Simple Biryani
This chicken builds basmati rice, boneless chicken, cut into chunks and ground turmeric into a weeknight-friendly meal you can have ready in about 65 minutes. Scroll down for the ingredient checklist, a serving scaler and unit converter, and the method broken into 7 steps.
You'll mainly reach for frying pan / skillet and pan. At medium difficulty across 7 steps, it's manageable with a little attention.
What you'll need
Shopping list (4)
Pantry staples (you likely have these)
Diet: contains meat, based on every ingredient listed below.
Contains: Dairy
Allergen labels are informational and may not cover cross-contact; verify every package and consult a qualified professional for medical dietary needs. Diet labels are derived from the ingredient list on this page — how we verify diet and allergen labels.
Food-safety and allergen information is general, not medical advice. Follow current guidance from your local food-safety authority, verify product labels, and seek qualified advice for allergies or health conditions.
How to make it
- Rinse the basmati rice under cold running water until it runs clear, then leave it to soak in fresh water for 20 minutes and drain.
- Melt the butter in a wide lidded pan and gently fry the sliced onion until soft and golden, then stir in the garlic, ginger, bay leaf, cardamom pods and cinnamon stick.
- Add the chicken chunks and turmeric, season with salt, and brown the meat on all sides for a few minutes.
- Stir in the drained rice so the grains are coated in the spiced butter, then pour over the hot chicken stock and bring to a gentle boil.
- Cover with a tight lid, reduce the heat to low and cook undisturbed for 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 75 C.
- Remove from the heat and let it stand, still covered, for 10 minutes to finish steaming.
- Fluff the rice with a fork, discard the cinnamon stick and bay leaf, and serve hot.
You'll use: Frying pan / skillet · Pan · Saucepan · Steamer
Ingredient substitutions
- Butter
- olive oil (¾ the amount) · coconut oil · margarine
Tips & common questions
How long does Simple Biryani take to make?
About 65 minutes from start to finish — an estimate based on the 7 steps and 12 ingredients. Times vary with your kitchen and how much prep you do ahead.
What can I use instead of butter?
Try olive oil (¾ the amount). See the substitutions section above for more swaps.
Can I scale this recipe up or down?
Yes — use the servings control above the ingredients and every quantity rescales automatically (fractions included). Cooking times stay roughly the same; very large batches may need a little longer.
How should I store leftovers?
Cool leftovers quickly, refrigerate in an airtight container, and eat within 3 days. Reheat until piping hot throughout.
Related recipes
Adapted recipe — rewritten in our own wording from an open-licensed community cookbook, not yet independently kitchen-tested by Consomee. How we source, test & correct recipes.
Simple Biryani is adapted by Consomee from the Wikibooks Cookbook, rewritten in our own wording and used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Photo: Biryani-the flavor mania!.jpg by Tushareats, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons. We add the serving scaler, ingredient tools, timing and structure — how we source recipes.