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Chicken Biryani

Course Main
Cuisine Chicken

Ingredients
  

Chicken

  • 4 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
  • 4 small potatoes, peeled and halved
  • 2 large onions, finely chopped
  • 2 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger root
  • 2 medium tomatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
  • 2 tbsp plain yogurt
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves
  • 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
  • 1 2-inch piece of cinnamon stick
  • 3 lb boneless, skinless chicken pieces, cut into chunks

Rice

  • 1 lb basmati rice
  • 2 1/2 tbsp ghee
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 5 pods cardamom
  • 3 whole cloves
  • 1 1-inch piece of cinnamon stick
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 pinch powdered saffron
  • 4 tbsp chicken stock
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions
 

  • Heat 2 tablespoons of ghee in a large skillet. Fry potatoes in hot oil until lightly browned, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate to drain; set aside. 
  • Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of ghee to the skillet. Add onions, garlic, and fresh ginger; cook and stir until onion is soft and golden. Add tomatoes, salt, cumin, chili powder, pepper, and turmeric; cook, stirring constantly, for 5 minutes. 
  • Stir in yogurt, mint, ground cardamom, and cinnamon stick. Cover and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes are cooked to a pulp. It may be necessary to add a little hot water if the mixture becomes too dry and starts to stick to the pan. 
  • Add chicken and stir well to coat. Cover and cook over very low heat until the chicken is tender, 35 to 45 minutes. There should only be a little very thick gravy left when the chicken is finished cooking. If necessary, cook uncovered for a few minutes to reduce the gravy.
  • Meanwhile, make the rice: Wash rice well and drain in a colander for at least 30 minutes. 
  • Heat oil in a large skillet. Add onion; cook and stir until golden. Add cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon stick, ground ginger, and saffron; stir in rice until coated with spices. 
  • Heat stock and salt in a medium pot until hot; pour over rice and stir well. Add chicken mixture and potatoes; stir gently to combine. Bring to a boil. 
  • Reduce heat to very low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and steam for 20 minutes without lifting the lid or stirring. 
    When done, stir and serve.