Chicken Biryani Recipe – Authentic Dum Style, Aromatic & Restaurant Style
Chicken Biryani Recipe – Authentic Dum Style, Aromatic & Restaurant Style
Chicken Biryani is one of the most iconic and beloved dishes in Indian cuisine. Made with fragrant basmati rice, tender marinated chicken, caramelized onions, and a blend of whole spices, this dish is a celebration of flavor and aroma. Whether served at weddings, festivals, or weekend family dinners, Chicken Biryani always takes center stage.
This authentic dum-style Chicken Biryani recipe gives you restaurant-style taste at home. With perfectly layered rice and juicy chicken infused with spices, every bite is rich, flavorful, and satisfying. Follow this step-by-step guide to make a delicious and aromatic Chicken Biryani that will impress everyone.
Chicken Biryani Recipe (Step-by-Step)
Ingredients
For Marinating Chicken:
- 500 grams chicken (bone-in preferred)
- 1 cup thick curd (yogurt)
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- ½ tsp garam masala
- Salt to taste
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp chopped mint leaves
- 2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves
For Rice:
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 4–5 cups water
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 green cardamom
- 4 cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 star anise
- Salt to taste
For Biryani Masala:
- 3 tbsp oil or ghee
- 2 large onions (thinly sliced)
- 2 green chilies (slit)
- 1 tomato (optional, finely chopped)
- ½ tsp biryani masala
- ½ cup fried onions (optional)
For Layering:
- Saffron soaked in warm milk
- 1 tbsp ghee
- Mint and coriander leaves
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Wash and clean the chicken pieces.
- In a large bowl, add curd, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, chili powder, coriander powder, garam masala, salt, and lemon juice.
- Add mint and coriander leaves.
- Mix well and coat the chicken evenly.
- Cover and marinate for at least 1 hour (overnight for best results).
👉 Tip: Longer marination makes the chicken more tender and flavorful.
Step 2: Prepare the Rice
- Wash basmati rice thoroughly and soak for 30 minutes.
- Boil water in a large pot.
- Add bay leaves, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, star anise, and salt.
- Add soaked rice and cook until 80% done.
- Drain and keep aside.
Rice should be slightly undercooked because it will finish cooking during dum.
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken Masala
- Heat oil or ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan.
- Add sliced onions and fry until golden brown.
- Add green chilies and sauté.
- Add marinated chicken along with all the marinade.
- Cook on medium flame for 8–10 minutes until chicken is partially cooked and oil starts separating.
- Add a little biryani masala for extra flavor.
Do not overcook at this stage.
Step 4: Layer the Biryani
- Spread half of the cooked rice over the chicken layer.
- Sprinkle mint, coriander, fried onions, and a few drops of saffron milk.
- Add remaining rice on top.
- Drizzle ghee and remaining saffron milk.
Layering is key to authentic dum biryani flavor.
Step 5: Dum Cooking
- Cover the pan tightly with a lid.
- You can seal edges with dough for authentic dum effect.
- Cook on very low flame for 20–25 minutes.
- Turn off heat and let it rest for 10 minutes before opening.
Gently fluff the rice and serve hot.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Biryani tastes best with:
- Onion raita
- Boondi raita
- Mirchi ka salan
- Fresh salad
- Pickle
Serve hot and enjoy the rich aroma 😍🔥
Tips for Perfect Chicken Biryani
✔ Always use aged basmati rice
✔ Bone-in chicken gives better flavor
✔ Marinate for at least 1 hour
✔ Use heavy-bottomed pot to prevent burning
✔ Keep flame very low during dum
✔ Do not mix too much after cooking
Variations
1. Hyderabadi Chicken Biryani
Uses raw marinated chicken layered directly with rice and cooked on dum.
2. Kolkata Style Biryani
Includes boiled potatoes and mild spices.
3. Pressure Cooker Chicken Biryani
Quick method for busy days.
Storage Tips
- Store in airtight container for up to 2 days in refrigerator.
- Reheat with sprinkle of water to maintain moisture.
- Best consumed fresh for maximum aroma.
Why You Will Love This Recipe ❤️
- Authentic dum style
- Rich and aromatic
- Perfect for celebrations
- Restaurant-style taste at home
- Crowd-pleasing dish
Chicken Biryani is not just a dish; it’s an emotion for food lovers. The aroma of basmati rice mixed with spiced chicken creates an unforgettable dining experience. Once you make this recipe at home, it will become your go-to special meal 🍗🍛✨
