Authentic Chicken Biryani

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Authentic Chicken Biryani.

1. Step 1

   To start your culinary adventure, gather all the ingredients you'll need for this delicious dish.

2. Step 2

   In a large skillet, warm up 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat.

3. Step 3

   Once the oil is shimmering, toss in the halved potatoes and fry them until they turn a lovely golden brown, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes.

4. Step 4

   Once they’re perfectly crisp, remove the potatoes and let them rest on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.

5. Step 5

   Set them aside for later.

6. Step 6

   Next, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil to the skillet.

7. Step 7

   When the oil is hot, introduce the chopped onions, minced garlic, and fresh ginger.

8. Step 8

   Stir frequently as they cook, allowing the onions to soften and turn a beautiful golden hue.

9. Step 9

   This aromatic base will set the stage for the flavors to come.

10. Step 10

    Now, it’s time to add in the chopped tomatoes along with a sprinkle of salt, ground cumin, chili powder, ground black pepper, and ground turmeric.

11. Step 11

    Stir the mixture continuously for about 5 minutes, until the tomatoes break down and meld beautifully with the spices.

12. Step 12

    Once you have a fragrant mixture, stir in the yogurt, chopped mint leaves, ground cardamom, and a cinnamon stick.

13. Step 13

    Cover the skillet and let it simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally.

14. Step 14

    This will allow the tomatoes to fully cook down into a rich, thick sauce.

15. Step 15

    If the mixture starts to dry out, don’t hesitate to add a splash of hot water to keep things from sticking.

16. Step 16

    Now, it’s time to introduce the chicken pieces to the skillet.

17. Step 17

    Stir well to coat them in that flavorful spice mixture.

18. Step 18

    Cover the skillet again and let it cook on very low heat for about 35 to 45 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and juicy.

19. Step 19

    You should be left with a luscious, thick gravy.

20. Step 20

    If you find the gravy is too runny, simply cook it uncovered for a few minutes to reduce it to your desired consistency.

21. Step 21

    While the chicken is cooking, let’s prepare the rice.

22. Step 22

    Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water, then drain it in a colander for at least 30 minutes.

23. Step 23

    This step is crucial for achieving fluffy rice.

24. Step 24

    In another large skillet, heat a bit of oil and add sliced onions.

25. Step 25

    Cook them until they turn golden brown, filling your kitchen with a delightful aroma.

26. Step 26

    Next, toss in cardamom pods, cloves, a cinnamon stick, ground ginger, and saffron.

27. Step 27

    Stir in the rice, ensuring each grain is well-coated with those fragrant spices.

28. Step 28

    In a medium pot, heat up some stock with a pinch of salt until it’s nice and hot.

29. Step 29

    Pour this over the rice and give it a gentle stir to combine everything.

30. Step 30

    Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Add the chicken mixture and the fried potatoes to the rice, stirring gently to incorporate all the ingredients.

31. Step 31

    Bring the mixture to a boil, and once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to the lowest setting.

32. Step 32

    Cover it tightly with a lid and let it steam for 20 minutes without lifting the lid or stirring—this is key for perfect rice.

33. Step 33

    After 20 minutes, carefully spoon the biryani onto a warm serving dish.

34. Step 34

    Take a moment to admire your creation before diving in.

35. Step 35

    Enjoy every flavorful bite of this delightful dish, and share it with loved ones for a truly memorable meal!.