What is the secret ingredient for biryani?

While every chef has a favorite trick, most agree the secret is fried onions (birista) and saffron milk. Fried onions add deep sweetness and color, while saffron brings royal aroma. Some also add a splash of rose water or kewra water before steaming.

What are the ingredients in chicken biryani?

A classic Chicken Biryani Recipe includes: chicken (usually bone-in), basmati rice, yogurt, fried onions, fresh mint and cilantro, whole spices like cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, bay leaf, plus biryani masala, ginger garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric, and optionally saffron milk.

What is the secret to a good biryani?

Balance and patience. Marinate the chicken long enough, cook the rice only 70% before layering, and seal the pot well for steaming (dum). Finally, rest the biryani for 10–15 minutes after cooking so flavors blend perfectly.

What do they put in chicken biryani?

Besides chicken and rice, it’s all about the layers: yogurt-marinated chicken, fragrant basmati rice, fried onions, fresh herbs, saffron or rose water, and whole spices that infuse warmth and aroma into every bite.

Chicken Biryani Recipe: Best 2 Methods for Taste

Description

Discover how to make authentic Chicken Biryani Recipe two ways: a quick homestyle version and an aromatic restaurant-style biryani.

Ingredients

Scale

½ kg bone-in chicken
2 cups basmati rice
½ cup plain yogurt
1¼ tbsp ginger garlic paste
Whole spices: bay leaf, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, star anise
½–1 tbsp garam masala or biryani masala
½ tsp salt (plus to taste)
¼ tsp turmeric powder
½–1 tsp red chili powder
1 tbsp lemon juice
2–3 tbsp fried onions
Pinch of saffron soaked in 2 tbsp hot milk
Fresh mint and cilantro leaves
Optional: rose water or kewra water

Instructions

Marinate chicken in yogurt, spices, ginger garlic paste, lemon juice, and salt for at least 1 hour (or overnight).
Rinse and soak basmati rice for 30 minutes. Drain.
Heat ghee/oil, add whole spices, fry onions until light brown.
Add marinated chicken; cook until tender and masala thickens.
Layer chicken with soaked rice. Pour hot salted water to cover rice slightly.
Add fried onions, saffron milk, mint, and optionally rose/kewra water.
Cover and cook on low heat until rice is fluffy and grains separate.
Rest covered 10–15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Always parboil rice only 70% before layering for perfect texture.
Use fresh mint, saffron, and fried onions to boost aroma.
For lighter biryani, air-fry onions and use low-fat yogurt.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

Calories: ~450
Fat: 16g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 22g

Keywords: Chicken Biryani Recipe