Hyderabadi Chicken Biryani recipe

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Authentic Hyderabadi Biryani

Hyderabadi Chicken Biryani, a masterpiece originating from the royal kitchens of the Nizam of Hyderabad, stands as a crowning jewel in Indian cuisine. This majestic dish combines fragrant long-grain basmati rice with tender, marinated chicken, brought together through a unique cooking method called ‘dum‘ where ingredients are slowly steam-cooked in a sealed pot. What sets it apart is its distinct blend of aromatic spices including Chilli powder , the generous use of fresh herbs, subtle sourness from yoghurt marination, the richness of ghee, and the unmistakable presence of saffron that gives the rice its characteristic golden hue. The careful layering technique allows each grain of rice to absorb the complex flavours, while the garnish of crispy fried onions, fresh mint, and toasted nuts creates a symphony of textures that complement its aromatic appeal.

Hyderabadi Chicken Biryani
 
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Nutrition Information
  • Serves: 8
  • Serving size: 290 grams
  • Calories: 234 kcal
  • Fat: 27 g
  • Saturated fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated fat: 9 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 686 mg
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 43 gr
  • Cholesterol: 156 mg
Recipe type: Curry
Cuisine: Indian
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
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A culinary treasure from the heart of the Deccan plateau, Hyderabadi biryani transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary feast. Each pot tells a story of meticulous preparation, where tender chicken marinated in aromatic spices meets perfectly cooked basmati rice. The magic lies in the 'dum' cooking process, where sealed pots trap steam and allow the saffron-infused layers to exchange flavours, creating a dish that's greater than the sum of its parts. One bite reveals why this biryani has captured hearts across generations, making it not just a meal, but a celebration of India's rich culinary heritage.
Ingredients
For the chicken marinade:
  • 1 kg chicken, cut into pieces
  • 1 cup yoghurt
  • 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
  • 2 teaspoons red chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt to taste
For the rice:
  • 3 cups high-quality basmati rice
  • 6 cups water
  • 4-5 green cardamom pods
  • 2 black cardamom pods
  • 4 cloves
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • Salt to taste
For the biryani:
  • 3 large onions, thinly sliced and fried until golden
  • ½ cup ghee or oil
  • 4 green chilies, slit
  • ½ cup chopped mint leaves
  • ½ cup chopped coriander leaves
  • ½ teaspoon saffron strands soaked in ¼ cup warm milk
  • Rose water (optional)
  • ½ cup fried cashews for garnish
Instructions
Marinate the chicken:
  1. Mix all marinade ingredients with the chicken
  2. Let it rest for at least 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator
Prepare the rice:
  1. Wash the rice until water runs clear, then soak for 30 minutes
  2. In a large pot, bring water to boil with whole spices and salt
  3. Cook rice until 70% done (still slightly firm)
  4. Drain and set aside
Cook the biryani:
  1. In a heavy-bottomed pot, layer half the marinated chicken
  2. Cover with half the rice
  3. Add half the fried onions, mint, coriander, and green chilies
  4. Repeat layers with remaining ingredients
  5. Top with saffron milk, rose water, and fried cashews
  6. Seal the pot with dough or heavy-duty foil
Dum cooking:
  1. Place pot on low heat
  2. Cook for 20-25 minutes on low heat
  3. Let it rest for 10 minutes before opening
Serving:
  1. Gently mix the layers, ensuring not to break the rice
  2. Serve hot with raita and salan
Notes
Use good quality, aged basmati rice for best results
Don't overcook the rice in the first stage
The dum process (slow-cooking) is crucial for melding flavors
Traditional Hyderabadi biryani has a slight tanginess from the marinade
You can adjust spice levels according to your preference

This recipe yields 4 portions

Keywords: Hyderabadi chicken biryani

 

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