Chicken Biryani

Instructions

• Step 1

  In a medium bowl, stir together yogurt, lemon juice, oil, ginger, garlic, garam masala, turmeric, 1 tbsp salt, black pepper, cumin and paprika. Toss in chicken until well coated. Cover and marinate in refrigerator for at least 4 to 6 hours but overnight is best.

  Step 2

  Preheat broiler on HIGH. Place chicken on lightly greased foil-lined baking sheet. Broil for 10 to 12 mins or until starting to brown.

  Step 3

  Meanwhile, heat 1/4 cup ghee in large Dutch oven or saucepan set over medium heat. Add cinnamon stick, cardamom, cloves, star anise and bay leaves. Cook for 2 to 3 mins or until toasted and fragrant. Stir in onions and cook for 5 to 8 mins or until tender and lightly golden.

  Step 4

  Stir in rice, remaining salt and saffron. Cook for 3 to 5 mins or until well coated. Stir in 3 1/2 cups water and bring to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 15 to 20 mins or until rice is tender and absorbs most of the liquid. Add chicken juices from baking sheet into the rice and stir. Nestle in chicken pieces. Cover and cook for 5 to 8 mins or until rice has absorbed all the liquid.

  Step 5

  Garnish with cilantro and mint before serving

  Contents

  • 1 Recipe Tip:

  Recipe Tip:

  Remove bay leaves and whole spices if desired.

  For festive biryani, add frozen 1 cup peas in the last 5 mins of cooking. Serve with a dollop of yogurt. Garnish with sliced almonds, pistachios, dried chopped apricots, fried shallots and fresh thinly sliced chilies.