Easy Chicken Biryani Recipe for Beginners

Easy Chicken Biryani Recipe for Beginners

Chicken biryani looks complicated, but it is really just two simple parts: a spicy chicken curry and half-cooked basmati rice, layered together and steamed. Follow these steps and you will get fluffy rice and tender chicken every time.

What to buy

Ingredients (serves 6)

  • 1 kg (about 2.2 lb) halal chicken pieces
  • 3 cups (about 600 g) basmati rice, washed and soaked for 30 minutes
  • 1 packet chicken biryani masala
  • 1/2 cup oil or ghee
  • 3 medium tomatoes, chopped, and 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon ginger and garlic paste
  • 1 cup crispy fried onions, plus mint and coriander leaves

Method

  1. Make the chicken masala. Heat the oil, add ginger and garlic paste, then the chicken. Fry for 5 minutes. Add tomatoes, yogurt, the biryani masala and half the fried onions. Cover and cook on medium for 20 to 25 minutes until the chicken is tender and the sauce is thick.
  2. Par-boil the rice. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the soaked rice and boil for 5 to 6 minutes, until about 70% cooked (still firm in the middle). Drain.
  3. Layer. Spread half the rice over the chicken. Add mint, coriander and some fried onions. Add the rest of the rice and the remaining onions on top.
  4. Steam (dum). Cover tightly with a lid (or foil then lid). Cook on very low heat for 15 to 20 minutes.
  5. Serve. Gently mix from the sides so you get rice and chicken in each scoop. Serve with raita and salad.

Tips

  • Do not over-boil the rice. It finishes cooking in the steam.
  • Packet masala is salted, so taste the chicken before adding more salt.

Want to try goat, lamb or beef? See our guide to the best meat cuts for biryani.

Order everything you need from WeDoHalal. We bring fresh halal meat from trusted Edmonton butchers plus the spices and pantry items you need, with same-day or next-day delivery across Edmonton and nearby towns. Delivery is free on orders over $100. See our delivery areas.

Cooking, storage and thawing tips are general guidance only and some content is written with the help of AI, so please use your own judgement. Always follow safe food handling and cook meat to a safe internal temperature. See our Terms and Conditions.

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