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Chicken Dum Biryani

Chicken Dum Biryani is a classic Indian dish that combines tender marinated chicken with fragrant basmati rice, cooked together using the traditional Dum method.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4 people
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade

  • 500 grams of chicken legs or pieces
  • 1 cup yogurt dahi
  • 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
  • 2-3 green chilies slit
  • 1 tablespoon red chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 tablespoon garam masala
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh coriander and mint leaves for garnish

For the Rice

  • 2 cups basmati rice
  • 4 cups water for cooking
  • 2-3 whole cloves
  • 2-3 green cardamom pods
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt to taste

For Cooking

  • 3 tablespoons ghee or oil
  • 2 medium-sized onions thinly sliced
  • Fried onions barista for garnishing
  • Saffron strands soaked in warm milk optional

Instructions
 

Marinating the Chicken

  • In a mixing bowl, combine yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, green chilies, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, and salt.
  • Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and mix well until all pieces are coated.
  • Allow it to marinate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for better flavor).

Cooking the Rice

  • Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
  • Soak the rice in water for about 30 minutes.
  • In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add whole spices (cloves, cardamom, bay leaf) along with salt.
  • Add soaked rice and cook until it is about 70% done (it should still have a slight bite).
  • Drain the rice and set aside.

Cooking the Chicken Mixture

  • In a heavy-bottomed vessel or kadhai, heat ghee or oil over medium heat.
  • Add sliced onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
  • Stir in the marinated chicken along with any remaining marinade.
  • Cook for about 10–15 minutes until the chicken is tender.

Layering and Cooking

  • In a heavy pot suitable for Dum cooking, layer half of the cooked chicken mixture at the bottom.
  • Add half of the partially cooked rice over it.
  • Sprinkle some fried onions and fresh herbs (coriander and mint).
  • Repeat with another layer of chicken followed by the remaining rice.
  • Drizzle saffron milk over the top layer (if using).
  • Seal the pot with aluminum foil or dough to trap steam.
  • Cook on low heat for about 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

Tips for Perfect Chicken Dum Biryani

  • Quality Ingredients: Use fresh chicken and high-quality basmati rice for better flavor and texture.
  • Marination Time: Allow sufficient marination time for the chicken to absorb spices fully.
  • Dum Cooking: Ensure that you seal the pot properly during Dum cooking to retain moisture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Dum Biryani can be served with:
  • Raita (yogurt sauce) to balance out spices
  • Salad made of sliced onions and cucumbers
  • Pickles for an extra kick

Nutritional Value (per serving)

Chicken Dum Biryani is not only delicious but also nutritious:
  • Calories: Approximately 400–450 kcal
  • Protein: About 25–30 grams
  • Carbohydrates: Around 50–55 grams
  • Dietary Fiber: Approximately 3–5 grams
  • Fat: About 15–20 grams
Keyword Chicken Dum Biryani