Quick & Easy Chicken Biryani Recipe for Busy Days
A flavorful, aromatic chicken biryani made in under 40 minutes! This quick recipe combines tender chicken, basmati rice, and spices for a delicious meal that’s perfect for busy days.
Equipment
- Equipment Needed:
- Large pot or deep pan (for cooking rice and biryani)
- Large skillet or frying pan (for cooking chicken)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Strainer (for draining rice)
- Knife and chopping board
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 500 g chicken cut into pieces
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
- 1 large onion thinly sliced
- 2 tomatoes chopped
- 1/2 cup yogurt
- 2 tbsp biryani masala store-bought or homemade
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder optional
- Salt to taste
- For the Rice:
- 2 cups basmati rice washed and soaked for 15-20 minutes
- 3 cups water
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
- 1 tsp salt
For Garnishing:
- Fresh cilantro chopped
- Fresh mint leaves chopped
- Fried onions optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice
- In a large pot, bring 3 cups of water to a boil with 1 tbsp of oil and a pinch of salt.
- Add the soaked basmati rice and cook until it's 80% done (about 8 minutes). The rice should still be firm.
- Drain the rice and set it aside.
- Cook the Chicken
- Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onion and sauté until golden brown (about 4-5 minutes).
- Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes until they are browned.
- Stir in the chopped tomatoes, yogurt, biryani masala, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the oil separates from the mixture.
- Layer the Biryani
- In the same pan or a large pot, layer the cooked chicken mixture evenly at the bottom.
- Gently layer the drained rice over the chicken.
- Sprinkle fresh cilantro and mint leaves over the rice. You can also add fried onions for extra flavor.
- Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and cook on low heat for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the rice to finish cooking.
- Serve
- Once done, fluff the biryani gently to mix the layers of rice and chicken.
- Serve hot with a side of raita (yogurt sauce) or a simple salad.
Notes
Rice: Be sure not to overcook the rice; it should remain firm.
Spices: Adjust the spices to suit your taste, especially the chili powder for mild or bold flavors.
Optional Add-ins: You can add fried cashews or raisins for a richer, slightly sweet flavor.
Enjoy your delicious and easy chicken biryani! 🍛
Spices: Adjust the spices to suit your taste, especially the chili powder for mild or bold flavors.
Optional Add-ins: You can add fried cashews or raisins for a richer, slightly sweet flavor.
Enjoy your delicious and easy chicken biryani! 🍛