Chicken & Poultry

Fragrant Chicken Biryani

A fragrant Indian rice dish with tender spiced chicken, aromatic basmati rice, and sweet raisins. This biryani combines layers of flavour with warming spices and yoghurt-marinated chicken for a comforting one-pot meal.

By Ricky Robinson Updated November 4, 2025

Chicken biryani is one of those dishes that looks more complicated than it actually is. The key to getting it right is building up the flavours in stages, rather than throwing everything in at once. You start by browning the onions properly until they are golden, which gives the dish its base sweetness and depth. Then the garlic and ginger go in, followed by the chicken, which gets a good sear to lock in the juices before the spices are added.

The spice mix is what makes biryani so distinctive. You have got warming spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala working alongside the earthiness of turmeric and a bit of heat from chilli powder. The cardamom and cloves add that aromatic quality you notice straight away when you lift the lid. Soaking the rice beforehand is not just a nice idea, it is necessary. It helps the grains cook evenly and stay separate rather than clumping together.

Soaking the basmati rice for at least 15 minutes before cooking ensures the grains stay light and fluffy rather than turning sticky or mushy.
Fragrant Chicken Biryani recipe image
Fragrant Chicken Biryani

The yoghurt is what brings everything together. It coats the chicken and helps the spices cling to the meat, whilst also adding a subtle tang that balances out the richness of the dish. When you add the stock and bring it all to a boil, the rice goes in and absorbs all those flavours as it steams. You need to keep the lid on tight during the simmering stage so the steam does not escape. That is what cooks the rice through properly without drying it out.

The raisins are a nice touch. They add little bursts of sweetness that contrast with the savoury spiced chicken. Once everything is cooked, you let it rest for five minutes before fluffing it up with a fork. This biryani serves four to six people depending on appetites, and it is good for a weekend meal when you have got a bit more time. Garnish it with fresh coriander and some fried onions for texture, and serve it on its own or with a simple cucumber raita on the side.

Fragrant Chicken Biryani

Chicken Rice Yogurt
Total Time 1 hr 15 min
Servings 5 servings
Calories 520 cal
Protein 32g

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Knife
  • Sieve
  • Grater
  • Chopping Board
  • Fork
  • Large heavy-bottomed pot

Instructions

  1. 1
    Drain the soaked rice and set aside.
  2. 2
    Heat the oil or ghee in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onion and cook until golden brown, about 8-10 minutes.
  3. 3
    Add the garlic and ginger and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. 4
    Add the chicken chunks and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. 5
    Stir in the chilli powder, cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, cinnamon, cloves, bay leaf and cardamom pods. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the spices are fragrant.
  6. 6
    Add the yoghurt and stir well to coat the chicken. Cook for 5 minutes, allowing the yoghurt to reduce slightly.
  7. 7
    Add the drained rice and stir gently to combine with the chicken and spices.
  8. 8
    Pour in the chicken stock and add the raisins. Season with salt to taste. Bring to a boil.
  9. 9
    Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover tightly with a lid and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
  10. 10
    Remove from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
  11. 11
    Fluff the biryani with a fork, garnish with fresh coriander and fried onions, and serve.
Ricky Robinson - Recipe Author
Ricky Robinson

Home cook sharing delicious recipes with a focus on flavour and simplicity.

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Storage

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the hob with a splash of water to keep the rice from drying out. This biryani does not freeze particularly well due to the rice texture changing.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with cucumber raita, mango chutney, and warm naan bread. A simple green salad with lemon dressing also works well to cut through the richness of the dish. For a more substantial meal, add some crispy poppadoms on the side.

Fragrant Chicken Biryani

Rate & Review

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