Spicy Chicken Biryani

Ingredients

• 1 kg Chicken
• 3 cup Basmati rice (washed and soaked for 20 minutes)
• 1.5 tbsp Ginger-garlic paste (freshly crushed preferred)
• 1 pack Bombay Biryani masala (Shan brand recommended)
• 4 tbsp Tikka masala
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Red chilli powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp Coriander powder
• 1 tsp Cumin powder
• 1 tsp Garam masala
• Imli chutney (amount not specified, add to taste)
• 4 Tomatoes (large, chopped)
• 1 cup Thick yogurt
• 8 Green chillies (divided, 8-10 total)
• 1 cup Oil
• Yellow/orange food color (optional, for garnish)
• Tomato slices (for garnish)
• Fresh coriander (for garnish)
• Fresh mint (for garnish)
• Lemon slices (for garnish)
• Fried onion (for garnish)

Steps

1. 1

   Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the soaked rice and boil for 8-10 minutes until 80% cooked (still slightly firm). Drain and set aside.

2. 2

   In a separate pot, heat the oil. Add the chicken, ginger-garlic paste, and 4 of the green chillies. Sauté until the chicken changes color.

3. 3

   Add the Bombay Biryani masala, tikka masala, salt, red chilli powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala, and imli chutney. Cook for 8 minutes.

4. 4

   Add the chopped tomatoes, yogurt, and the remaining green chillies. Cook for 7-8 minutes, then cover and simmer for 15 minutes until the tomatoes are soft, stirring occasionally.

5. 5

   Uncover and cook on medium heat until the oil separates from the gravy. Remove some of the excess oil to use for drizzling later if desired.

6. 6

   Layer the par-boiled rice over the chicken gravy. Top with tomato slices, remaining chillies, fresh coriander, mint, lemon slices, and fried onions. Sprinkle with food color if using.

7. 7

   Cover the pot with a lid sealed with aluminum foil or a cloth to trap steam. Cook on the lowest flame (dum) for 10-12 minutes before serving.

Notes

The author notes that the rice should be boiled to 80% doneness so it finishes perfectly during the 'dum' (steaming) phase. Ensure the pot is tightly sealed during the final step to allow the flavors to meld.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• spicy
• chicken
• rice
• biryani
• stovetop
• dinner