Craving an explosion of flavor that transports you straight to the bustling streets of India? Look no further than this authentic Spicy Masala Chicken Biryani recipe. This aromatic masterpiece combines tender, succulent chicken marinated in a vibrant blend of spices with fluffy basmati rice, creating a dish that's both comforting and exhilarating. The perfect balance of heat and richness, this biryani is elevated by layers of fragrant saffron-infused rice and crispy fried onions, resulting in a truly unforgettable culinary experience. Forget takeout – you'll be amazed at how easily you can recreate this restaurant-quality dish at home.
This recipe meticulously guides you through each step, from preparing the flavorful marinade to layering the rice and chicken for perfect cooking. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this show-stopping biryani, a dish guaranteed to become a new favorite. Let's dive into the step-by-step process and begin creating this culinary delight!
Tools Needed
- Mixer
- Vessel(s)
- Pot for Rice
Ingredients
- Chicken: 1 cup
- Curd: 1 cup
- Ginger-Garlic Paste: 3 tablespoons
- Red Chili Powder: 2 tablespoons
- Turmeric Powder: 1/2 tablespoon
- Coriander Powder: 2 tablespoons
- Garam Masala: 9 tablespoons
- Food Color: 1 pinch
- Salt: to taste
- Cumin Seeds: 1 tablespoon
- Fennel Seeds: 1/2 tablespoon
- Mace: 1 fold
- Star Anise: 2
- Cinnamon: 2 pieces
- Black Pepper: 1 tablespoon
- Nutmeg: 1/2
- Big Cardamom: 1
- Small Cardamoms: 10-12
- Cloves: 10-12
- Onions: 5 medium
- Tomatoes: 3
- Coriander Leaves: 1 handful
- Oil: 1 cup
- Rice: 4 glasses
- Bay Leaves: 2
- Lemon Juice: 1/2 lemon
- Green Chilies: 4
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Aromatics and Marinate Chicken
- Grind cumin seeds, fennel seeds, mace, star anise, cinnamon, black pepper, nutmeg, big cardamom, small cardamoms, and cloves into a fine powder.
- Mix the chicken with curd, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, garam masala, food color, salt, biryani masala, and coriander leaves. Marinate for one hour.
Step 2. Cook Chicken and Rice Separately
- Heat oil, fry thinly sliced onions until golden brown.
- Add chopped tomatoes to the fried onions and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the marinated chicken to the tomatoes and onions. Mix well and cook, covered, on low flame for 10-15 minutes.
- Boil water with bay leaves, small cardamoms, big cardamom, cumin seeds, mace, and salt. Add lemon juice for fluffiness.
- Add washed and soaked rice to the boiling water. Cook on high flame for 10 minutes, covered.
Step 3. Layer and Infuse Biryani
- Layer cooked rice and chicken mixture in a vessel, repeating layers. Garnish with fried onions and coriander leaves.
- Mix food color with curry water and drizzle over the biryani. Add coal smoke by placing a small bowl with lit coal and oil drops in the center, covering for 10 minutes.
Step 4. Final Cook and Garnish
- Cover the biryani and cook on low flame for 20 minutes.
Read more: Creamy Cashew Chicken Curry: A Simple Yet Sumptuous Recipe
Tips
- Marinating the chicken makes the biryani juicy.
- Keep the flame high to medium while frying onions.
- Soaking rice for 20 minutes before cooking helps in getting fluffy rice.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 2800-3200
- Fat: 120-150g
- Carbs: 300-350g
- Protein: 80-90g
FAQs
1. Can I make this biryani in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
Yes! While the recipe is written for stovetop cooking, you can adapt it to slow cookers or Instant Pots. Search online for 'slow cooker chicken biryani' or 'Instant Pot chicken biryani' for detailed instructions. Cooking times will vary.
2. What can I substitute for the saffron?
If you don't have saffron, you can omit it or use turmeric for a similar yellow color, though the flavor will be different. A pinch of food coloring can also add color, but won't replicate the saffron flavor.
There you have it – your very own restaurant-quality Spicy Masala Chicken Biryani! Enjoy the fragrant aroma and incredible flavor of this masterpiece, perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight treat. Now go forth and impress your loved ones with this delicious and satisfying dish!