Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Prepare Rice

   Wash 2 cups of basmati rice thoroughly and then soak it in water for 30 minutes.

2. 2.Grind Biryani Masala

   In a grinder, add 1 star anise, 3 cinnamon sticks, 6 to 8 cloves, 5 cardamoms, ½ teaspoon cumin seeds, ½ teaspoon fennel seeds, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Grind all these spices to a fine powder.

3. 3.Marinate Chicken

   In a bowl, add 750 grams of chicken. Add the freshly ground biryani masala, 2 tablespoons of ginger garlic paste, ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of coriander powder, 3 tablespoons of curd, and salt to taste. Mix everything well, ensuring the chicken pieces are evenly coated. Let it marinate for 30 minutes.

4. 4.Sauté Aromatics

   In a pressure cooker, heat 3 tablespoons of oil and 2 tablespoons of ghee. Add 1 bay leaf, small pieces of cinnamon stick, 1 cardamom, and 2 cloves. Then add 2 sliced onions and 2 green chilies. Sauté until the onions turn light brown.

5. 5.Add Tomatoes and Herbs

   Add 2 chopped tomatoes, ½ cup of mint leaves, and ½ cup of coriander leaves to the cooker. Sauté until the tomatoes turn soft and mushy.

6. 6.Cook Marinated Chicken

   Add the marinated chicken to the cooker. Sauté for 3 minutes over medium flame. Then, cover the cooker with a lid (not the pressure cooker lid) and cook for 8 to 10 minutes over low flame until the chicken is partially cooked and releases its juices.

7. 7.Add Water and Bring to Boil

   Remove the lid and stir the chicken. Add 2 ¾ cups of water and salt to taste. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

8. 8.Add Rice and Lemon Juice

   Once the mixture is boiling, add the soaked basmati rice. Mix gently to combine the rice with the chicken gravy. Squeeze in the juice of half a lemon.

9. 9.Pressure Cook Biryani

   Close the pressure cooker with its lid. Cook for 3 minutes over medium flame until it starts boiling inside, then reduce the flame to medium and cook for 2 whistles. After 2 whistles, turn off the flame and let the pressure release naturally.

10. 10.Serve Chicken Biryani

    Once the pressure has completely released, open the cooker lid. Gently fluff the chicken biryani with a spatula. Serve hot with raita or your favorite side dish.