Delicious Chicken Biryani Recipe - Indian Style

Step 1: Prepare Rice Water

In a large pot, add water, chopped coriander leaves, 2 green chilies, 2 bay leaves, 1 tablespoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of oil. Bring the water to a rolling boil.

Step 2: Par-boil Rice

Once the water is boiling, add 500g of pre-soaked basmati rice and a lemon slice. Cook the rice until it is 70-80% done, which should take approximately 5-7 minutes. Drain the rice and set aside.

Step 3: Marinate Chicken

In a large bowl, combine 1 kg of chicken pieces, 1 cup of yogurt, 1 cup of chopped coriander, 1/2 cup of chopped mint, 1 teaspoon of salt, 2 tablespoons of ginger-garlic paste, and 2 tablespoons of red chili powder. Add the whole spices: 2 star anise, 2 small cinnamon sticks, 5-6 cloves, 1 black cardamom, 3-4 green cardamoms, 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds, 1 teaspoon of black peppercorns, and 1 small piece of mace. Also add 2 tablespoons of coriander powder, 2-3 sliced green chilies, 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1 cup of fried onions, 1/4 cup of oil (preferably from frying onions), and 1 cup of tomato puree. Mix everything thoroughly with your hands until the chicken is well coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 4: Cook Chicken Base

Heat a pressure cooker with a little oil. Carefully transfer the marinated chicken mixture into the pressure cooker and spread it evenly. Cook the chicken on medium heat until it starts to simmer, then cover with the lid and cook for 1 whistle on high heat, then reduce heat to low and cook for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is tender.

Step 5: Layer the Biryani

Once the chicken is cooked, open the pressure cooker. Layer the par-boiled rice evenly over the chicken. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of fried onions and 1/4 cup of chopped coriander over the rice. Drizzle a few drops of red food color, a few drops of yellow food color, and 1 tablespoon of ghee over the rice.

Step 6: Dum Cook Biryani

Close the pressure cooker lid again. Cook on low heat for another 15-20 minutes for the 'dum' process, allowing the flavors to meld together. Alternatively, you can place a heavy object on the lid if not using a pressure cooker and cook on low heat.

Step 7: Serve Biryani

Once the dum cooking is complete, gently open the lid. Using a large spoon or spatula, carefully mix the biryani from the bottom up to combine the chicken and rice layers. Serve hot on a plate and enjoy your delicious chicken biryani.

• For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or preferably 2-4 hours in the refrigerator.

• Ensure the rice is par-boiled (70-80% cooked) to prevent it from becoming mushy during the dum cooking process.

• Adjust the amount of green chilies and red chili powder according to your spice preference.

• Replace chicken with mutton or vegetables for different biryani variations.

• Add saffron milk instead of food color for a more traditional flavor and aroma.

• Include boiled eggs or potatoes in the layers for added texture and taste.