Rich, redolent, savory – this Chicken Biryani, together with its gripping fragrance and slightly pungent flavor, is an Indian rice dish that will make you grab varieties of it.
What is Chicken Biryani?
Chicken Biryani is a famous aromatic Indian dish fitting for namely either family times, buffets or party food platters.
Originated in Persia, Chicken Biryani then, soon enough, spread its way further to the South of India. After traveling through different parts of India, the dish then appeared under many forms and versions, which varied from royal courts to local tables. Its ingredients were also modified bit by bit, and different methods were adapted to suit each indigenous dieting custom.
Cooking methods
The original form of Chicken Biryani is well-known by the name “Dam Pukht” which means “steam-cooked”. This has pretty much represented the cooking method for Chicken Biryani, which involves marinating the chicken meat and cooking it with basmati rice followed by layering.
Now, to break it down, there are two more specific ways:
- Kachi yakhni biryani chicken: The raw chicken meat is marinated with the spice blend first, then put to cook along with the rice so that both will come out well-cooked together.
- Pakki yakhni biryani chicken: Both the chicken meat and the rice are cooked ahead separately, then layered over one another in a dutch oven and steamed in a shorter period of cooking time.
So basically we did follow the first method here, just with a minor manipulation: we gave the chicken a quick sear before bringing it to a boil with the rice. That was plainly supposed to tenderize the chicken and make it more juicy.
Is Chicken Biryani healthy?
For the fact that Chicken Biryani involves only chicken thighs and fresh ground spices, then yes, it is healthy. Though higher in calories and fat when compared to chicken breasts, thighs are still a good source of lean protein. If you wish to follow strictly on your daily quota, simply watch for the portion size. The differences in nutritious contents may not vary vastly between the two, but the numbers can still add up quite much in larger servings.
Honestly speaking, any chicken parts would do well just the same, so, the decision is yours. Also, consider purchasing fresh whole spices then ground it yourself so the taste could be as close to its original taste as possible.
Additionally, basmati rice, a popular long grain rice coming from the South Asia, is also a big plus for healthy eating.
If you’re obsessed with the fact that carbs intake will make you gain more weight, basmati rice is an even greater choice for you. It is composed of complex carbs, with a much lower glycemic index (58) in comparison with that of regular white rice (109), which means less feeling bloated, much more filling and easier digestion.
Basmati rice can also reduce heart health risks, prevent cancer cell formation and lower diabetic risks. Perfect for those who are on diet or facing health issues.
The simple yet captivating spice blend
Don’t you fret over the long list of spices just yet. The spices are meant to culminate the maximum flavor for the dish. They also demonstrate the beauty of culinary art by creating the royal but casual atmosphere when caramelized through layers of chicken and rice, one by one.
Back in the old days, coconut-infused curry paste and ginger garlic paste were peculiarly favored in the South of India, and Chicken Biryani was not an exception either. Rice and chicken were mixed but not layered. Only after having travelled through continents and cuisines, the most famous adaptation for Chicken Biryani now in America is the recipe that calls for layering, either with or without curry paste depending on the cook’s preference.
Chicken Biryani recipe
Prep
Cook
Total
Yield 4 servings
This Chicken Biryani is truly a staple to indulge in. For people following gluten-free diets, you can consider using organic, free-range chicken broth instead. There is even a low-sodium version in case you want so.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into 1" chunks
- 2 cups uncooked basmati rice, rinsed and drained
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, cut into 1/2-inch dice
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup water
- Spice mix:
- 1 green bell pepper sliced
- 2 teaspoons Kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
How to Make
- Sear the chicken meat on olive oil in a dutch oven over medium-high heat (or a stock pot if you’re making a bigger batch of it) until it gets slightly charred on all sides.
- Add the onion slices, garlic, ginger, tomato chops in the oven and keep stirring with the chicken for another 3 minutes (or until the onion turns translucent).
- Pour in 1/2 cup water and bring it to a simmer for 20 minutes or so, just when the water almost evaporates.
- Add in all the ingredients for the spice mix and stir well.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil.
- After reaching the boiling point, reduce the heat to low level then add in the basmati rice to cook. The cooking time should depend on how you like the texture for your rice to be, sticky or firm. For mild sticky, let's say 15 minutes. Firm rice will need 15-20 minutes.
- After done cooking, turn off the heat but leave it covered for an extra 5 minutes before bringing to serve.
Notes
Chicken Biryani is often served with a hot bowl of steamed basmati rice; other than that, a naan or cooling Indian Raita are great options too. You can also make it a bit lighter with a tinge of lime.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 1 cup
Amount Per Serving | ||
|---|---|---|
Calories 292 | ||
% Daily Value | ||
Total Fat 9.4 g | 14% | |
Saturated Fat 1.7 g | 9% | |
Trans Fat 0.1 g | ||
Cholesterol 48 mg | 16% | |
Sodium 420 mg | 18% | |
Total Carbohydrates 31 g | 10% | |
Dietary Fiber 1.4 g | 6% | |
Sugars 3.2 g | ||
Protein 20 g | 40% | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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