Easy Chicken Biryani with Biryani Seasoning

Indian · Poultry · Rice

Biryani is famous for its layers of fragrant rice, tender meat and aromatic spices—but you don't need a cabinet full of individual spices to make a delicious version at home.

Our Biryani Seasoning combines the warm, complex flavors traditionally associated with biryani into one convenient blend. Choose Mild for aromatic flavor with gentler heat or Hot when you want an extra cayenne kick.

Serves: 4–6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 cups basmati rice
  • 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into large pieces
  • 2 tablespoons Zamouri Spices Biryani Seasoning – Mild or Hot
  • ¾ cup plain yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or clarified butter
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
  • 1 medium tomato, diced
  • 2½ cups chicken broth
  • ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • Fried onions for garnish, optional

Directions

  1. Rinse the rice. Rinse basmati rice under cool water until the water runs mostly clear. Soak for 15 minutes, then drain.
  2. Season the chicken. Combine chicken, yogurt and Biryani Seasoning in a bowl. Toss until the chicken is thoroughly coated and set aside while you prepare the onions.
  3. Brown the onions. Heat olive oil or clarified butter in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook until deeply golden and softened, about 8–10 minutes. Remove about one-third of the onions and reserve them for topping.
  4. Cook the chicken. Add garlic and ginger to the remaining onions and cook for about 30 seconds. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally. Stir in the tomato and cook another 2–3 minutes.
  5. Add the rice. Spread the drained basmati rice evenly over the chicken. Pour in the chicken broth and add salt if needed. Bring to a gentle boil.
  6. Steam until tender. Reduce heat to low, cover tightly and cook for approximately 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes.
  7. Finish and serve. Gently fluff the rice, bringing some of the chicken and seasoned mixture up through the layers without overmixing. Top with the reserved onions, cilantro and optional fried onions.

Serve hot with plain yogurt or raita on the side.

Choose your heat: Make it with Zamouri Spices Mild Biryani Seasoning for warm aromatic flavor, or reach for Hot Biryani Seasoning for an extra kick.

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