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Chicken Biryani Recipe – Make Authentic Indian Biryani at Home

Authentic chicken biryani served in a platter.

Chicken Biryani Recipe is more than just a dish; it’s an experience. This one-pot meal is a celebration of flavors that brings warmth and comfort to any table.

With its origins rooted in the Mughal era, Biryani has evolved over centuries to become a beloved classic, each grain of rice and tender piece of chicken telling its own story of spices, tradition, and love.

Authentic Chicken Biryani Recipe combines basmati rice, marinated chicken, caramelized onions, saffron, and an intricate blend of spices like cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon, all layered and slow-cooked to perfection.

This dish doesn’t just taste amazing—it’s also a treat for the senses, with its wonderful aroma and beautiful colors.

Across India, from the royal kitchens of Hyderabad to the bustling streets of Kolkata, Traditional Chicken Biryani Recipe has taken on unique regional flavors. Whether you’re enjoying the rich, yogurt-marinated Hyderabadi Biryani or the milder Kolkata version, each bite reminds you of India’s rich and varied food traditions.

Whether you’re enjoying it at a family gathering, a festive occasion, or just a cozy meal at home, Spicy Chicken Biryani never fails to impress.

It’s a true comfort food that can transport you to a world of rich tastes and aromas with every spoonful!

Cooking Method , ,
Cuisine
Difficulty Advanced
Time
Prep Time: 45 mins Cook Time: 60 mins Total Time: 1 hr 45 mins
Servings 4
Calories 292
Best Season Suitable throughout the year
Description

Welcome back to Nita's Platter! If you’re a fan of Indian cuisine, you know that Indian Chicken Biryani is more than just a dish; it’s a beloved classic packed with history, flavor, and aroma.

This recipe brings together marinated chicken, fragrant basmati rice, and a special blend of spices to create layers of flavor in every mouthful.

At Nita’s Platter, I’ve focused on making this recipe accessible without compromising on the rich, authentic taste that defines a great biryani.

Whether you’re new to Traditional Chicken Biryani Recipe or looking to perfect your technique, I’ll guide you through each step, from marinating the chicken to layering and cooking the rice to perfection.

Get ready to fill your kitchen with the amazing aroma of spices and enjoy the comforting, flavorful taste of homemade Chicken Biryani.

Essential Ingredients for Chicken Biryani
    For the Chicken Marination:
  • 500g Chicken pieces
  • 2 tablespoon Curd
  • 1 tbsp Ginger Garlic paste
  • 1 tsp Red chili powder
  • 1 tsp Turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp Garam masala
  • 1 tbsp Lemon juice
  • Salt to taste
  • For the Rice:
  • 1 ½ cup Basmati rice
  • 5 cups water
  • 2-3 green Cardamom pods
  • 1 tsp Fennel seeds
  • 1 to 2 Cinnamon sticks
  • 2-3 Cloves
  • 1 to 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 small slice of Lemon
  • For the Spice paste:
  • 1 tbsp Coriander powder
  • 1 tsp Cumin powder
  • 1 tsp Garam masala
  • 1 tsp Chili powder
  • 1 tbsp Water
  • For the Biryani:
  • 3 tbsp Ghee or Oil (If you want vegan, then use Oil, like us.)
  • 2 large Onions, thinly sliced (Will be used for frying, and cooking)
  • 1 tsp Fennel seeds
  • 1 red Chili
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 Bay leaf
  • 1-2 star Anise
  • For Garnishing and Serving:
  • 2 to 3 tbsp cup chopped coriander leaves
  • Fried Onions
  • 1 tbsp Ghee (This is completely optional, If you want vegan, then skip it.)
  • Saffron strands soaked in 2 tbsp warm milk (Optional)
How to Cook Chicken Biryani (Step-by-Step Guide)
    All Ingredients
  1. All essential ingredients for chicken biryani recipe including basmati rice, chicken, yogurt, spices, herbs, and onions displayed together.
  2. Marinate the Chicken
  3. Marinating chicken with yogurt, ginger garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, lemon juice, and salt for chicken biryani recipe.

    In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with yogurt, ginger garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, lemon juice, and salt.

    Marination Time: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 1-2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator if possible.
  4. Chicken marinated overnight in spices and yogurt for authentic chicken biryani flavor.

    Mix well, ensuring the chicken is fully coated. Cover with cling wrap and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally overnight in the refrigerator for enhanced flavor.

  5. Cook the Rice
  6. Rinsing basmati rice to remove starch before cooking for chicken biryani.

    Take 1 ½ cups of basmati rice and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.

    Long-grain basmati rice is preferred for biryani due to its aroma and ability to remain separate after cooking.
  7. Boiling water in a large pot for basmati rice for chicken biryani recipe.

    In a large pot, take 5 cups of water and make it boil.

  8. Adding cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, bay leaf, and salt to boiling water for chicken biryani rice preparation.

    Add the cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, bay leaf, salt, and a lemon slice.

  9. Cooking basmati rice until 70% done for the chicken biryani layering process.

    Add the rice to the boiling water and cook for about 7-8 minutes until it's 70-80% cooked (the rice should still be firm).

