Chicken biryani is a beloved and popular dish that originates from the South Asian region. It is a flavorful and aromatic rice dish that is made by combining cooked rice and chicken with a blend of spices and herbs. This article will guide you through a simple and easy recipe to make chicken biryani using cooked rice.
Ingredients Needed for Chicken Biryani:
Before diving into the recipe, it’s essential to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
For cooking the rice:
– 2 cups of Basmati rice
– Water for boiling
– 1 teaspoon of salt
For the chicken marinade:
– 500 grams of boneless chicken, cut into pieces
– 1 cup of plain yogurt
– 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon of ginger-garlic paste
– 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
– 1 teaspoon of red chili powder
– 1 teaspoon of cumin powder
– Salt to taste
For the biryani:
– 2 onions, thinly sliced
– 2 tomatoes, chopped
– 2 green chilies, slit
– 1 tablespoon of biryani masala powder
– 1 tablespoon of ghee (clarified butter) or oil
– A handful of fresh mint leaves, chopped
– A handful of fresh coriander leaves, chopped
– A pinch of saffron strands soaked in 2 tablespoons of warm milk (optional)
Step-by-Step Recipe:
Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s move on to the step-by-step process of making chicken biryani using cooked rice:
1. Cooking the Rice:
Start by rinsing the Basmati rice in cold water to remove any excess starch. Then, place the rice in a large pot filled with water and add the salt. Bring the water to a boil and cook the rice until it is 70% done. It should still have a slight bite to it. Once cooked, strain the rice and set it aside.
2. Marinating the Chicken:
In a bowl, combine the boneless chicken pieces with yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, and salt. Mix well, ensuring all the chicken pieces are coated in the marinade. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or if possible, refrigerate it for a few hours to enhance the flavors.
3. Preparing the Biryani:
a. Heat the ghee or oil in a large, deep-bottomed pan or Dutch oven. Add the sliced onions and sauté them until they turn golden brown and caramelized. This process might take around 8-10 minutes on medium heat.
b. Once the onions are caramelized, add the marinated chicken to the pan. Cook the chicken on medium-high heat until it is no longer pink and is fully cooked. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
c. Now, add the chopped tomatoes, green chilies, biryani masala powder, and half of the chopped mint and coriander leaves. Mix everything together and let it cook for another 5-7 minutes on medium heat. The tomatoes should become soft and blend well with the spices.
d. As the chicken mixture simmers, layer the partially cooked rice evenly on top of it. Sprinkle the remaining chopped mint and coriander leaves over the rice. If desired, drizzle the saffron milk over the rice to give it a vibrant color and a subtle flavor.
e. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and cook the biryani on low heat for about 20-25 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and ensures that the rice absorbs all the aromatic spices. Make sure to check occasionally to prevent the bottom from burning.
4. Serving the Chicken Biryani:
Once the chicken biryani is cooked, remove it from heat and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the steam to settle. Gently fluff up the rice with a fork, being careful not to break the grains. Serve the chicken biryani hot with raita (yogurt-based side dish) or a salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Conclusion:
Making chicken biryani with cooked rice is a fantastic way to repurpose leftover rice and create a delicious and flavorful dish. By following this simple recipe, you can enjoy the rich and fragrant flavors of this South Asian classic right in your own kitchen. Experiment with different spice levels and ingredients to customize the biryani according to your taste preferences. So, gather the ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the tantalizing flavors of homemade chicken biryani!