What's on my plate today?! Chicken Biryani

In this blog, I’ll be sharing the complete procedure for making chicken biryani at home—a recipe packed with aroma, spice, and the warmth of a family Sunday meal.

📝 Introduction

Looking for the perfect chicken biryani recipe that's both flavorful and easy to make at home? You're in the right place! This authentic Indian chicken biryani is a rich blend of tender chicken, aromatic basmati rice, and bold spices—all layered and cooked to perfection. Whether you're preparing a special Sunday meal or celebrating a festive occasion, this biryani will be the highlight of your table.

🍗 Ingredients for Chicken Biryani

For Marinating the Chicken:

• 500g chicken (preferably bone-in)
• ½ cup thick curd (yogurt)
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp red chilli powder
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• Juice of ½ lemon
• Salt to taste
• A handful of chopped mint & coriander leaves

For the Rice:

• 2 cups basmati rice (soaked for 30 minutes)
• 1 bay leaf
• 3–4 cloves
• 2 green cardamoms
• 1 small cinnamon stick
• Salt to taste

For the Biryani Base:

• 2 large onions (thinly sliced)
• 2 green chillies (slit)
• 1 tomato (optional)
• ½ tsp cumin seeds
• 1 bay leaf, 2 cloves, 1 cinnamon stick (whole spices)
• 2 tbsp oil + 1 tbsp ghee
• 7-8 Cashews
• Chopped mint and coriander (for garnish)
• Saffron soaked in warm milk (optional, for richness)

🍳 How to Make Chicken Biryani at Home

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

• In a bowl, mix chicken with yogurt, spices, lemon juice, and herbs.
• Cover and marinate for at least 1 hour (overnight preferred for deeper flavor).

Step 2: Cook the Rice

• Boil 6-7 cups of water with salt and whole spices.
• Add soaked rice and cook till 70–80% done.
• Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Biryani Masala

• In a heavy-bottomed pot, heat oil and ghee.
• Add whole spices and cumin, sauté for a few seconds.
• Add onions and fry until golden brown.
• Add green chillies and marinated chicken. Cook till chicken is 80% done.
• (Optional) Add tomatoes and cook until soft and blended.

Step 4: Layering the Biryani

• Spread the half-cooked rice evenly over the chicken.
• Sprinkle chopped mint, coriander, and fried onions.
• Pour saffron milk (optional) and a few drops of ghee on top.

Step 5: Dum Cooking (Final Steaming)

• Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid (or seal with dough).
• Cook on low flame for 20–25 minutes.
• Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Serve hot with raitha, salad, or boiled eggs.
• Pair it with chicken curry, liver fry, or mirchi ka salan for a festive spread.

We finally sat down to relish the piping hot chicken biryani served traditionally on a banana leaf. The aroma, the flavors, the warmth—it was truly heavenly. Every bite was a celebration of love, tradition, and good food.

If you haven’t tried making biryani at home yet, this is your sign. Go ahead and give this recipe a shot—you’re going to love it!