Simple Chicken Biryani Recipe | Pakistani Style

Biryani is possibly the most popular rice dish in India, Pakistan, and globally. Biryani is renowned for its strong aroma, rich flavor, spices, and soft meat. Biryani is a favorite dish on dinner plates at family events, festivals, and celebrations. If you are searching for an easy chicken biryani recipe that can be tried with ease by beginners at home, you are in the right place.
This Pakistani chicken biryani recipe is quick to make, consists of common ingredients, and ensures a delicious, restaurant-quality taste. Here, you will learn the best chicken biryani recipe ingredients, simple step-by-step cooking process, expert tips, and variations that you can attempt.

Chicken Biryani Recipe Ingredients

Here’s the complete biryani ingredients list you’ll need:

Main Ingredients

1 kg chicken cut into medium pieces

4 cups basmati rice soaked for 30 minutes

3 large onions, thinly sliced

3 medium tomatoes, chopped

1 cup yogurt whisked

2–3 green chilies slit

1/4 cup fresh coriander leaves, chopped

1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped

1/4 cup cooking oil or ghee

Spices

2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste

2 tsp red chili powder

1 tsp turmeric powder

2 tsp coriander powder

1 tsp garam masala powder

1 tsp cumin seeds

4–5 whole cloves

2–3 cardamoms

1 bay leaf

1 cinnamon stick

Rice Flavoring

1/2 tsp saffron strands, soaked in warm milk (optional)

1 tsp kewra water or rose water

With these chicken biryani recipe ingredients, you’re all set to create the perfect dish.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

• Mix chicken, yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and salt in a large bowl.

• Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour (overnight for best results).

Step 2: Fry the Onions

• Heat oil in a pan.

• Fry the chopped onions till they turn golden brown and crispy.

• Set aside half of them and reserve them for garnish.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken Masala

• Add the marinated chicken to the same pan and cook until the meat is done, changing color.

• Add chopped tomatoes, green chilies, mint, and coriander leaves.

• Cook until the chicken is tender and the masala thickens.

Step 4: Prepare the Rice

• Boil cumin seeds, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, and bay leaf in a separate pot of water.

• Add soaked rice and boil till 70% cooked (still firm at the center).

• Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Layering the Biryani

• Layer half of the prepared rice in a deep vessel.

• Cover it with the chicken masala.

• Germinate the leftover rice over it.

• Drizzle saffron milk and kewra water.

• Garnish with fried onions, mint, and coriander.

Step 6: Dum Cooking (Steaming)

• Cover the pot tightly (seal edges with dough for conventional dum).

• Cook on low heat for 20–25 minutes until the rice absorbs all the flavors.

Best Chicken Biryani Tips

Rice Tip: Basmati rice of good quality should be used for fluffy long grains.

Marination Tip: Chicken marinating overnight for the best flavor.

Onion Tip: Fried crispy onions (birista) provide flavor and fragrance.

Dum Tip: Low heat should be applied to the dum so that it does not burn.

Chicken Biryani varieties

Spicy Chicken Biryani → Use more chili powder or green whole chilies for that spicy flavor.

Mild Chicken Biryani → Use less chili and more cream or yogurt for that mild flavor.

Restaurant-Style Biryani → Use saffron milk and kewra essence for that authentic flavor.

One-Pot Chicken Biryani → Mix chicken and rice together for that simple and quick version.

Conclusion

This easy chicken biryani recipe is ideal for beginner cooks and veterans alike. Provided you have the right mix of biryani ingredients, marination, and layering method, you can have a real Pakistani chicken biryani recipe within your own four walls.

So, get your ingredients, read the instructions, and treat your family to a plate of aromatic, delicious biryani today!