CHICKEN BIRYANI

CHICKEN BIRYANI

Chicken Biryani is a savory chicken and rice dish that includes layers of chicken, rice, and aromatics that are steamed together. The bottom layer of rice absorbs all the chicken juices as it cooks, giving it a tender texture and rich flavor, while the top layer of rice turns out white and fluffy. Buried in the Biryani, you’ll find whole cuts of succulent chicken bursting with flavor from the potent array of spices, herbs, and aromatics it’s marinated in.

Whether you’re talking Arroz con Pollo, Hainanese Chicken Rice, or Oyako Donburi, chicken and rice is a classic pairing that has permeated culinary culture around the world. It makes sense that earlier in human history, this staple seed would be combined with a domesticated source of protein. Still, the fact that this combination has endured as a popular favorite today, speaks to its unassailable deliciousness.

For my version, I’ve simplified the preparation a bit by marinating the chicken in a spicy mixture of garam masala, garlic, ginger, chili peppers, cilantro, and garlic. When fried, the spices and aromatics on the exterior of the chicken caramelize into an insanely flavorful crust. I like to cook the onions separately, as it allows you to fully caramelize them into a sweet umami-packed layer that contrasts the spicy, savory chicken. For the rice, a quick par-boil with cardamom, bay leaves, and cumin infuses some flavor, while ensuring the rice is tender enough steam after the Biryani is assembled.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chicken Biryani

Why this recipe works

Other Indian Recipes

Recipe

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CHICKEN BIRYANI

Chicken Biryani is a delicious savory rice dish that is loaded with spicy marinated chicken, caramelized onions, and flavorful saffron rice. For my Biryani, I simplify the order of operations, while retaining the traditional layered approach to assembling it.

RECIPE PIN IT

Chicken Biryani is a delciious savory rice dish loaded with spicy marinated chicken, caramelized onions, and flavorful saffron rice.

CHICKEN BIRYANI

Chicken Biryani is a savory chicken and rice dish that includes layers of chicken, rice, and aromatics that are steamed together. The bottom layer of rice absorbs all the chicken juices as it cooks, giving it a tender texture and rich flavor, while the top layer of rice turns out white and fluffy. Buried in the Biryani, you’ll find whole cuts of succulent chicken bursting with flavor from the potent array of spices, herbs, and aromatics it’s marinated in.

Whether you’re talking Arroz con Pollo, Hainanese Chicken Rice, or Oyako Donburi, chicken and rice is a classic pairing that has permeated culinary culture around the world. It makes sense that earlier in human history, this staple seed would be combined with a domesticated source of protein. Still, the fact that this combination has endured as a popular favorite today, speaks to its unassailable deliciousness.

For my version, I’ve simplified the preparation a bit by marinating the chicken in a spicy mixture of garam masala, garlic, ginger, chili peppers, cilantro, and garlic. When fried, the spices and aromatics on the exterior of the chicken caramelize into an insanely flavorful crust. I like to cook the onions separately, as it allows you to fully caramelize them into a sweet umami-packed layer that contrasts the spicy, savory chicken. For the rice, a quick par-boil with cardamom, bay leaves, and cumin infuses some flavor, while ensuring the rice is tender enough steam after the Biryani is assembled.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chicken Biryani

Why this recipe works

Other Indian Recipes

Recipe

This Chicken Biryani isn't hard to make and yet it's decadently flavorful with spiced chicken and caramelized onions cooked in saffron rice.

WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS

By parboiling the rice, the Biryani can be steamed instead of boiled. This renders the chicken tender and juicy.

Marinating the chicken and then browning it ensures it is seasoned to the core while creating new layers of flavor thanks to Maillard browning.

Properly caramelizing the onions adds loads of umami, and it also lends a subtle sweetness that’s the perfect contrast to the savory and spicy chicken.

OTHER INDIAN RECIPES

Butter Chicken

Masoor Dal (Red Lentils)

Chicken Jalfrezi

Gobi 65 (Cauliflower 65)

What is Chicken Biryani?

Although widely associated with Indian cuisine, Chicken Biryani is a dish that has spread across a wide swath of South Asia, reaching as far west as Iraq and as far east as Indonesia. The vast geographical area Biryani calls home has resulted in a wide variety of preparations and ingredients; however, it is typically prepared by layering seasoned chicken with rice and aromatics and steaming them together.

What does Biryani mean?

The name Biryani is thought to be derived from the Persian word birinj (برنج‎) which means “rice”.

What do you eat with Chicken Biryani?

I like to serve my Chicken Biryani with cooling raita made with yogurt, mint, cilantro, and a pinch of salt, but this is also good with a variety of different chutneys. I know it’s a lot of carbs, but I also love serving biryani with a basket of fresh pillowy naan, my friend Bee over at Rasa Malaysia has a fantastic Fail-Proof Naan recipe that I’m a fan of.

What’s the difference between Biryani and Pulao

Pulao (a.k.a. Pilaf), is also a rice dish that can be found in similar regions of the world as Biryani. While there’s some debate as to the difference between Biryani and Pulao, the latter tends to have less meat and veggies relative to the rice, which means it’s usually served as a side rather than an entree. The second big difference is that Biryani is generally layered and steamed, which creates a wonderful variation in flavor, texture, and color when mixed together.

INGREDIENTS

for chicken

1 table spoon vegetable oiL

gramsgarlic (grated)

10 gramsginger (grated)

1serrano chili peppers (to taste, minced)

5 gramsmint (finely chopped)

10 gramscilantro

(finely chopped1 tablespoon

garam masala1/2 teaspoonground

cinnamon1 teaspoonsalt900

gramsbone-in skin-on chicken thighs

for rice

6 cupswater2 1/2 teaspoonssalt5pods green cardamom (smashed)1 teaspooncumin seeds1bay leaf360 gramsbasmati rice (~2 cups)

for onions

2 tablespoonghee2medium onions

for Biryani

1 cupreserved boiling liquid (from rice)1/2 teaspoonsaffron threadscilantro (for garnish)

STEPS

To marinate the chicken for the biryani, combine the vegetable oil, garlic, ginger, chili peppers, mint, cilantro, garam masala, cinnamon and salt in a large bowl and stir together. Add the chicken pieces and toss together making sure the chicken is thoroughly coated in the marinade. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight

In a pot wide enough to hold the chicken in a single layer, add the ghee and onions and saute the onions until they are well caramelized (15-20 minutes). Transfer the caramelized onions to a bowl and set aside.

While the onions caramelize, prepare the rice by washing in a strainer under cold running water until the water runs clear.

To par-boil the rice, add the water, salt, cardamom, cumin and bay leaf to a pot and bring to a boil. Add the rice and boil for 7 minutes. Drain the rice, reserving 1 cup of the liquid.

In the pot you caramelized the onions in, add the chicken in a single layer, skin-side down. Fry until golden brown on one side (about 5 minutes). Flip the chicken over and fry the other side until golden brown. Transfer the chicken back to the bowl you marinated it in.

To assemble the biryani, add the saffron to the rice and toss to distribute evenly. Add half the rice mixture to the bottom of the pot you browned the chicken in.

Top the chicken with an even layer of caramelized onions.

Finish putting together the Biryani by adding the rest of the rice in an even layer. Add 1 cup of reserved liquid from boiling the rice. Cover the pot with a lid and put the pot on the stove over medium heat and set the timer for 20 minutes. When you can see steam escaping from under the lid, turn down the heat to low and continue cooking until the timer goes off and then turn off the heat.

Without opening the lid, set the timer for another 10 minutes to steam the biryani.

Mix the Chicken Biryani together and then transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve.