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)
π Unit converter
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 Β· Pan Β· Saucepan Β· Steamer
Ingredient substitutions
- Butter
- olive oil (ΒΎ the amount) Β· coconut oil Β· margarine
Tips & common questions
How long does Simple Biryani take to make?
About 65 minutes from start to finish β 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 (ΒΎ the amount). See the substitutions section above for more swaps.
Can I scale this recipe up or down?
Yes β 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
Simple Biryani is an original recipe developed in-house by Consomee. 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 on top β how we source recipes.