Description
Chicken Tikka Biryani is a flavorful and aromatic Indian rice dish combining tender chicken breasts marinated in tikka masala spices with basmati rice, cooked together with yogurt, spices, and chicken broth. This recipe is a one-pot meal perfect for a comforting and hearty dinner, garnished with fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 chicken breasts, cubed
- 2 tablespoons tikka masala paste
- 1/2 cup yogurt
Rice and Aromatics
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté the onions: In a large pot over medium heat, add a little oil and sauté the sliced onions until they turn golden brown and soft, which helps develop a sweet and rich flavor base for the biryani.
- Cook the chicken: Add the cubed chicken breasts to the pot with the onions and cook until the chicken is browned on all sides, sealing in the juices and starting the cooking process.
- Add the spices and yogurt: Stir in the tikka masala paste, yogurt, ground cumin, and ground coriander thoroughly. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the spices to meld and the chicken to absorb the vibrant flavors.
- Simmer the broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, which enhances the cooking liquid for the rice and chicken to cook fully and flavorfully.
- Cook the rice: Add the rinsed basmati rice to the pot, stir gently to combine, then cover the pot and cook on low heat for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed.
- Garnish and serve: Once cooked, fluff the rice gently with a fork, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for an herbaceous finish, and serve the biryani hot for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Rinsing the basmati rice before cooking helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
- Use full-fat yogurt for a creamier texture and richer flavor.
- Adjust salt according to taste and the saltiness of the chicken broth.
- For extra depth, you can add whole spices like cinnamon sticks, cloves, and cardamom during the sauté step.
- This recipe can be adapted to a slow cooker by layering the ingredients and cooking on low for 4 hours.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
