Who does not want to prepare a delicious and aromatic flavored chicken biryani in an easier way? If you are in a way of searching for something special, then my easy South Indian Chicken Biryani Recipe is for you.
Chicken Biryani is a flavorful and delicious dish. It is a popular dish almost everywhere in India. All the ingredients, including the spices, bring a variety of tastes to it. The creamy and moist taste of the chicken and boiled rice makes the meal special.
To make the biryani perfect and healthy, you need to follow some tips and cooking procedures that you will find below in this recipe.
Specialty of South Indian Chicken Biryani
The specialty of South Indian Chicken Biryani is that it is derived from Hyderabadi Biryani. Honestly speaking, when the question is about the taste of Hyderabadi biryani, no other biryani can beat the taste of this biryani. Both its taste and flavor are unique compared to other biryani. It can be served with any type of raita. This biryani can also be cooked by cooking rice and chicken separately and mixing them at the end.
South Indian biryani is much more spicy than the regular biryani of its north Indian counterpart. As it is very easy to prepare, it also has many nutritional benefits. This healthy rice dish contains various spices like cinnamon, star anise, and cardamom, which have lots of antioxidants along with antibacterial compounds. This can be cooked with less oil, so it does not add extra fat to the body.
Main Ingredients for South Indian Chicken Biryani Recipe
- Chicken (2 Kilograms): I take 2 kilograms of chicken without skin and cut them into medium-sized pieces so that the aroma from spices can quickly get inside the meat.
- Basmati Rice (1.5 Kilograms): Basmati rice is used in making South Indian traditional dishes like chicken biryani.
- Mint Leaf (1 cup): I add mint leaves to this recipe for their ability to bring a fresh flavor to the biryani.
- Yogurt (400 grams): Yogurt is necessary for biryani recipes since it shakes up the entire flavor and brings a bit of savoriness.
- Chopped Tomatoes (5): Most South Indian dishes have a tangy taste, and to have that in my biriyani recipe, I add 5 chopped tomatoes.
- Chopped Onions ( 4 mid-size): Chopped onions are needed to make the barista, which is essential to increase the taste of biryani.
- Soya Bean Oil (350 grams): I use a lot of oil, but this much oil is needed to mix the spices well.
How to Make South Indian Chicken Biryani
Step 1. Preparing Chicken and Rice
Cut 2 kilograms of chicken into regular sizes. Clean them properly with fresh water 5 times to remove their smell. Take 1.5 kilograms of basmati rice in a pot and clean it 4 times with water to remove dirt.
Step 2. Preparing the Spice Curry for Biryani
Take a big pot and pour 350 grams of soya bean oil. Allow it to get hot. Add 4 medium-sized chopped onions and fry them until they get golden brown.
Add 3 mace, 3 black cardamons, 4 star anise, 8 cardamons, 4 medium-size cinnamon, 4 cloves, 1 tsp black cumin seeds, and 6 bay leaves. Stir them until the fragrance is released. Combine 3 tsp of garlic paste, 3 tsp of ginger paste, and 2 tbsp salt and stir again until the raw scent of garlic and ginger vanishes.
Add mint leaves and chilies. Saute for a minute. Put in 5 finely chopped tomatoes, 2 tsp red chili powder, 1 tsp turmeric powder, 11 ⁄ 2 tsp coriander powder, and 1 tsp garam masala powder. Mix them until the oil comes over the spices.
Step 3. Add Chicken and Yogurt
When the spice curry is ready, you will get a beautiful fragrance. This is the time to add all the chicken pieces and 400 grams of yogurt. Please give them a good mix for about a minute and then cover the pot to cook chicken for 30 minutes on medium-low heat. Remember to stir them after every 5 minutes to avoid burning.
Step 4. Add Basmati Rice
After 30 minutes, add 1.5 kilograms of Basmati rice and 7 glasses of warm water. Cover the pot and cook for 15 minutes. Uncover the pot 15 minutes later to sprinkle coriander leaves. Cover it again and cook for 15 minutes more at low heat.
Step 5. Give Finishing Touch With Ghee
After 15 minutes, add 300 grams of ghee to the biryani and give it a good mix. Place the covered pot on an iron tawa and cook it for 10 additional minutes.
How To Make Your Chicken Biryani Taste Better?
