Chicken or Shrimp Biryani
Dive into the vibrant flavors of Chicken or Shrimp Biryani, a classic Indian dish that brings together aromatic basmati rice, succulent marinated protein, and a symphony of warm spices. This one-pot wonder layers tender chicken thighs or juicy shrimp with golden caramelized onions, fresh herbs like cilantro and mint, and a fragrant masala blend, creating a meal that's bursting with flavor in every bite. Saffron-infused rice perfectly complements the rich, spiced gravy, while the gentle "dum" cooking method ensures the flavors harmonize to perfection. Perfect for a special occasion or a satisfying weeknight dinner, this irresistible biryani is best served with cooling raita or a crisp side salad. It's everything you love about Indian cuisine, in one stunning dish!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Basmati rice
- 500 grams Chicken thighs or Shrimp (deveined and shelled)
- 1 cup Plain yogurt
- 2 medium Onions (thinly sliced)
- 2 medium Tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon Garlic paste
- 1 tablespoon Ginger paste
- 3 small Green chilies (sliced)
- 0.5 cup Fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 0.5 cup Fresh mint leaves (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 2 pieces Bay leaves
- 6 pieces Cloves
- 4 pieces Green cardamom pods
- 1 piece Cinnamon stick
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon Red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon Garam masala
- 1.5 teaspoons Salt
- 4 tablespoons Vegetable oil or ghee
- 0.25 teaspoon Saffron strands
- 2 tablespoons Milk (warm, to soak saffron)
- 4 cups Water (for cooking rice and marinating)
Instructions
Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes, then drain and set aside.
Marinate the chicken or shrimp: In a bowl, combine plain yogurt, turmeric powder, red chili powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, half of the ginger and garlic pastes, 1 teaspoon salt, and lemon juice. Add the chicken or shrimp, mix well, and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil or ghee in a large pot. Add bay leaves, cloves, cinnamon stick, and cardamom pods. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until aromatic.
Add the sliced onions and sauté until golden brown. Stir in the remaining ginger and garlic pastes, green chilies, and chopped tomatoes. Cook until the tomatoes are soft and the mixture forms a thick paste.
Add the marinated chicken or shrimp to the pot and cook until the protein is fully cooked and coated in the masala. Stir in the garam masala, cilantro, and mint leaves. Set this mixture aside.
In a separate pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and the soaked, drained rice. Cook the rice until it's 70% cooked (it should still have a bite to it). Drain and set aside.
Soak the saffron strands in warm milk and set aside.
Assemble the biryani: In the same large pot used for the chicken or shrimp, layer half of the partially cooked rice evenly over the meat mixture. Drizzle half of the saffron milk on top. Add the remaining rice and drizzle the rest of the saffron milk. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid.
On low heat, allow the biryani to steam (dum) for 20-25 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the rice to fully cook.
Turn off the heat and let the biryani rest for 5 minutes. Gently fluff the rice with a fork, being careful not to break the grains.
Serve hot with raita, salad, or a side of your choice. Enjoy your flavorful Chicken or Shrimp Biryani!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2604 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 128.1 g | 164% | |
| Saturated Fat | 28.2 g | 141% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 487 mg | 162% | |
| Sodium | 5170 mg | 225% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 211.6 g | 77% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 31.9 g | 114% | |
| Total Sugars | 45.0 g | ||
| Protein | 158.2 g | 316% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.9 mcg | 20% | |
| Calcium | 1316 mg | 101% | |
| Iron | 32.6 mg | 181% | |
| Potassium | 4815 mg | 102% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
