Chicken Biryani - tested recipe

Chicken Biryani - An Aromatic Journey into the World of Flavors

Biryani is a dish that combines rice with meat and spices, being one of the most beloved meals worldwide. This chicken biryani recipe is perfect for those who want to experience rich flavors and bring a touch of magic to their kitchen. Get ready to delight your taste buds and impress your friends and family with this delicious recipe!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Necessary ingredients:
- 75 ml olive oil
- 1 small onion, peeled and sliced
- 1 bay leaf
- A pinch of cinnamon
- 8 cardamom pods
- 6 cloves
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 500 g chicken, diced
- 150 ml yogurt
- 400 ml water or vegetable/chicken broth
- Spices (all ground into powder):
- 1 teaspoon ginger
- 1 teaspoon cardamom
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon dill
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1 teaspoon garlic
- salt, to taste
- chili powder, to taste
- For rice:
- 500 g basmati rice (preferably)
- 600 ml water
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 bay leaf
- 6 cardamom pods
- A pinch of cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon black cumin
- For garnish:
- 1 onion, sliced
- fresh coriander or parsley
- A pinch of saffron or turmeric
- juice of ½ lemon
- 1 chili pepper, sliced
- ½ bell pepper (red), sliced

Step by step:

1. Start by preparing the basic flavors. In a deep pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.

2. Once the onion is well softened, add the crushed garlic, bay leaf, cinnamon, cardamom pods, and cloves. Sauté the spices for 1 minute to release their divine aromas.

3. Now it's time to add the chicken. Add the diced chicken to the pan, stirring well to coat with the spices. Let them brown slightly, about 5-7 minutes.

4. Add the yogurt and mix again. The yogurt will add a wonderful creaminess to the dish. After mixing, pour in the water or vegetable/chicken broth, covering the meat. Let it simmer on low heat for 50 minutes, until the sauce thickens nicely.

5. While the chicken cooks patiently, prepare the rice. Rinse the rice well in several waters to remove the starch, then add it to a pot with water and all the spices listed for the rice (bay leaf, cardamom pods, cinnamon, and cumin). Cover the rice with water by 3 fingers and let it simmer on low heat, covered, for about 15-20 minutes.

6. In the meantime, you can prepare the garnishes. In a small pan, fry the sliced onion in a little oil until golden. This step will add extra crunch and flavor.

7. Once the meat is cooked and the rice is boiled, it's time to assemble the biryani. In a heatproof dish greased with a little butter, place ½ of the rice, followed by the meat with half of the sauce. Cover with the remaining rice and sauce.

8. On top of the rice layer, add the sliced chili pepper, fresh parsley, fried onion, and saffron (or turmeric) soaked in a little water. Drizzle everything with lemon juice to add a touch of freshness.

9. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 30-40 minutes. This step will allow the flavors to infuse and combine perfectly.

10. After the cooking time has elapsed, remove the biryani from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This is the perfect time to prepare your plates and enjoy the exquisite aroma that fills the kitchen.

Practical tips:
- Always choose quality basmati rice, as it will add a light texture and the specific aroma of biryani.
- If you want to add vegetables, carrots or peas are excellent choices. These can be added during the cooking of the meat.
- You can also use lamb or turkey, depending on your preferences.
- If you like a spicier taste, you can add more chili peppers or use chili powder.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use regular rice instead of basmati? Theoretically, yes, but basmati rice has a unique aroma and texture that contribute to the authenticity of the dish.
- How can I store the biryani? It can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. It can be reheated in the microwave or on the stove with a little water added to restore it.

Nutritional benefits:
This chicken biryani recipe is rich in protein due to the chicken and provides a good source of carbohydrates from the rice. The spices used not only enhance the flavor but also bring health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Ideal pairings:
To complete the meal, you can serve the biryani with a fresh cucumber salad or a raita (yogurt-based sauce with mint and cucumbers) that will add a refreshing note and balance the intense flavors of the biryani.

Now that you have all the necessary information, don’t hesitate to start cooking! Chicken biryani is more than just a meal; it’s a true culinary experience. Enjoy your meal!