Chicken Biryani – Traditional Style

Step 1: Heat Oil and Fry Onions

Pour oil into a large pot. Slice the onions into thin rings. Add the sliced onions to the hot oil and fry until they turn golden brown. Once golden brown, remove the fried onions from the oil and set aside for garnishing.

Step 2: Fry Chicken

Cut the chicken into medium-sized pieces. Add the chicken pieces to the same oil used for frying onions and fry until they are golden brown on all sides.

Step 3: Add Ginger Garlic Paste and Tomatoes

Add ginger garlic paste to the pot with the fried chicken and sauté for a minute. Slice the big tomatoes and add them to the pot.

Step 4: Add Potatoes, Yogurt, and Spices

Slice the potatoes into cubes and add them to the pot. Pour in the yogurt. Add salt to taste and then add the entire packet of Shan Biryani Masala.

Step 5: Simmer the Chicken Gravy

Stir all the ingredients well to combine. Cover the pot with a lid and cook the chicken gravy at a low to medium flame for 25 minutes, allowing the chicken and potatoes to cook through and the flavors to meld.

Step 6: Prepare Aromatic Rice

Take another pan and add water. Bring it to a boil. Add star anise, cardamom pods, and cloves to the boiling water. Add the soaked rice and boil for 10 minutes until it's partially cooked (about 70-80% done). Strain the rice and set aside.

Step 7: Layer the Biryani

In a large pot, put half a layer of the strained, partially cooked rice. Evenly spread the cooked chicken gravy over this rice layer. Then, add the remaining half layer of rice on top of the gravy.

Step 8: Dum Cooking

Close the lid tightly. Cook the biryani at a very low flame for 30 minutes. This 'dum' cooking method allows the flavors to infuse into the rice and ensures the chicken and rice are perfectly cooked.

Step 9: Serve Biryani

Once cooked, gently mix the biryani slowly to combine the rice and gravy. Garnish with the reserved fried onions. Serve hot and enjoy with family.

• Ensure onions are fried to a perfect golden brown for the best flavor and color.

• Do not overcook the rice when boiling it initially, as it will cook further during the 'dum' process.

• Adjust the spice level of the Shan Biryani Masala according to your preference.