Ingredients

• For the rice: 2 cups - basmati rice
• 2-3 - bay leaves
• 2-3 - cardamom pods (bruised)
• 2-3 - cloves
• 1 tsp - ghee
• 1/2 cup - mint leaves
• water as required
• salt to taste
• saffron strands
• For the chicken: 500 g - chicken
• 1 - onion (thinly sliced)
• 2 - tomatoes (chopped)
• 3-4 tbsp - oil
• 1/2 cup - curd
• 2 tbsp - ghee (optional)
• 2 - cloves
• 2 - cardamom pods
• 1 - cinnamon stick (small piece)
• 1 - star anise
• 1 tsp - ginger paste
• 1 tsp - garlic paste
• salt to taste
• 1/2 tsp - garlic (chopped)
• 1/4 tsp - sugar
• 1.5 tbsp - chilli powder
• 1 tbsp - coriander powder
• 1/4 tsp - turmeric powder
• 2 tbsp - biryani masala
• For garnishing: Fresh sliced tomatoes
• Caramelized onions and garlic

How to Make Chicken Biryani

• Heat oil in a heavy based pan and saute the ingredients for chicken (cloves, cinnamon, cardamoms, star anise, followed by garlic and onion.
• Once they turn brown, add the ginger-garlic paste and cook until the raw smell disappears.
• Add the tomatoes and cook until mashed, followed by the spices, chilli powder, coriander powder, biryani powder, salt and turmeric.
• Reduce the heat completely and add curd and mix well.
• Once cooked, add the chicken pieces and cook until half done. Let the chicken simmer.
• While the chicken is simmering, pre-soak the basmati rice in water for 10-15 minutes.
• Cook the rice with all the condiments as well as the saffron strands soaked in water. Once partly cooked, strain in a colander and keep aside, giving a gentle stir to ensure it is only par boiled. Keep aside.
• Gradually incorporate the chicken masala into the rice, slowly folding it in the rice or you could follow the layering technique used in dum biryani.
• Place a layer of rice followed by the caramelized onions and garlic and top with chicken.
• Repeat the process until the rice and chicken have been completely layered.
• Cover with a lid and let the rice and chicken cook together for another 10-15 minutes on medium heat.
• Serve with raita, chicken curry, brinjal thokku or chicken fry.