Easy Chicken Biryani Recipe

If you’ve ever wanted to master a dish that bursts with enticing aromas and vibrant flavors yet feels totally doable in your own kitchen, this Easy Chicken Biryani Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a soul-satisfying blend of tender, spice-kissed chicken and fluffy basmati rice, layered with fragrant herbs and finished with golden cashews and sweet raisins. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing guests, this recipe brings an unforgettable taste of Indian cuisine right to your table, without any fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a special role in building the dish’s incredible depth and texture. From aromatic whole spices that wake up your senses to fresh herbs that brighten every bite, each element is essential to creating that perfect biryani balance.

• 1 cup basmati rice, soaked 15–30 minutes: Soaking ensures long, fluffy grains that don’t stick together.
• 3 tablespoons ghee: Adds richness and helps toast the garnishes beautifully.
• ⅓ cup cashews, halved: A crunchy and nutty contrast that turns golden when cooked.
• 2 tablespoons golden raisins: Bursts of sweetness that complement the spices.
• 5 cardamom pods: Offer a sweet, floral aroma key to authentic biryani.
• 4 whole cloves: Provide a warm, slightly peppery bite to the spice mix.
• 2 bay leaves: Introduce a subtle earthiness.
• ½ cinnamon stick: Infuses a comforting, sweet-spicy note.
• ½ teaspoon cumin seeds: Add a nutty, smoky undertone.
• ½ teaspoon fennel seeds: Lend a delicate anise flavor that lifts the dish.
• 1 onion, thinly sliced: When cooked to golden perfection, it forms the delicious base.
• 4 teaspoons minced garlic: Packs a punch of savory depth.
• 2 teaspoons minced ginger: Brings a fresh, zingy warmth.
• 1 ½ pounds skinless and boneless chicken thighs, cut into quarters: Juicy and tender, perfect for slow cooking.
• 2 teaspoons coriander powder: Earthy and citrusy, essential for seasoning.
• 2 teaspoons paprika: Adds vibrant color and mild smokiness.
• 2 teaspoons salt (adjust to taste): Balances and enhances all flavors.
• 1 teaspoon garam masala: A fragrant spice blend that defines the dish.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat and pungency.
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne (adjust to taste): Brings the signature kick of heat.
• ¼ teaspoon ground cumin: Deepens the smoky earthiness.
• ¼ teaspoon turmeric: Offers a warm color and gentle bitterness.
• 1 cup water: Needed to cook the rice perfectly.
• ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (divided): Freshness and vibrant color on every spoonful.
• ½ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped (divided): Adds bright, cooling notes that balance the spices.

How to Make Easy Chicken Biryani Recipe

Step 1: Soak the Rice

Begin by soaking the basmati rice in cold water for 15 to 30 minutes. This simple step makes all the difference in achieving those perfectly separated, fluffy grains that are crucial for any great biryani. After soaking, drain and rinse the rice thoroughly to wash away excess starch, setting it aside for later.

Step 2: Sauté the Garnish

Using your Instant Pot’s sauté function, melt the fragrant ghee until shimmering. Toss in the cashews and golden raisins and fry them until the cashews take on a delightful golden hue and the raisins plump up. This garnish adds a beautiful mix of texture and a subtle sweetness that contrasts perfectly with the spices, so set this aside once done.

Step 3: Cook the Whole Spices

In the same pot, add the whole spices – cardamom pods, cloves, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, cumin seeds, and fennel seeds. Sauté them just until they begin to sizzle and release their intoxicating aroma, which lays the aromatic foundation for the biryani’s complex flavor profile.

Step 4: Sauté the Onions

Add the thinly sliced onion to the fragrant spices and stir-fry for about 6 to 7 minutes. Cook until the onions reach a rich golden brown, which will impart sweetness and savoriness that harmonizes beautifully with the other ingredients in the recipe.