Who doesn’t want to make a delicious dish perfect? It is possible with little effort and patience. Here are some tips to make the perfect chicken biryani for your convenience.
- Try to use fresh raw ingredients: To get a natural flavor, you shall use fresh ingredients such as coriander, mint leaves, and others.
- Use the right amount of spices: It is essential to pay attention to what amount of spices you are using in your dish. As spices have an impact on the complexity of the dish, they enhance aromatic flavor in cooking.
- Make sure that the rice is cooked properly: You have to be careful about the use of water while boiling the rice. If it confuses you as a beginner, then try a hand-press formula for one rice. When it gives a soft essence, be sure that the rice is now well cooked.
- Garnish with ghee or butter to get an authentic flavor in your biryani.
- You can make any kind of vegetable salad with oregano on top to try with the biryani.
Serving Suggestions for South Indian Chicken Biryani
When serving South Indian Chicken Biryani, there are several best options to consider. To balance the flavors, pair the biryani with raita, a yogurt-based side dish. For a refreshing contrast, serve it with a fresh cucumber and tomato salad.
Garnish the biryani with fried onions and cilantro to enhance the flavor and visual appeal. For an extra kick, accompany it with a side of spicy pickle or chutney.
Additionally, offering condiments such as lemon wedges, mint chutney, and coconut chutney can further elevate the biryani flavors.
Why is South Indian Chicken Biryani Different From Other Types of Biryani?
South Indian Chicken Biryani differs from other types of biryani in several ways:
Spices and Flavors: South Indian biryani incorporates a unique blend of spices, including star anise and cloves, which give it a distinct flavor. It also often has a slightly sour taste, which sets it apart from other biryanis.
Accompaniments: South Indian biryani is often served with a side of brinjal (eggplant) masala or raita, which may differ from the accompaniments performed with other types of biryani.
Regional Variations: There are also many regional variations within South Indian biryani itself, such as Hyderabadi, Ambur, Dindigul, and Thalassery biryani, each with its own unique preparation method and flavor profile.
Use of Local Ingredients: South Indian biryani often incorporates local ingredients, such as coconut, tamarind, and curry leaves, which are not typically used in other biryanis.
Remember, the differences can vary widely based on the specific regional style of the biryani.
Ingredients
- Chicken Without Skin -2 Kilograms
- Basmati Rice - 1.5 Kilograms
- Mint Leaf - 1 cup
- Yogurt - 400 grams
- Chopped Tomatoes - 5
- Chopped Onions - 4 mid-size
- Soya Bean Oil - 350 grams
- Mace - 3
- Black Cardamon - 3
- Star Anise - 4
- Cardamon - 8
- Cinnamon - 4
- Cloves - 4
- Black Cumin Seeds - 1 tsp
- Bay Leaves - 6
- Garlic Paste - 3 tsp
- Ginger Paste - 3 tsp
- Salt - 2 tbsp
- Red Chili Powder - 2 tsp
- Turmeric Powder - 1 tsp
- Coriander Powder - 1 ½ tsp
- Garam Masala Powder - 1 tsp
- Coriander Leaves - a handful
- Ghee - 300 grams
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into regular/ medium pieces and wash them.
- Wash Basmati rice until left with clear water.
- Heat oil in a big pot for a minute.
- Add chopped onions and fry until they appear golden brown.
- Add mace, cardamon, black cardamons, black seeds, star anise, cloves, and bay leaves. Stir until a pleasant scent is released.
- Add garlic paste, ginger paste, and salt and stir again to remove the raw smell of garlic and ginger paste.
- Saute green chilies and mint leaves.
- Combine chopped tomatoes, red chili, turmeric, coriander, and garam masala powders. Mix until the oil is seen.
- Add up chicken pieces and yogurt. Mix well. Cover the pot to cook for 30 minutes at medium-low heat.
- Stir the chicken curry every 5 minutes.
- Put in basmati rice and 7 glasses of warm water. Let it cook for 15 minutes.
- Add chopped coriander leaves and cook for 15 minutes more.
- Spread ghee on biryani. Give it a good mix. Cover with lid. Put the pot on a hot tawa and cook for 10 additional minutes.
Final Words
If you like to prepare a delightful and super aromatic flavored chicken biryani, you should try my South Indian Chicken Biryani Recipe rules above. It is easy to make, and you can serve it with various side dishes though it is a complete meal itself. So why not give it a try? We’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below.
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