The Best Biryani

Discover the ultimate comfort food with "The Best Biryani," a richly aromatic dish that combines perfectly spiced chicken, fragrant basmati rice, and layers of bold flavors in every bite. This traditional one-pot masterpiece features a tantalizing blend of biryani masala, saffron-infused milk, and fresh herbs like cilantro and mint, woven together through a unique layering and slow “dum” cooking technique. The recipe balances tender chicken marinated in yogurt and spices with golden fried onions and the subtle warmth of whole spices like cardamom and cinnamon. Ideal for weekend family feasts or celebrations, this biryani is as visually stunning as it is delicious, served with cool raita or a crisp salad to complete the experience. With easy-to-follow instructions and a mix of authentic ingredients, this recipe ensures you'll create a truly restaurant-quality biryani at home!

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:90 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups Basmati rice
• 1 pound Chicken (bone-in or boneless)
• 1 cup Plain yogurt
• 2 large Onions, thinly sliced
• 2 medium Tomatoes, chopped
• 2 tablespoons Ginger-garlic paste
• 4 Green chilies, slit
• 0.5 cup Fresh cilantro, chopped
• 0.5 cup Fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 4 tablespoons Vegetable oil or ghee
• 0.25 cup Milk
• 0.25 teaspoon Saffron strands
• 4 Cloves
• 4 Cardamom pods
• 1 2-inch Cinnamon stick
• 1 Bay leaf
• 1 Star anise
• 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon Red chili powder
• 2 tablespoons Biryani masala
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 6 cups Water
• 0.5 cup Fried onions (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear and soak it in water for 30 minutes. Drain before cooking.

Step 2

In a large bowl, combine the chicken, plain yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, biryani masala, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 20 minutes, or overnight for best results.

Step 3

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil or ghee in a large pan. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they turn golden brown. Remove half of the fried onions and set aside for layering later.

Step 4

To the remaining onions in the pan, add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften. Add the marinated chicken and green chilies. Cook the chicken on medium heat until it is almost done and the oil separates from the masala.

Step 5

In a separate large pot, bring 6 cups of water to a boil. Add the cloves, cardamom, cinnamon stick, bay leaf, star anise, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Add the soaked and drained basmati rice and cook until the rice is 70% cooked. Drain the rice and set aside.

Step 6

Warm the milk slightly and dissolve the saffron strands in it. Set aside.

Step 7

In a heavy-bottomed pot or dutch oven, start layering the biryani. Begin with a layer of chicken and masala, followed by a layer of partially cooked rice. Sprinkle some chopped cilantro, mint leaves, and fried onions on top. Drizzle with saffron milk and 1 tablespoon of oil or ghee. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a rice layer.

Step 8

Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid or seal it with aluminum foil to prevent steam from escaping. Place the pot on low heat (you can use a griddle below the pot to diffuse the heat) and cook on dum (steam) for 25-30 minutes.

Step 9

Turn off the heat and let the biryani rest for 10 minutes before opening the lid. Gently fluff the rice with a fork to mix the layers slightly.

Step 10

Serve hot, garnished with fried onions and additional cilantro if desired. Enjoy with raita or a fresh salad!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	3771.6 grams (3771.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2712

Total Fat 105.90g	136%
Saturated Fat 20.70g	103%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.20g
Cholesterol 406mg	135%
Sodium 6086mg	265%
Total Carbohydrate 263.20g	96%
Dietary Fiber 44.00g	157%
Total Sugars 62.10g
Protein 194.50g	389%

Vitamin D 167IU	836%
Calcium 1473mg	113%
Iron 37mg	203%
Potassium 5282mg	112%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 34.2%

Protein: 27.9%

Carbs: 37.8%