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Dinner

Easy Homestyle Chicken Biryani

A fragrant, comforting one pot chicken biryani that is perfect for a cozy family dinner.

By Daily Recipes Book· 🌍 Indian· August 27, 2026
Easy Homestyle Chicken Biryani
dailyrecipesbook.com
Prep
20 minutes
Cook
40 minutes
Total
60 minutes
Serves
4

There is something truly special about the smell of a warm chicken biryani filling the house. This version is my favorite because it keeps the process simple while still giving you that beautiful mix of spiced chicken and perfectly fluffy rice.

My top tip is to make sure you rinse your basmati rice until the water runs completely clear. This small step ensures your rice stays light and fluffy instead of clumping together in the pot.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound chicken thighs cut into bite sized pieces
  • 2 cups basmati rice
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
  • 2 tomatoes chopped
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 3 cups water
  • A pinch of saffron threads soaked in 2 tablespoons of warm milk
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. 1

    Rinse the basmati rice in cold water until the water is clear, then set it aside to soak for twenty minutes.

  2. 2

    Heat the oil in a large pot and cook the onions until they turn a nice golden brown color.

  3. 3

    Add the ginger garlic paste and cook for one minute before stirring in the chicken pieces.

  4. 4

    Once the chicken turns white, add the tomatoes, yogurt, turmeric, chili powder, and salt.

  5. 5

    Cook the mixture until the tomatoes soften and the oil begins to separate from the sauce.

  6. 6

    Drain the soaked rice and spread it evenly over the chicken layer in the pot.

  7. 7

    Pour the water gently over the rice and sprinkle the saffron milk over the top.

  8. 8

    Cover the pot with a tight lid and cook on low heat for about twenty minutes until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.

  9. 9

    Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.

💡 Tips

Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can serve this with a side of cool cucumber raita to balance the spices. If you want a bit of extra crunch, sprinkle some toasted cashews on top before serving.

#Chicken#Dinner#Comfort Food#Indian#Easy Recipe

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