Pakistani Chicken Biryani
Fragrant, aromatic Pakistani Chicken Biryani layers marinated chicken with basmati rice infused with whole spices, saffron, and caramelized onions. This is the king of rice dishes.
30
Prep Time (min)
60
Cook Time (min)
5
servings
520
Calories/serving
Hard
Difficulty
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 kg chicken (cut into pieces)
- 1 cup full-fat yogurt
- 2 tbsp biryani masala
- 1 tbsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp salt
Rice
- 3 cups basmati rice (soaked 30 min)
- 4 pieces cardamom pods
- 2 sticks cinnamon
- 5 pieces cloves
- 2 tsp salt
Layering
- 3 large onions (thinly sliced, fried golden)
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1 cup fresh cilantro
- pinch saffron (soaked in 2 tbsp warm milk)
- 4 tbsp ghee
Instructions
6 steps Ā· ~93 minutes total
Marinate chicken
Mix chicken with all marinade ingredients. Marinate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
30 minutesFor best results, marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.Fry onions
Deep fry thinly sliced onions in oil until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
8 minutesKeep your fingers curled under (claw grip) for safety when cutting.Cook chicken
In a heavy pot, cook marinated chicken in oil over medium-high heat until cooked through, about 20 minutes.
30 minutesFor best results, marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.Parboil rice
Boil rice with whole spices and salt until 70% cooked (still has a bite). Drain.
10 minutesUse a large pot to prevent boiling over. Add salt to the water for extra flavor.Layer the biryani
Layer chicken at bottom, then rice, fried onions, mint, cilantro, and saffron milk. Drizzle ghee over top.
5 minutesA pinch of salt helps onions soften faster and release their natural sweetness.Dum cooking
Seal pot with dough or foil. Cook on very low heat (dum) for 25-30 minutes. Let rest 10 minutes before opening.
10 minutesThe dough is ready when it springs back slightly when poked.
š” Tips & Tricks
š Variations
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Up to 3 days in an airtight container
Freezer
Up to 2 months ā thaw overnight in fridge
Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
What to Serve With
Complete your pakistani meal with these perfect pairings:
About This Dish
Pakistani Chicken Biryani is a beloved dish from Pakistani cuisine. With a total preparation time of about 90 minutes, it is a rewarding project for when you have extra time in the kitchen.
Pakistani cuisine offers a rich tapestry of flavors and cooking traditions that reflect the culture and history of the region. This dish is a wonderful example of its distinctive culinary heritage.
This recipe is rated hard difficulty and uses 17 ingredients. Experienced cooks will appreciate the technique involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dum is a slow-cooking technique where food is cooked in a sealed vessel over very low heat, trapping steam and flavors inside.
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Nutrition Facts
5 serving(s) per recipe
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.