Step 5: Add Aromatics

Now stir in the minced garlic and ginger and sauté for about 30 seconds. This quick step releases their fresh, piquant flavors without letting them burn, elevating the dish with their unmistakable warmth and zest.

Step 6: Cook the Chicken

Next, add the quartered chicken thighs into the pot. Stir and sauté for 6 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken loses its raw pink appearance. This ensures the chicken starts to develop flavor and absorbs the base spices well.

Step 7: Add the Ground Spices

Sprinkle the coriander powder, paprika, salt, garam masala, black pepper, cayenne, ground cumin, and turmeric evenly over the chicken. Mix thoroughly so every piece gets luxuriously coated in the vibrant, warm spice mixture that’s the hallmark of this Easy Chicken Biryani Recipe.

Step 8: Layer Rice and Water

Gently spread the soaked and drained rice evenly over the chicken layer—important not to stir at this point to keep those grains intact. Pour 1 cup of water over the top evenly, which will steam the rice perfectly during cooking.

Step 9: Add Fresh Herbs

Sprinkle half of the fresh chopped cilantro and mint leaves on top of the rice. These herbs bring fresh bursts of color and bright flavor right into the heart of the dish.

Step 10: Pressure Cook the Biryani

Secure the Instant Pot lid and lock the pressure valve. Cook on high pressure for 6 minutes. This short, intense cooking perfectly steams the rice while tenderizing the chicken beneath.

Step 11: Release Pressure and Finish

Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, which helps the flavors meld further and keeps the rice texture ideal. Then release remaining pressure manually and open the lid carefully. Discard the whole spices, fluff the rice gently, and sprinkle the remaining chopped herbs on top. Finally, add your reserved ghee-fried cashews and raisins as a gorgeous, crunchy finish that shines on every forkful.

How to Serve Easy Chicken Biryani Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like cilantro and mint are must-haves for garnishing, adding freshness and visual appeal. The golden cashews and raisins aren’t just beautiful—they bring amazing pops of texture and subtle sweetness that make this biryani truly special.

Side Dishes

This Easy Chicken Biryani Recipe shines on its own, but pairing it with cool cucumber raita or a simple yogurt salad offers a refreshing contrast. A crisp salad with lemon wedges also helps balance the rich, spiced flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, serve the biryani layered in a beautiful stoneware or a copper handi to highlight its traditional roots. You can also offer small bowls of extra fried onions, chopped nuts, or tangy chutneys on the side, allowing everyone to customize their experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover biryani keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop even more, making it a perfect next-day meal that tastes just as rich and delicious.

Freezing

You can freeze portions of this chicken biryani for up to 2 months. Pack it well in freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. When thawed, it maintains its texture and robust flavors remarkably well.

Reheating

To reheat, sprinkle a splash of water over the biryani to add moisture, cover with a lid or microwave-safe wrap, and warm gently in the microwave or on the stove. Fluff with a fork afterward to refresh the rice grains and enjoy the dish as if it’s freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but thighs are preferred for their tenderness and juiciness, especially in a pressure-cooked dish like biryani.

Is it necessary to soak the basmati rice?

Soaking the rice is highly recommended as it helps the grains cook evenly and remain fluffy rather than sticky, which is essential for a great biryani.

Can this recipe be made without an Instant Pot?

Absolutely! You can cook this dish in a heavy-bottomed pot with a tight-fitting lid, following similar layering and simmering instructions on low heat.

How spicy is this biryani?

The spice level is moderate, with cayenne pepper adjustable to your heat preference, so it’s customizable for a range of palates.

What can I substitute if I don’t have ghee?

If ghee isn’t available, you can use clarified butter or vegetable oil, but ghee imparts the most authentic flavor and richness to the dish.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Chicken Biryani Recipe has quickly become a treasured favorite—so fragrant, comforting, and vibrant all at once. It’s a dish that invites you to savor each bite and feel proud of the magic you created in your kitchen. Give it a try, and soon enough, you’ll be sharing this flavorful crowd-pleaser with your closest friends too.

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