Name: Indian Chicken Biryani Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken (cut into strips); 2 tablespoons flour; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 2 teaspoons yellow curry powder; 1 large onion (chopped); 5 large carrots (sliced); 2-3 cloves garlic (smashed and minced); 2 tablespoons yellow curry powder; 1 teaspoon ginger powder; 2 cups dry basmati rice; 3 1/2 cups water; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 2-3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 1/2 cup cilantro (chopped); 1/2 cup cashews (chopped)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 5 reviews

If you are craving a dish that bursts with vibrant colors, rich aromas, and layers of exquisite flavors, this Indian Chicken Biryani Recipe is just what you need. It brings together tender chicken seared to perfection, fragrant basmati rice, and a symphony of spices that create a comforting and impressive meal. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe balances simplicity with authentic Indian flair, making every bite a celebration of taste and texture.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A black pan filled with yellow rice mixed with orange carrot slices and pieces of cooked chicken. The rice looks soft and fluffy with small green herb leaves scattered on top and mixed in. There are also small light brown cashew nuts visible among the rice and chicken. The pan is placed on a white marbled textured surface with some fresh green herbs around it and a large knife with a wooden handle resting on the surface nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this Indian Chicken Biryani Recipe might seem straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in building the dish’s signature flavor and texture—from the aromatic spices to the fluffy rice. Here’s how every item contributes to the magic:

Chicken (1 pound, cut into strips): The star protein that absorbs all the delicious spices and juices.
Flour (2 tablespoons): Helps create a light coating to give the chicken a hint of crispness when seared.
Kosher salt (1 teaspoon + 2 teaspoons): Essential for seasoning both meat and rice perfectly.
Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle, balancing heat.
Yellow curry powder (4 teaspoons total): The fragrant spice blend that imparts warmth and depth.
Olive oil (2-3 tablespoons): For sautéing, adding richness and enhancing flavor development.
Onion (1 large, chopped): Creates a sweet and savory base aroma.
Carrots (5 large, sliced): Introduce sweetness and vibrant color, softened nicely for texture.
Garlic (2-3 cloves, smashed and minced): Adds pungency and a flavor punch.
Ginger powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm, slightly spicy undertone.
Basmati rice (2 cups dry): The fragrant long-grain rice that stays fluffy and light.
Water (3 ½ cups): The cooking liquid that steams the rice and chicken together.
Butter (2 tablespoons): Enriches the dish with a silky finish.
Cilantro (½ cup, chopped): Adds a fresh, herbaceous note.
Cashews (½ cup, chopped): Adds crunch and a nutty flavor contrast.

How to Make Indian Chicken Biryani Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Coat the Chicken

Begin by slicing the chicken into strips and patting them dry—this ensures better searing. Then, mix flour, salt, pepper, and curry powder in a small bowl to create a flavorful coating. Dredge each chicken piece in this mixture, which will help lock in moisture and add a subtle crisp texture.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken strips, spaced apart so each piece can brown nicely. Cooking them in batches is key here because a crowded pan steams the chicken instead of searing it. Let each side develop a beautiful brown crust while still leaving the inside slightly raw to finish cooking later with the rice.

Step 3: Sauté Onions and Carrots

After removing the chicken, add more olive oil to the pan and sauté the onions until translucent and fragrant. In the meantime, soften the sliced carrots by microwaving them briefly with a touch of water. Then combine the carrots with the onions in the pan and cook together briefly, layering sweetness and texture that complements the dish.

Step 4: Add Garlic and Spices

Introduce minced garlic to the pan and sauté until aromatic. Then, sprinkle in the curry powder and ginger powder, stirring constantly to toast the spices. This releases their essential oils, deepening the flavor and creating a rich foundation for the rice and chicken to absorb.

Step 5: Cook the Rice and Combine

Stir in the dry basmati rice, followed by water and salt, then nestle the partially cooked chicken strips back into the pan. Cover tightly and increase the heat to bring everything to a boil; then reduce the heat to low to gently simmer. This step is where the magic happens—the rice cooks fluffy, the chicken finishes cooking, and the flavors meld beautifully in about 17 minutes.

Step 6: Final Touches

Once the rice is tender and the chicken cooked through, take off the heat to stir in butter, chopped cilantro, and crunchy cashews for richness, freshness, and texture. For a little extra sweetness, golden raisins can be added here, creating an irresistible sweet-savory contrast.

How to Serve Indian Chicken Biryani Recipe

This close-up image shows a dish with three main layers. The bottom layer is soft yellow rice mixed with small green herb leaves scattered around. The middle layer has bright orange carrot slices, thick and smooth with a matte surface, spread evenly across the rice. The top layer includes golden-brown cooked pieces that look tender and slightly shiny, placed on top of the rice and carrots. Some white nuts can be seen near the edges, and small green leaves are sprinkled over the whole dish, adding fresh color contrast. The background is a white marbled texture photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The perfect garnish turns this Indian Chicken Biryani Recipe into a feast for the senses. Fresh cilantro sprinkled on top brightens the dish with color and aroma, while toasted cashews provide an irresistible crunch. A dollop of plain yogurt adds a creamy coolness that balances the spices gorgeously.

Side Dishes

Serve your biryani alongside refreshing cucumber slices or a simple cucumber raita—a yogurt-based condiment with a cooling effect. Roti or homemade naan bread are also fantastic choices to scoop up every last bit, adding a soft, buttery complement to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a striking presentation, layer your biryani in a beautiful deep serving bowl, topped with extra cilantro and cashews. Alternatively, serve it in individual bowls or on banana leaves for an authentic touch that will impress your guests visually and gastronomically alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover biryani can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping the moisture sealed helps preserve the flavors and prevents the rice from drying out, making for an easy next-day meal.

Freezing

You can freeze this Indian Chicken Biryani Recipe for longer storage by portioning it into freezer-safe containers. It freezes well for up to two months, allowing you to enjoy the fragrant flavors anytime you want with minimal preparation.

Reheating

When reheating, sprinkle a little water over the biryani to keep it moist, and cover it with a lid or microwave-safe wrap. Warm on low power to gently heat through without drying out the rice or toughening the chicken, ensuring each bite tastes just as fresh as the first.

FAQs

Can I use other types of rice for this Indian Chicken Biryani Recipe?

Basmati rice is ideal due to its long grains and fragrant aroma that enhance the biryani experience. Using other rice types might change the texture and flavor, but you can experiment based on your preference.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with vegetables like cauliflower, peas, or paneer cheese. Adjust cooking times accordingly and add extra spices to maintain the rich taste.

How spicy is this Indian Chicken Biryani Recipe?

This recipe offers a mild to moderate heat level thanks to the yellow curry powder and pepper. You can easily adjust the spices to suit your taste by adding chili powder or fresh chilies for extra kick.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time before guests arrive?

Yes, you can prepare the biryani components in advance and combine them just before serving, or make it fully ahead and reheat gently. This makes hosting much more relaxed and enjoyable.

What are some good drink pairings with Indian Chicken Biryani Recipe?

Light, crisp beverages like mango lassi, chilled white wine, or even a refreshing lemon soda complement the spices and richness beautifully, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Indian Chicken Biryani Recipe inspires you to bring a touch of Indian warmth and flavor into your kitchen. It’s a dish that’s as joyful to make as it is to eat, packed with layers of taste that feel like a warm hug from good friends. Don’t hesitate—grab those ingredients, and enjoy the wonderful journey of cooking and savoring one of India’s most beloved meals!