Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Marinate Chicken

   Add 3/4 tsp salt, 1 tsp red chilli powder, and 1/2 tsp turmeric to 750g chicken. Mix well and marinate for 15 - 30 mins.

2. 2.Prepare Rice

   Take 1.5 cups of Basmati Rice. Wash and drain the rice, then soak it in water for 15 - 30 mins.

3. 3.Prepare Ground Paste

   In a blender, add 1/4 cup coconut, 2 Kashmiri Red chillies, 3/4 tsp poppy seeds, 3/4 tsp saunf, 1/2 cup mint, 6-8 garlic cloves, 2 inch ginger, and 1/8 cup water. Grind to a smooth paste.

4. 4.Sauté Spices and Onions

   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, and 2-3 bay leaves. Saute for 2 mins. Then add 3-4 slit green chillies and 3 medium sliced onions. Saute for 8 to 10 mins until the onions turn golden brown.

5. 5.Add Dry Spices and Ground Paste

   Add 1/4 tsp turmeric (optional), 2 tsp coriander powder, 1 tsp cumin powder, 2 tsp garam masala powder, and 3/4 tsp salt. Mix well. Then add the prepared ground paste and mix thoroughly.

6. 6.Cook Tomatoes

   Add 3 medium chopped tomatoes to the pan. Mix well, then cover and cook for 5 to 6 mins until the tomatoes soften.

7. 7.Add Chicken and Cilantro

   Give the mixture a good mix. Add the marinated chicken and 1/2 cup finely chopped cilantro. Mix well and cook for 6 to 8 mins.

8. 8.Add Rice and Coconut Milk

   Add the soaked and drained rice to the pan. Prepare thin coconut milk by adding 0.5 cup of coconut milk to 2.5 cups of water. Add 3 cups of this thin coconut milk to the pan.

9. 9.Finish Cooking Biryani

   Mix well. Squeeze the juice of 1 lime/lemon into the mixture. Cover the pan and cook for 14 to 18 mins or until the rice is perfectly cooked.

10. 10.Serve and Enjoy

    Once cooked, serve the Chettinad Chicken Biryani and enjoy!