    Cook the rice until it's about 70% done (parboiled) to ensure it doesn't become mushy when layered with the chicken.
  10. Partially cooked basmati rice to prepare for chicken biryani layering.

    Drain the rice and set it aside.

  11. Prepare the Spice paste
  12. Making a spice paste with cumin, coriander, garam masala, and chili powder for chicken biryani recipe.

    In a bowl, combine cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala, chili powder. 

  13. Spice paste for chicken biryani with blended cumin, coriander, garam masala, and chili powder.

    Add a little water and mix well to form a paste.

  14. Frying the Onion slices
  15. Heating oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat for frying onion slices.

    In a large, heavy-bottomed deep pan, heat 3 tablespoons of ghee or oil over medium heat.

  16. Fried golden brown sliced onions for garnishing chicken biryani.

    Add half of the sliced onions and fry until golden brown and caramelized. Remove them and set them aside for garnishing and toppings.

  17. Cooking the base of Biryani
  18. Sautéing red chili, bay leaves, cinnamon, and fennel seeds for chicken biryani base.

    In the same heated pan, add dry spices: red chili, bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, and fennel seeds. Sauté for about a minute, stirring constantly until the spices become fragrant and aromatic.

  19. Sautéing onions, ginger, and garlic until translucent for chicken biryani recipe base.

    Next, add the remaining chopped onions along with chopped ginger and garlic to the pan. Sauté the mixture until the onions are soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

  20. Adding marinated chicken and spice paste to the pan for flavorful chicken biryani.

    Add the marinated chicken to the pan, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. Continue stirring as you add the spice paste prepared earlier.

  21. Simmering chicken in spices until gravy thickens for chicken biryani base.

    Cook until the chicken releases its juices and simmers in the liquid.

  22. Chicken darkened and cooked in spices, ready for layering in chicken biryani.

    After 15 to 20 minutes, you’ll notice the chicken darkening and the gravy thickening. Keep steering occasionally.

  23. Layer the Biryani
  24. Layering partially cooked rice over chicken for traditional chicken biryani recipe.

    Our chicken base is ready, infused with rich flavors. Now, it’s time to layer the biryani. Add a layer of partially cooked rice over the chicken. Ensure the rice is evenly distributed to create a uniform layer. This will let the rice soak up the chicken's flavors as it finishes cooking. Handle the rice gently to avoid breaking the grains.

    When layering the rice, you can add a few whole spices (like cardamom, cloves, or star anise) for extra aroma, it's completely optional though. Additionally, Cooking on low heat allows the flavors to develop fully and prevents the biryani from burning at the bottom.
  25. Sprinkling fried onions and cilantro on top of chicken biryani layers.

    Sprinkle a handful of chopped cilantro and fried onions.

    Optional: Add Saffron strands soaked in 2 tbsp warm milk for aromatic fragrance and colour.
  26. Cook the Biryani and Serve
  27. Sealing the biryani pot with dough and lid for final cooking of chicken biryani.

    Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, sealing the edges with dough if needed to trap the steam. Cook on low heat for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the rice to fully cook and absorb the spices.

    To create a dum effect, seal the pot with dough or a tight-fitting lid while cooking the biryani. This traps steam and helps the flavors meld together.
  28. Letting chicken biryani rest and fluffing rice before serving.

    Once cooked, let the biryani rest for 5 minutes before opening the lid. Gently fluff the rice with a fork and mix the chicken layers.

  29. Serving hot chicken biryani with raita and side salad.

    Garnish with the reserved fried onions, cilantro and Serve hot with raita, pickle, or a side salad.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4


Amount Per Serving
Calories 292kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 9.4g15%
Saturated Fat 1.7g9%
Trans Fat 0.1g
Cholesterol 48mg16%
Sodium 419mg18%
Potassium 461.7mg14%
Total Carbohydrate 31g11%
Dietary Fiber 1.4g6%
Sugars 3.2g
Protein 20g40%

Calcium 26 mg
Iron 1.7 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Notes

Tips for Perfect Chicken Biryani

  1. Soak the rice for 20–30 minutes and cook it until it is 70–80% done to keep it fluffy.
  2. Marinate chicken for 2–4 hours with yogurt, spices, and lemon juice for deep flavor.
  3. Layer the chicken, rice, fried onions, and herbs alternately to achieve even flavor.
  4. Make sure to seal the pot and cook on low heat to let flavors meld beautifully.
  5. Avoid excess water to prevent mushy biryani; rely on chicken juices.
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Portrait of Nita, founder of Nita's Platter, smiling warmly in a professional setting, reflecting a passion for culinary arts and personalized service.
Nita Anand
A Food Blogger

Hey there! I’m Nita, the heart and soul behind Nita's Platter. By profession, I’m an HR professional, but my passion for cooking pulls me into the kitchen to create a beautiful mess where something delicious is always in the works. I believe food is more than just nourishment; it’s a way to connect, share stories, and create. 

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We truly appreciate you printing out our recipe! It means so much to us that you’re bringing our dish into your kitchen. We hope you enjoy cooking and savoring every bite. Happy cooking, and thanks for your support!

Best,
Nita Anand