Easy Chicken Biryani Recipe at Home
Chicken Biryani is one of the most loved and famous dishes in South Asia. Whether it’s a family dinner, a special occasion, or a weekend treat, a plate of hot and aromatic biryani always wins hearts.
But many people think that making biryani at home is complicated and time-consuming. The truth is, with the right method, you can easily make restaurant-style chicken biryani at home without any special skills.
In this detailed guide, you will learn how to make chicken biryani step by step, including ingredients, preparation, cooking method, tips, and a comparison with restaurant biryani.
Ingredients List
To make a perfect chicken biryani, you need simple ingredients that are easily available in every kitchen.
For Chicken Marinade:
- Chicken – 1 kg (cut into medium pieces)
- Yogurt – 1 cup
- Ginger garlic paste – 2 tablespoons
- Red chili powder – 1 teaspoon
- Turmeric powder – ½ teaspoon
- Salt – to taste
- Lemon juice – 2 tablespoons
For Rice:
- Basmati rice – 500 grams
- Bay leaves – 2
- Cloves – 4
- Black cardamom – 2
- Salt – as required
For Biryani Masala:
- Onions – 2 large (thinly sliced and fried)
- Tomatoes – 2 medium (chopped)
- Green chilies – 4
- Coriander powder – 1 tablespoon
- Garam masala – 1 teaspoon
- Fresh mint leaves – a handful
- Fresh coriander leaves – a handful
- Saffron or food color – a pinch
- Cooking oil – as required
Step-by-Step Cooking Method
Follow these steps carefully to get perfect and delicious biryani.
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Take a large bowl and add chicken, yogurt, ginger garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric, salt, and lemon juice.
Mix everything very well so that the chicken is fully coated with spices.
👉 Cover the bowl and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
If you have more time, marinate for 2 hours for better taste.
Step 2: Prepare the Masala
Heat oil in a large pan.
Add the fried onions and sauté for a minute. Then add chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft.
Now add:
- Coriander powder
- Garam masala
- Green chilies
Cook for 2–3 minutes until oil starts separating.
Add the marinated chicken into the masala and cook on medium flame until the chicken becomes tender and fully cooked.
Step 3: Boil the Rice
Take a large pot and boil water.
Add:
- Bay leaves
- Cloves
- Black cardamom
- Salt
Add soaked basmati rice and cook until it is 70% done (slightly undercooked).
Drain the rice and set aside.
Step 4: Layering the Biryani
Now it’s time to layer the biryani.
In a large pot:
- Add a layer of cooked chicken masala
- Add a layer of rice
- Sprinkle mint leaves, coriander leaves, and green chilies
- Add saffron milk or food color on top
Repeat the layers if needed.
Step 5: Dum Cooking (Final Steam)
Cover the pot tightly with a lid.
Cook on very low flame for 10–15 minutes.
This process is called Dum, and it helps all flavors combine perfectly.
After 15 minutes, turn off the flame and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your delicious chicken biryani with:
- Fresh raita (yogurt sauce)
- Salad (onion, cucumber, lemon)
- Cold drink or mint drink
This makes your meal complete and refreshing.
Homemade vs Restaurant Biryani Comparison
| Feature | Homemade Chicken Biryani | Restaurant Biryani |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Very affordable | Expensive |
| Hygiene | Fully clean and safe | Not always guaranteed |
| Oil Level | You control it | Usually high oil |
| Taste Control | Customize as you like | Fixed taste |
| Freshness | Always fresh | Sometimes reheated |
| Health Factor | Healthier | Often oily & heavy |
Pro Tips for Perfect Biryani
Here are some expert tips to make your biryani perfect every time:
✔ Use long grain basmati rice for best texture
✔ Do not overcook rice – keep it 70% cooked
✔ Marinate chicken properly for juicy taste
✔ Use fresh mint and coriander for aroma
✔ Always cook on low flame during dum
✔ Avoid adding too much water
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many beginners make these mistakes:
Overcooking rice
Adding too much water in masala
Not marinating chicken
Using low-quality rice
Cooking on high flame during dum
Avoid these and your biryani will turn out perfect.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
Per serving of chicken biryani contains:
- Calories: 400–500 kcal
- Protein: 20–25g
- Carbohydrates: 45–50g
- Fat: 15–20g
It is a complete meal with protein, carbs, and fats.
Why You Should Make Biryani at Home
Making biryani at home has many benefits:
- You save money
- You ensure hygiene
- You control spices and oil
- You can customize taste
- You enjoy fresh food
Once you try this recipe, you may never want to order from outside again.
Conclusion
This Easy Chicken Biryani Recipe is perfect for beginners and food lovers. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can cook a delicious, aromatic, and restaurant-style biryani at home.
Whether you are cooking for your family or guests, this recipe will impress everyone.
