How to Make Chicken Biryani – A Step-by-Step British English Recipe Guide

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🍗 Introduction: What is Chicken Biryani?

Chicken Biryani is one of the most beloved and iconic dishes in Indian cuisine. It's a fragrant rice dish made with basmati rice, chicken marinated in spices, and layers of herbs, fried onions, and saffron. The dish is cooked using the "dum" method, a slow-steaming technique that allows the flavours to blend beautifully.

Whether you're new to cooking or an experienced foodie, this guide will show you exactly how to make Chicken Biryani at home using British English, with clear steps and helpful tips throughout.

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🍴 Why You’ll Love This Chicken Biryani Recipe

Traditional Indian flavour

Uses everyday ingredients

Easy-to-follow instructions

Ideal for lunch, dinner, or special occasions

Customisable spice levels

One-pot meal perfect for sharing

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🛒 Ingredients for Chicken Biryani

🐓 For the Chicken Marinade:

500g chicken pieces (bone-in or boneless, skinless thighs recommended)

150g plain yoghurt

1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste

½ teaspoon turmeric powder

1 teaspoon red chilli powder

1 teaspoon garam masala

Juice of ½ a lemon

Salt to taste

🍚 For the Rice:

2 cups basmati rice

1 bay leaf

3–4 green cardamoms

4–5 cloves

1 small piece of cinnamon stick

Salt to taste

Water for boiling

🍳 For the Biryani:

2 onions, thinly sliced

2 tablespoons ghee or cooking oil

½ teaspoon cumin seeds

½ cup fresh coriander leaves, chopped

½ cup mint leaves, chopped

A pinch of saffron strands (optional) soaked in 2 tablespoons warm milk

¼ cup warm milk or water (for steaming)

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🧂 Optional Whole Spices (for enhanced aroma):

Star anise

Mace (javitri)

Black cardamom

Nutmeg (a pinch)

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🍽 Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy-bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven with a lid

Mixing bowls

Frying pan (for onions)

Slotted spoon

Sieve for rice draining

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🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Make Chicken Biryani

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✅ Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken with yoghurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, turmeric, chilli powder, garam masala, and salt.

2. Mix well until the chicken is fully coated.

3. Cover and let it marinate for at least 1 hour (or overnight in the fridge for best results).

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✅ Step 2: Prepare the Basmati Rice

1. Rinse the rice 2–3 times in cold water until the water runs clear. Soak it for 30 minutes, then drain.

2. In a large pan, bring water to a boil. Add bay leaf, whole spices, and salt.

3. Add the soaked rice and boil until 70–80% cooked (the grains should be soft on the outside but firm in the middle).

4. Drain and set aside.

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✅ Step 3: Fry the Onions

1. Heat oil or ghee in a pan.

2. Add the sliced onions and fry until golden brown and crispy.

3. Remove and drain on kitchen paper. These will be used for layering.

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✅ Step 4: Cook the Chicken

1. In a heavy-bottomed pan or biryani pot, heat 1 tablespoon ghee or oil.

2. Add cumin seeds, then the marinated chicken along with all the marinade.

3. Cook on medium heat for about 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is 80–90% done and the gravy thickens.

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✅ Step 5: Layer the Biryani

1. Lower the heat to minimum. Spread half of the cooked rice over the chicken.

2. Sprinkle half of the fried onions, mint leaves, coriander, and a few saffron strands (if using).

3. Layer the rest of the rice on top.

4. Add the remaining fried onions, herbs, and saffron milk.

5. Sprinkle ¼ cup warm milk or water around the edges to help with steaming.

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✅ Step 6: Dum Cooking (Steam Finish)

Option 1 – Stove-Top Dum:

1. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. If your lid isn’t tight, seal it with foil or dough.

2. Place the pot on low heat for 15–20 minutes.

3. Let it rest for 10 minutes before opening.

Option 2 – Oven Dum:

1. Preheat oven to 170°C (fan 150°C).

2. Cover the pot and bake for 25–30 minutes.

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✅ Step 7: Serve

Gently fluff the layers using a flat spatula.

Serve hot with raita, green chutney, boiled eggs, or onion salad.

Don’t stir too much – you want to preserve the layered texture.

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🍛 Serving Suggestions

Raita (yoghurt with cucumber or boondi)

Kachumber salad (chopped onions, cucumber, tomato)

Papad or pickle

Chilled sweet lassi for a refreshing drink

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💡 Tips for the Perfect Chicken Biryani

Don’t overcook the rice – it should be slightly underdone before layering.

Use fresh whole spices for maximum aroma.

Marinate overnight for juicier chicken.

Avoid too much water during cooking to prevent a soggy biryani.

Use a thick-bottomed pan to avoid burning the bottom layer.

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🔄 Variations You Can Try

Hyderabadi Biryani: Use raw marinated chicken and layer with rice before cooking together on dum.

Kolkata-style Biryani: Add boiled eggs and potatoes.

Spicy Biryani: Increase chilli powder and add green chillies to the marinade.

Mild Biryani for Kids: Use less spice and add a spoonful of cream or coconut milk.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I use brown rice instead of basmati?

Yes, but adjust cooking time and water. Brown rice takes longer and needs more water.

Q2: What cut of chicken is best for biryani?

Bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks are best for flavour and tenderness.

Q3: Is Chicken Biryani spicy?

It can be! Adjust chilli powder and use yoghurt to balance heat.

Q4: Can I make biryani ahead of time?

Yes. Store in the fridge and reheat gently. It often tastes even better the next day!

Q5: How do I prevent the rice from turning mushy?

Cook rice only until 70% done before layering, and avoid over-steaming.

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📊 Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Calories: ~450–550 kcal

Protein: 30g

Carbohydrates: 45g

Fat: 20g

Fibre: 3g

Note: These values may vary depending on ingredients used and portion sizes.

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📝 Final Thoughts

Chicken Biryani is not just a dish — it’s an experience. Fragrant, colourful, and layered with rich spices, it brings families together and turns any meal into a celebration. By following this British English recipe guide, even beginners can enjoy the magic of homemade Chicken Biryani.

So the next time you’re craving a hearty Indian meal, skip the takeaway — and cook your very own biryani right in your kitchen. You’ll love the aroma, the taste, and the

 satisfaction of mastering this culinary masterpiece. 🍽️🇮🇳

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Author Bio:

This recipe guide was written by a passionate food writer who enjoys bringing Indian flavours to home kitchens using clear, easy British English instructions.

--- write ✍️ by foodie Parmod.