Chicken Biryani

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of making Chicken Biryani, a flavorful dish inspired by traditional Indian cuisine. The recipe includes a blend of spices, marinated chicken, fragrant basmati rice, and a unique assembly technique that ensures a delicious meal. Follow these steps to create your own Chicken Biryani at home.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Biryani Spice Mix

1. Toast Whole Spices

   In a small skillet over medium heat, add the following ingredients

   • 1 Indian bay leaf
   • 2 star anise
   • 5 pieces of Indian cinnamon (2 inches each)
   • 15 green cardamom pods
   • 2 black cardamom pods
   • Shake and toast for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Transfer to a plate.

2. Toast Remaining Spices

   In the same pan, add

   • 1 tablespoon whole cloves
   • 2 teaspoons fennel seeds
   • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
   • ¼ cup whole coriander seeds
   • 1 tablespoon caraway seeds
   • 1 piece mace
   • Toast for another 1-2 minutes and transfer to the plate.

3. Grind Spices

   • Once cooled, grind the larger spices to a size similar to black peppercorns.
   • Add smaller spices and ½ teaspoon nutmeg, and grind everything into a fine powder. Set aside.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

1. Combine Marinade Ingredients

   In a medium mixing bowl, add

   • 1 cup plain, unsweetened yogurt
   • 2 tablespoons ginger garlic paste
   • 1 tablespoon Kashmiri chili powder
   • 1 tablespoon biryani spice mix
   • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
   • ½ teaspoon turmeric
   • 2 slit green chilies

2. Coat Chicken

   • Add 2 lbs of bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks.
   • Massage the chicken into the yogurt mixture until well coated.

3. Refrigerate

   • Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.

Step 3: Prepare the Rice

1. Rinse and Soak Rice

   • Rinse 1 ½ cups of aged basmati rice in a medium bowl until the water is mostly clear.
   • Cover with water and soak for 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.

2. Boil Water and Cook Rice

   • Bring 6 cups of water to a boil in a large pot.

   Add

   • 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
   • 1 Indian bay leaf
   • 1 piece of Indian cinnamon (3 inches)
   • 6 whole cloves
   • 4 green cardamom pods
   • 1 star anise
   • 1 black cardamom pod
   • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
   • Cover and boil for 5 minutes to infuse flavors.
   • Add the soaked rice and boil for 5-7 minutes until 75% cooked. Drain and discard whole spices.

Step 4: Fry the Onions

1. Cook Onions

   • In a medium skillet, add ½ cup of vegetable oil and 1 sliced medium yellow onion.
   • Start in cold oil to soften the onions without browning.
   • Cook for about 10 minutes until golden and softened.

2. Drain and Season

   • Transfer the fried onions to a plate lined with paper towels. Reserve the onion oil and season onions with salt.

Step 5: Make the Dough

1. Prepare Dough
   • In a medium bowl, mix 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour with ½ cup of water until a rough dough forms.
   • Knead on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth.
   • Roll into a ¼-inch thick round, slightly larger than your dish.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake the Biryani

1. Preheat Oven

   • Set the oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Cook Chicken

   • In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
   • Add the marinated chicken skin side down. Season with salt.
   • Cook for 30-45 minutes until the gravy reduces and oil separates.

3. Layer Biryani

   • Remove from heat and place the pot on a sheet tray.
   • Add half of the chopped mint, cilantro, and fried onions, ensuring chicken is in a single layer.

4. Prepare Saffron Milk

   • Microwave ¼ cup of whole milk for 45 seconds. Crush saffron threads and pour the hot milk over them. Let steep for 5 minutes.

5. Add Rice and Final Layers

   • Add the par-cooked rice in an even layer over the chicken.
   • Top with remaining fried onions, mint, and cilantro. Drizzle saffron milk and add 3 tablespoons of ghee.

6. Seal and Bake

   • Drape the dough over the pot, pressing to seal around the edges. Brush with ghee.
   • Bake for 20-30 minutes until the dough is golden brown.

7. Serve

   • Remove from oven and brush the top of the dough with ghee.
   • Break open the dough and spoon out the biryani. Serve immediately with raita.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can create a delicious Chicken Biryani that captures the essence of traditional Indian cooking. Enjoy this flavorful dish with your family and friends, and consider experimenting with variations in spices or ingredients for a personalized touch. Happy cooking!