Chicken Tikka Dum Biryani – the name itself conjures images of fragrant basmati rice layered with succulent, marinated chicken tikka, all infused with warming spices and a hint of smoky char. This iconic dish, a staple of Indian cuisine, is a true culinary masterpiece, a symphony of textures and flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. It's a dish often reserved for special occasions, but with this recipe, you can recreate the magic of a restaurant-quality Biryani in your own kitchen.
Forget complicated techniques and long prep times; this recipe breaks down the process into manageable steps, perfect for home cooks of all levels. We'll guide you through marinating the chicken to perfection, preparing the flavorful rice, and mastering the art of the dum—the steaming process that creates that unbelievably fluffy and aromatic final product. Ready to embark on this delicious culinary journey? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions.
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Pan
Ingredients
- Curd (Yogurt)
- Crushed ginger
- Garlic
- Chilli paste
- Kashmiri red chilli powder
- Coriander powder
- Cumin powder
- Black pepper powder
- Turmeric powder
- Salt
- Biryani masala
- Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
- Lemon juice
- Hot mustard oil
- Chicken
- Rice: 2 cups
- Whole spices
- Lemon
- Onion
- Tomato
- Ghee
- Coriander leaves
- Mint leaves
- Saffron milk
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Marinate and Roast Chicken
- Mix curd, crushed ginger, garlic, chilli paste, Kashmiri red chilli powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, black pepper powder, turmeric powder, salt, biryani masala, kasuri methi, and lemon juice with hot mustard oil. Add chicken and marinate for 30 minutes.
- Roast the marinated chicken in hot oil over low to medium flame for 15 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown.
Step 2. Prepare Rice and Aromatic Base
- Wash and soak rice for 30 minutes. Boil water with whole spices, salt, and lemon. Add soaked rice and cook until 90% done (5-7 minutes). Set aside to cool.
- Heat oil and ghee in a pot. Add fried onions, crushed ginger, garlic chilli paste, tomato, and salt. Cook tomatoes for 5 minutes.
- Add turmeric powder, Kashmiri red chilli powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and biryani masala. Cook for 3 minutes over medium-low heat.
- Reduce heat to very low, add curd, and cook for 5 minutes, stirring gently.
Step 3. Assemble and Layer Biryani
- Add crushed onions and roasted chicken to the curd mixture. Cook for 5-10 minutes.
- Lower the heat and layer the biryani. Start with a layer of the chicken mixture, followed by a layer of rice. Add coriander leaves, mint leaves, fried onions, and ghee. Repeat layers. Top with coriander leaves, mint leaves, ghee, fried onions, and saffron milk.
Step 4. Dum Cook and Serve
- Cover the pot and cook on low heat for 15 minutes using the ‘dum’ method (slow cooking).
- Serve hot with raita.
Read more: Spicy Tava Pulao Recipe: Easy Indian Rice Dish
Tips
- For perfect Khili-Khil Biryani rice, cook the rice until 90% done.
- Even layering is key to a delicious biryani.
- Use the dum method (slow cooking) for a flavorful biryani.
Nutrition
- Calories: 600-700
- Fat: 25-35g
- Carbs: 70-80g
- Protein: 30-40g
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
While traditionally cooked on the stovetop, adapting this recipe for a slow cooker is possible. You'll need to adjust cooking times and might need to steam the rice separately to achieve the desired fluffy texture. Many online resources offer slow cooker adaptations of Biryani.
2. What if I don't have all the spices listed?
Don't worry! You can substitute some spices. For example, garam masala can often be replaced with a mix of ground coriander, cumin, turmeric, and chili powder. However, the more spices you use, the richer the flavour will be.
3. How can I tell when the biryani is cooked?
The rice should be fluffy and cooked through, and the chicken should be tender and easily pulls apart. Check by gently piercing a piece of chicken and a grain of rice with a fork. If the rice is still hard, continue steaming for a few more minutes.
With this recipe, you’ve mastered the art of creating an authentic Chicken Tikka Dum Biryani right in your own kitchen. Impress your friends and family with this aromatic and flavorful dish, a testament to the rich heritage of Indian cuisine. Enjoy the delicious results of your culinary efforts!