! With simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow method, this chicken biryani delivers incredible flavors without the complexity. The tender chicken, aromatic rice, and rich spices come together beautifully, making it one of the most delicious yet effortless biryanis you can prepare at home. Whether you're cooking for yourself or serving guests, this recipe guarantees a flavorful and satisfying meal every time!

A plate of flavorful biryani, garnished with crispy fried onions and fresh cilantro, served alongside sliced cucumbers, red onions, and a green chili.

Ingredients:

• For Chicken:

  • Chicken – 1 kg (medium pieces)

  • Salt – 1 tsp

  • Kashmiri red chili – 1 tsp

  • Coriander powder – 1½ tsp

  • Cumin powder – 1 tsp

  • Biryani masala/Kabab masala – 2 tbsp

  • Garlic paste – 1 tbsp

  • Ginger paste – 1 tbsp

  • Cooking oil – 1 tbsp

  • Onion paste – 5 tbsp

  • Mustard oil – ¼ cup

  • Water – ¼ cup

  • Raisins – 1½ tbsp

  • Aloo Bukhara (Dried Plum) – 5-6

  • Cashew powder – 1½ tbsp

  • Hot milk – 1 cup

• For Rice:

  • Kalijeera/Gobindobhog/Chinigura rice – 3 cups (soaked for 30 min)

  • Water – 4½ cups

  • Mustard oil – 4 tbsp

  • Whole garam masala:

    • Bay leaf – 1

    • Black cardamom – 1

    • Green cardamom – 3

    • Small cinnamon stick – 1

    • Black pepper – 4-5

  • Salt – 1½ tsp (to taste)

• For Layering:

  • Fried onions – as needed

  • Green chilies – 8-9

  • Lime juice – 1 tbsp

  • Ghee – 1 tbsp

  • Kewra water – 1 tsp

Instructions:

1️⃣ Marinate the Chicken:

• In a bowl, take 1 kg chicken and add salt, Kashmiri red chili, coriander powder, cumin powder, biryani masala, garlic paste, ginger paste, cooking oil, and onion paste.

• Mix everything very well with your hands and let it sit for a few minutes.

2️⃣ Fry the Chicken:

• Heat ¼ cup mustard oil in a pan.

• Fry the marinated chicken in batches for 3-4 minutes each, until they get a nice sear.

• Do not overcrowd the pan, or the chicken will release water.

• Once done, set aside.

3️⃣ Cook the Gravy:

• Add ¼ cup water to the same pan to lower the temperature.

• Add the remaining marinade and cook until oil separates.

• Add raisins (1½ tbsp) and mix well.

• Now add the fried chicken pieces back to the pan, mix well, and pour in 1 cup hot milk.

• Cover and cook for 10 minutes on medium heat, stirring occasionally.

• Once done, add Aloo Bukhara (5-6 pieces) and cashew powder (1½ tbsp).

• Mix well and cook for 15 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally.

4️⃣ Prepare the Rice:

• In a separate pan, add 4½ cups water, 4 tbsp mustard oil, and whole garam masala (bay leaf, black cardamom, green cardamoms, cinnamon, black pepper).

• Cover and bring to a boil.

• Add soaked rice (3 cups) and mix well.

• Cook until the rice floats to the top of the water.

• Once it reaches this stage, cover and cook on low heat for 15 minutes.

• Fluff up the rice with a spoon and remove half of it onto a plate.

5️⃣ Layer the Biryani:

• On top of the remaining rice in the pan, add the cooked chicken with gravy.

• Spread fried onions and green chilies (8-9).

• Now layer the reserved rice on top.

• Sprinkle fried onions, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp ghee, and 1 tsp kewra water.

• Cover and cook on low heat for another 15 minutes.

6️⃣ Final Step:

• Once done, mix gently and serve hot with salad or raita.

This simple method ensures great flavor without the complexity of traditional biryani. Perfect for beginners who want to make authentic-tasting biryani at home with minimal effort! Let us know how it turns out!