Chicken Biryani Recipe: How to Make the Perfect Indian Dish at Home

 Chicken biryani is a wonderful and filling food from India that is made with chicken, rice, and a variety of spices. It is a popular dish for special events and is often served at weddings, parties, and other celebrations. Chicken biryani is usually made with basmati rice, which is a long-grain rice that is known for its taste and aroma. The rice is cooked with the chicken and spices in a covered pot, which helps to make a delicious and savory dish. Chicken biryani is often served with raita, which is a yogurt-based sauce, and salad. It is a wonderful and filling dish that is sure to please everyone.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups basmati rice, soaked for 30 minutes
• 1 tablespoon ghee or oil
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 1/4 cup chopped mint leaves
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves
• 1/4 cup fried onions (optional)
• 1/2 cup saffron threads, soaked in 1/4 cup hot water

Instructions:

1. Heat the ghee or oil in a big pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the bay leaf, cloves, cinnamon stick, turmeric powder, coriander powder, garam masala, red chili powder, and salt. Cook for 1 minute more, stirring constantly.

2. Add the chicken to the pot and cook until cooked on all sides. Add the yogurt, mint leaves, cilantro leaves, and fried onions (if using). Cook for 5 minutes more, stirring occasionally.

3. Add the soaked saffron threads and 3 cups of water to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

4. While the chicken is cooking, rinse the rice in a fine-mesh sieve until the water runs clear. Drain the rice well.

5. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

6. Spread half of the rice in the bottom of a large baking dish. Top with the chicken and any remaining sauce. Spread the remaining rice on top.

7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through.

8. Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.