Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Marinate the Chicken

   In a bowl, combine 750g chicken with 3/4 tsp salt, 1 tsp red chilli powder, and 1/2 tsp turmeric. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Marinate for 15 to 30 minutes.

2. 2.Prepare the Rice

   Take 1.5 cups of basmati rice. Wash it thoroughly and drain the water. Then, soak the rice in fresh water for 15 to 30 minutes.

3. 3.Sauté Whole Spices

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

4. 4.Sauté Green Chillies and Onions

   Add 3-4 slit green chillies to the pan and sauté for 2 minutes. Then, add 3 medium sliced onions and sauté for 8 to 10 minutes until they turn golden brown.

5. 5.Prepare Ground Paste

   While the onions are sautéing, prepare the ground paste. In a blender, 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 inches of ginger, and 1/8 cup water. Grind to a smooth paste.

6. 6.Add Dry Spices and Ground Paste

   Once the onions are golden brown, add 1/4 tsp turmeric (optional), 2 tsp coriander powder, 1 tsp cumin powder, and 2 tsp garam masala powder, along with 3/4 tsp salt. Mix well. Then, add the prepared ground paste and mix thoroughly.

7. 7.Cook Tomatoes and Chicken

   Add 3 medium chopped tomatoes to the pan and mix well. Cover the pan and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until the tomatoes soften. Give it a good mix. Then, add the marinated chicken and 1/2 cup finely chopped cilantro. Mix well and cook for 6 to 8 minutes.

8. 8.Add Rice and Liquid

   Add the soaked and drained basmati rice to the pan. In a separate bowl, mix 2.5 cups of water with 0.5 cup of thin coconut milk. Pour this mixture (total 3 cups) into the pan with the rice and chicken. Mix everything gently. Squeeze the juice of 1 lime/lemon into the mixture.

9. 9.Cook the Biryani

   Cover the pan tightly and cook for 14 to 18 minutes on low heat, or until the rice is perfectly cooked and all the liquid has been absorbed.

10. 10.Serve and Enjoy

    Once cooked, your Chettinad Chicken Biryani is ready to be served. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired and enjoy!