Chicken Dum Biryani Recipe
Chicken Dum Biryani is a classic Indian dish that is a combination of spiced chicken and Basmati Rice. It is made by layering the Rice and chicken in a pot and then slow cooking it over a low flame. This method is known as "dum cooking" which seals in the flavors and aromas of the spices and chicken. This dish is a staple in many Indian households and is perfect for special occasions, family gatherings, and even for weeknight meals.Treat your taste buds to the aromatic and flavorful Chicken Dum Biryani, made with tender chicken and perfectly cooked Basmati Rice. A classic Indian dish that is perfect for special occasions, family gatherings, and even weeknight meals.
Ingredients
For rice
- 6 cups water
- 2 1/2 tsp salt
- 5 tsp Green cardamom smashed
- 1 tsp Cumin (Jeera)
- 1 tsp bay leaf / tej patta
- 360 grams basmati rice ~2 cups
For caramelized onions
- 2 tsp ghee / clarified butter
- 2 whole Onions sliced thin
For chicken
- 1 cup yogurt / dahi / curd
- 1 tablespoon Oil
- 10 tsp garlic grated
- 10 tsp ginger grated
- 1 tsp serrano chili peppers to taste, minced
- 5 tsp mint leaves finely chopped
- 10 tsp coriander leaves / cilantro finely chopped
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp salt
- 900 grams chicken
For Biryani
- 1 cup Oil from rice
- 1/2 tsp Saffron / Kesar
- tsp coriander leaves / cilantro for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Some prep work must be completed before you begin making this delicious recipe.
- Soak rice for 20 minutes at least
- Chop all vegetables
- Prepare the ginger-garlic paste
Cooking
- To marinate the chicken for the biryani, combine the curd, vegetable oil, garlic, ginger, chili peppers, mint, cilantro or coriander, garam masala, cinnamon and salt in a large bowl and mix all together. Add the chicken pieces and toss together making sure the chicken is thoroughly coated in the marinade. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 4-6 hours or best if possible overnight.
- In a large Pot / Kadai / Wok / Pan add clarified butter / ghee and onions and saute the onions until they are well caramelized (15-20 minutes). Transfer the caramelized onions to a bowl and set aside.
- Prepare the rice by washing in a strainer under running water until the water runs clear.
- In a Pot, boil the rice by adding water, salt, cardamom, cumin and bay leaf and bring it to a boil. Boil rice upto 80% only, rest it will get done while steaming with chicken.
- In another pot add the chicken in a single layer, skin-side down. Fry until golden brown on one side (about 5 minutes). Flip the chicken over and fry the other side until golden brown. Transfer the chicken back to the bowl you marinated it in.
- To assemble the Chicken Dum Biryani, in a pot add half of the rice, add saffron to the rice and then add half chicken which you have cooked in a single layer.
- Repeat the same for second layer, then top the chicken with an even layer of caramelized onions.
- A layer of caramelized onions goes on top of the chicken for the Biryani.
- At the end, add 1 cup of reserved liquid from boiling the rice. Cover the pot with a lid and put the pot on the stove over low heat for 20 minutes. Dum/ Steam will make 20% rice while giving nice aromatic texture to the biryani.
- After 20 minutes, mix the Chicken Biryani together and then transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh cilantro or coriander and serve hot.
- Enjoy your Chicken Dum Biryani!
Equipment Used for This Recipe
Notes & Tips
- Washing rice: It's important to wash your rice thoroughly to rid it of any excess starch so your Biryani turns out fluffy.
- Rice: Use only Basmati Rice for this chicken dum biryani recipe.
- Chicken: Use chicken with bones for great flavors. Boneless chicken will result in dry and tough chicken. You can use mutton in place of chicken for Mutton Dum Biryani.
- Marination: Marinate chicken in all the spices for at least 4 to 6 hours. Marinating it overnight in refrigerator would yield tasty chicken biryani.
- Chili Powder: To get the bright orangish-red color, it is best to use Kashmiri red chilli powder or Deghi mirch instead of artificial food colors. You can even add cayenne pepper or paprika or any other variety of red chilli powder.
- Other options than Bhatura: You can serve Chole with Indian breads like Roti or Naan or Jeera Rice accompany with Mint Raita, Papad and Achar.
- Ingredients: Find these ingredients at Indian specialty food stores or online stores. For review of some stores, please refer to the Grocery Review Section on our Website.
Nutrition Information (Note: Approximate)
Nutrition Facts
Chicken Dum Biryani Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
1050
% Daily Value*
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.