Chicken Biryani

For Marinating Chicken:

• 500g chicken, cut into pieces
• 1 cup yogurt
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste

For Rice:

• 2 cups basmati rice, soaked for 30 minutes
• 4-5 cups water
• 2-3 green cardamom pods
• 2-3 cloves
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt to taste

For Biryani:

• 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2-3 green chilies, slit
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 cup chopped mint leaves
• 1/2 cup chopped coriander leaves
• Saffron strands soaked in 2 tablespoons of warm milk

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   • In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt.
   • Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, preferably longer in the refrigerator.
2. Cook the Rice:
   • In a large pot, bring 4-5 cups of water to a boil.
   • Add soaked rice, green cardamom pods, cloves, bay leaf, and salt.
   • Cook the rice until it’s 70-80% cooked (still slightly firm). Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare Biryani:
   • In a heavy-bottomed pan or biryani pot, heat oil or ghee over medium heat.
   • Add sliced onions and sauté until they turn golden brown and crisp. Remove half for garnishing.
   • Add cumin seeds and green chilies to the remaining onions in the pan.
   • Add the marinated chicken and cook until it changes color and becomes slightly browned.
   • Layer half of the partially cooked rice over the chicken.
   • Sprinkle chopped mint and coriander leaves over the rice.
   • Add the remaining rice as the top layer.
   • Drizzle the saffron milk over the rice.
   • Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid or seal with dough to trap steam.
   • Cook on low heat for about 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is fully cooked.
4. Serve:
   • Gently fluff the biryani with a fork, mixing the layers.
   • Garnish with the fried onions saved earlier.
   • Serve hot with raita or a side salad.

Enjoy your homemade Chicken Biryani!