Authentic Hyderabadi Chicken Biryani Recipe - Restaurant Style at Home

Master the art of making authentic Hyderabadi Chicken Biryani at home with our Complete Biryani Spice Kit. This step-by-step recipe will help you create restaurant-quality biryani that's aromatic, flavorful, and absolutely delicious.

Ingredients

For the Rice:

• 2 cups Basmati rice (aged is best)
• 4 cups water
• 2-3 green cardamom pods
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 inch cinnamon stick
• 1 tsp salt

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 500g chicken (bone-in pieces)
• 1 cup yogurt
• 2 tbsp Phoran Biryani Spice Kit
• 1 tsp Phoran Premium Turmeric
• 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt to taste

For the Biryani:

• 3 large onions (thinly sliced)
• 2 tomatoes (chopped)
• 1/2 cup mint leaves
• 1/2 cup coriander leaves
• 4 green chilies (slit)
• 1/4 cup ghee or oil
• A pinch of saffron soaked in 1/4 cup warm milk
• 2 tbsp fried onions (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken (30 minutes to 2 hours)

In a large bowl, mix yogurt, Phoran Biryani Spice Kit, turmeric, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, and salt. Add chicken pieces and coat well. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (2 hours for best results). The spice kit contains the perfect blend of spices for authentic biryani flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Rice

Wash basmati rice until water runs clear. Soak for 30 minutes, then drain. Bring 4 cups of water to boil with cardamom, bay leaves, cinnamon, and salt. Add rice and cook until 70% done (rice should still have a slight bite). Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Fry the Onions

Heat ghee/oil in a heavy-bottomed pot. Fry sliced onions until golden brown and crispy. Remove half for garnish, leave half in the pot.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

In the same pot with remaining fried onions, add marinated chicken. Cook on medium heat for 5 minutes. Add chopped tomatoes, half the mint and coriander leaves, and green chilies. Cook for another 10 minutes until chicken is 80% cooked.

Step 5: Layer the Biryani

This is the key to perfect biryani:
1. Spread the partially cooked chicken evenly in the pot
2. Layer the partially cooked rice on top
3. Sprinkle remaining mint and coriander leaves
4. Pour saffron milk over the rice
5. Top with fried onions
6. Drizzle 2 tbsp ghee

Step 6: Dum Cooking (The Magic Step)

Cover the pot with aluminum foil, then place a tight-fitting lid. Cook on high heat for 3 minutes, then reduce to lowest heat and cook for 25-30 minutes. This 'dum' method allows the flavors to infuse perfectly.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Turn off heat and let the biryani rest for 5 minutes without opening the lid. Gently mix from bottom to top before serving.

Pro Tips for Perfect Biryani

• Use aged basmati rice - It gives better texture and doesn't break easily
• Don't skip the marination - It tenderizes the chicken and infuses flavor
• Partial cooking is key - Both rice and chicken should be 70-80% cooked before layering
• Seal properly for dum - This traps steam and creates the perfect biryani
• Use our Biryani Spice Kit - Pre-balanced spices save time and ensure authentic taste

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with:
- Raita (yogurt with cucumber and mint)
- Pickle
- Papad
- Salad with lemon wedges

Why Phoran Biryani Spice Kit Makes It Easy

Traditional biryani requires 10+ individual spices in precise ratios. Our Complete Biryani Spice Kit is hand-blended by Deepa Shah with the perfect balance of spices, saving you time while delivering authentic restaurant-style flavor. No guesswork, just perfect biryani every time!

Variations

Vegetable Biryani: Replace chicken with mixed vegetables (potatoes, carrots, beans, cauliflower)
Egg Biryani: Use boiled eggs instead of chicken
Mutton Biryani: Use mutton pieces and increase cooking time

Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including marination)
Serves: 4-5 people
Difficulty: Medium

Try this recipe and experience the magic of authentic Hyderabadi biryani at home. Order your Phoran Biryani Spice Kit today!