-Classic Chicken Biryani Recipe (Restaurant-Style):

Chicken Biryani is a rich and aromatic rice dish that stands as a true symbol of South Asian cuisine. Made by layering fragrant basmati rice, tender meat or vegetables, slow-cooked spices, and fresh herbs, biryani is traditionally prepared using the dum method, where the dish is sealed and gently steamed to lock in deep, complex flavors. Every grain of rice remains fluffy and infused with the essence of saffron, ghee, caramelized onions, mint, and whole spices.

More than just a meal, biryani is an experience of taste, aroma, and tradition. From festive gatherings to family dinners, it brings people together with its bold spices and comforting warmth. Whether it’s chicken, beef, mutton, or vegetable, biryani delivers a perfect balance of spice, richness, and satisfaction that makes it one of the most loved dishes across Pakistan, India, and beyond.

Ingredients & Quantity Table

🔸 Chicken Marination

Ingredient	Quantity
Chicken (bone-in)	1 kg
Yogurt	1 cup
Ginger-garlic paste	2 tbsp
Red chili powder	1½ tsp
Turmeric powder	½ tsp
Coriander powder	1½ tsp
Garam masala	1 tsp
Lemon juice	2 tbsp
Salt	To taste
Fresh mint (chopped)	½ cup
Fresh coriander (chopped)	½ cup

🔸 Rice Preparation

Ingredient	Quantity
Basmati rice	750 g (3½ cups)
Water	As required
Bay leaves	2
Green cardamom	4
Cloves	6
Cinnamon stick	1
Salt	1½ tbsp

🔸 Biryani Masala & Layering

Ingredient	Quantity
Onions (thinly sliced)	4 large
Cooking oil	¾ cup
Ghee	¼ cup
Green chilies	4–5
Saffron soaked in milk	¼ cup
Kewra water	1 tbsp
Rose water	1 tbsp

Step-by-Step Cooking Method

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. Mix all marination ingredients in a bowl.
2. Add chicken and coat well.
3. Cover and marinate for at least 2 hours (overnight for best flavor).

Step 2: Fry the Onions

1. Heat oil in a deep pan.
2. Fry onions on medium heat until golden brown & crispy.
3. Remove half for layering; keep the rest in the pan.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

1. Add marinated chicken to the same pan.
2. Cook on medium heat for 15–20 minutes until oil separates.
3. Chicken should be 70–80% cooked.

Step 4: Boil the Rice

1. Wash and soak rice for 30 minutes.
2. Boil water with whole spices and salt.
3. Add rice and cook until 70% done.
4. Drain immediately.

Step 5: Layer the Biryani

1. Spread a layer of rice over chicken.
2. Add fried onions, mint, coriander, saffron milk, kewra & rose water.
3. Repeat layers; finish with rice on top.
4. Drizzle ghee.

Step 6: Dum Cooking

1. Cover tightly with lid or foil.
2. Cook on low flame for 25–30 minutes.
3. Rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for Perfect Biryani

• Always use aged basmati rice
• Bone-in chicken gives deeper flavor
• Keep rice slightly undercooked before dum
• Seal pot properly to trap steam
• Use ghee for authentic aroma

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake	Why It Ruins Biryani
Overcooked rice	Turns mushy
Too much water	Dilutes flavor
Skipping marination	Bland chicken
High flame during dum	Burns bottom
Mixing layers early	Breaks rice grains

Benefits of Key Ingredients

Ingredient	Health Benefits
Basmati Rice	Low GI, easy digestion
Chicken	High-quality protein
Yogurt	Improves gut health
Ginger & Garlic	Boost immunity
Mint & Coriander	Aids digestion
Saffron	Enhances mood & aroma

Calories Count (Approx. per Serving)

Component	Calories
Basmati rice	260 kcal
Chicken	280 kcal
Oil & ghee	180 kcal
Yogurt & spices	80 kcal
Total	~800 kcal

(Values may vary depending on portion size)

Serving Suggestions

• Raita (yogurt dip)
• Fresh salad
• Lemon wedges
• Cold drink or mint chutney

Why chicken biryani works everywhere?
It’s affordable, flavorful, filling, easy to scale for crowds, and universally loved making it perfect for both grand occasions and simple family meals.

For a proper recipe of chicken biryani do check out the link below:

https://share.google/WXRzIecQdH7cPqRGu

🏷️ Tags

#ChickenBiryani #PakistaniFood #HomemadeBiryani #RiceRecipes #TraditionalCuisine #DesiFood #BiryaniLovers #FoodGuide #StepByStepRecipe