Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Prepare the Rice

   Soak 2 cups of long grain rice in boiling water for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, wash and rinse the rice thoroughly.

2. 2.Marinate the Chicken

   In a bowl, combine 1kg chicken pieces with 2 teaspoons of salt, 2 teaspoons of coriander powder, 2 teaspoons of cumin powder, 2 teaspoons of chilli powder, 2 teaspoons of garam masala, 3/4 cup of buttermilk or plain yogurt, and 2 cloves of chopped garlic. Mix well until all chicken pieces are coated. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes.

3. 3.Sauté Aromatics and Spices

   In a large pot, heat some oil and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Once the butter is melted, add 1 cinnamon stick, 5 cardamom pods, 5 allspice, 2 bay leaves, 1 teaspoon of coriander seeds, 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds, and 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds. Stir-fry for about a minute until fragrant.

4. 4.Cook Onions and Chillies

   Add 1 sliced onion and 3-4 green chillies to the pot. Cook until the onions have browned slightly and softened.

5. 5.Add Tomato and Coriander

   Stir in 1 sliced tomato and a handful of chopped coriander. Cook for a few minutes until the tomato softens.

6. 6.Cook the Chicken

   Add the marinated chicken to the pot. Stir well to combine with the aromatics and spices. Cook for 15 minutes, adding a little water if needed to prevent sticking, ensuring the chicken is partially cooked and the flavors meld.

7. 7.Layer the Rice

   Drain the soaked rice and carefully add it on top of the chicken mixture in the pot. Do not stir the rice into the chicken.

8. 8.Add Color and Garnish

   Drizzle a few drops of egg yellow food coloring (mixed with water) over the rice. Sprinkle a generous amount of fresh chopped coriander over the rice.

9. 9.Steam the Biryani

   Place a few slices of butter on top of the rice. Cover the pot with a lid and steam on low heat for 15 minutes, allowing the rice to cook through and absorb the flavors.

10. 10.Serve

    Once cooked, gently fluff the biryani with a spoon to mix the chicken and rice. Turn off the heat and let it sit covered for about 10 minutes before dishing up and serving. Enjoy your quick and easy one-pot chicken biryani!