Biryani is a classic Indian dish that is known for its rich flavors and aromatic spices. This Biryani with Yogurt Marinated Chicken recipe takes the traditional dish to the next level by adding a creamy and tangy yogurt marinade to the chicken. The result is a tender and flavorful chicken that pairs perfectly with the fragrant rice and spices. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply craving a delicious meal, this Biryani recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients for Biryani with Yogurt Marinated Chicken
For the Marinade:
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons turmeric powder
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
For the Biryani:
- 2 cups basmati rice, rinsed and drained
- 4 cups water
- 2 onions, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/2 cup chopped mint leaves
- 1/2 cup chopped cashews
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup ghee or butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Biryani with Yogurt Marinated Chicken
Marinating the Chicken:
- Prepare Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, turmeric, garam masala, cumin, coriander, chili powder, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Marinate Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
Cooking the Biryani:
- Cook Rice: In a large pot, bring the water to a boil. Add the rice and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the rice is partially cooked. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Onions: In a large skillet, heat the ghee or butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until golden brown, about 10 minutes.
- Add Spices: Add the garlic and ginger to the skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Layer Biryani: In a large oven-safe dish, layer the partially cooked rice, marinated chicken, sautéed onions, chopped cilantro, chopped mint leaves, chopped cashews, and raisins. Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used, ending with a layer of rice on top.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
- Serve: Serve the Biryani hot, garnished with additional cilantro and mint leaves, if desired.
About the Main Ingredients
Yogurt: Yogurt is used to marinate the chicken, which helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.
Basmati Rice: Basmati rice is a long-grain rice that is known for its fragrant aroma and fluffy texture, making it the perfect choice for Biryani.
Spices: A blend of spices, including garam masala, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves, gives this Biryani its signature flavor and aroma.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are used in this recipe, but you can also use chicken thighs if you prefer. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Onions, Garlic, and Ginger: These aromatics add depth of flavor to the dish and complement the spices and yogurt marinade.
Cilantro and Mint: These fresh herbs add a burst of freshness to the Biryani, balancing out the richness of the dish.
Cashews and Raisins: These add texture and a hint of sweetness to the Biryani, making it a truly special and flavorful dish.
