Name: Chettinad Chicken Biryani
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 90 min
Yield: 4 People
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 750 g Chicken; 3/4 tsp Salt; 1 tsp Red chilli powder; 1/2 tsp Turmeric; 1/4 cup Coconut; 2 Kashmiri Red chillies; 3/4 tsp Poppy seeds; 3/4 tsp Saunf (Fennel seeds); 1/2 cup Mint; 6 to 8 Garlic cloves; 2 inch Ginger; 1/8 cup Water; 1.5 cups Basmati Rice; 1.5 tbsp Oil; 1 tbsp Ghee; 1 inch Cinnamon stick; 1 Star anise; 2 to 3 Cloves; 2 to 3 Cardamom; 2 to 3 Bay leaf; 3 to 4, slit Green chillies; 3, medium, sliced Onions; 1/4 tsp (optional) Turmeric; 2 tsp Coriander powder; 1 tsp Cumin powder; 2 tsp Garam masala powder; 3/4 tsp Salt; 3 medium, chopped Tomatoes; 1/2 cup, finely chopped Cilantro; 2.5 cups Water

Ready in

90 mins

Cuisine

Indian · South Indian

Prep Time

30 min

Cook Time

40 min

Serving

4 People

Calories / Serving

~550 kcal

Recipe by Foodie's World on YouTube

Summary

A flavorful Chettinad Chicken Biryani recipe featuring marinated chicken cooked with aromatic spices, fresh herbs, and basmati rice, simmered in a rich coconut milk broth until perfectly cooked. This dish offers a delightful blend of South Indian spices and tender chicken, making it a perfect meal for special occasions or a hearty family dinner.

Adjust servings

Tap an ingredient to mark it ready0 of 32 ready

All Ingredients - For Marination

Chicken 750 g
Salt 3/4 tsp
Red chilli powder 1 tsp
Turmeric 1/2 tsp

All Ingredients - For Grinding Paste

Coconut 1/4 cup
Kashmiri Red chillies 2
Poppy seeds 3/4 tsp
Saunf (Fennel seeds) 3/4 tsp
Mint 1/2 cup
Garlic cloves 6 to 8
Ginger 2 inch
Water 1/8 cup

All Ingredients - For Biryani

Basmati Rice 1.5 cups
Oil 1.5 tbsp
Ghee 1 tbsp
Cinnamon stick 1 inch
Star anise 1
Cloves 2 to 3
Cardamom 2 to 3
Bay leaf 2 to 3
Green chillies 3 to 4, slit
Onions 3, medium, sliced
Turmeric 1/4 tsp (optional)
Coriander powder 2 tsp
Cumin powder 1 tsp
Garam masala powder 2 tsp
Salt 3/4 tsp
Tomatoes 3 medium, chopped
Cilantro 1/2 cup, finely chopped
Water 2.5 cups
Coconut milk (thin) 0.5 cup
Lime/Lemon juice 1 (from 1 lime/lemon)

Tools You'll Need

Pan
Blender
Bowl

Spice level: FieryFor chiliheads only — taste before serving.

From:Chili powderRed chiliGingerGreen chiliGaram masala

Don't have an ingredient? Try these swaps

No Garlic (fresh)?
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (per clove)
- 1/2 tsp garlic granules (per clove)
No Ghee?
- Unsalted butter (1:1)
- Neutral oil (1:1, lacks the toasted note)
No Bay leaf?
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme (per leaf)
- Pinch of dried oregano
No Onion?
- 1 tbsp onion powder (per medium onion)
- 3 tbsp dried minced onion
- Shallots or leeks (1:1)
No Garam masala?
- 1 tsp cumin + 1/2 tsp coriander + 1/4 tsp cinnamon + 1/4 tsp cardamom
No Cilantro?
- Flat-leaf parsley (1:1, milder)
- Fresh mint (in chutneys, salads)
No Coconut milk?
- Equal parts heavy cream + 1/2 tsp coconut extract
- Whole milk + 1 tsp coconut oil (per cup)
No Lemon juice?
- Lime juice (1:1)
- 1/2 the amount white vinegar — In dressings, savory dishes.

⚠ Contains Allergens

coconut

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate Chicken

Combine 750 g chicken, 3/4 tsp salt, 1 tsp red chilli powder, and 1/2 tsp turmeric in a bowl. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. for .

Step 2: Prepare Basmati Rice

Take 1.5 cups of basmati rice. Wash thoroughly and drain the water. Soak the rice in fresh water for .

Step 3: Sauté Whole Spices

Heat 1.5 tbsp oil and 1 tbsp ghee in a large pan on medium heat. Add 1 inch cinnamon stick, 1 star anise, 2-3 cloves, 2-3 cardamom pods, and 2-3 bay leaves. for until fragrant.

Step 4: Add Green Chillies and Onions

Add 3-4 slit green chillies to the pan and for . Then add 3 medium sliced onions. for until the onions turn golden brown.

Step 5: Prepare Ground Paste

While onions are , combine 1/4 cup coconut, 2 Kashmiri red chillies, 3/4 tsp poppy seeds, 3/4 tsp saunf (fennel seeds), 1/2 cup mint, 6-8 garlic cloves, 2 inch ginger, and 1/8 cup water in a blender. Grind to a smooth paste.

Step 6: Add Dry Spices

Once onions are golden, add 1/4 tsp turmeric (optional), 2 tsp coriander powder, 1 tsp cumin powder, 2 tsp garam masala powder, and 3/4 tsp salt to the pan. Mix well and cook for until aromatic.

Step 7: Add Ground Paste and Tomatoes

Add the prepared ground paste to the pan and mix well with the spices and onions. Then add 3 medium chopped tomatoes. Mix thoroughly.

Step 8: Cook Masala

Cover the pan and cook for , allowing the tomatoes to soften and the flavors to meld. Remove lid and give it a good mix.

Step 9: Add Chicken and Cilantro

Add the chicken pieces to the pan. Sprinkle 1/2 cup finely chopped cilantro over the chicken. Mix everything well, ensuring the chicken is coated with the masala. Cook for , stirring occasionally, until the chicken starts to brown slightly.

Step 10: Add Rice and Coconut Milk

Add the soaked and drained basmati rice on top of the chicken and masala. In a separate bowl, combine 2.5 cups of water with 0.5 cup of thin coconut milk (total 3 cups of thin coconut milk). Pour this coconut milk mixture over the rice and chicken. Mix gently to combine.

Step 11: Add Lime Juice and Dum Cook

Squeeze the juice of 1 lime/lemon into the biryani mixture. Cover the pan tightly and cook on low heat for , or until the rice is perfectly cooked and all the liquid is absorbed.

Step 12: Serve Chettinad Chicken Biryani

Once cooked, fluff the biryani gently with a fork. Serve hot and enjoy.

Pro Tips

• Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes ensures maximum flavor absorption.

• Sautéing onions until golden brown is crucial for the biryani's rich color and deep flavor.

• Soaking basmati rice helps it cook evenly and prevents it from breaking.

• Adjust green chillies and red chilli powder according to your spice preference.

Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with mixed vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and green beans.

• Use mutton instead of chicken for a Mutton Chettinad Biryani.

• Add a few drops of rose water or kewra water for an aromatic touch, typical in some biryani styles.

Was this recipe helpful?

Comments

Loading comments...

From this Creator

Chettinad Chicken Biryani