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Hyderabadi Chicken Biryani Recipe

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Hyderabadi Chicken Biryani is a world-famous layered rice dish made with aromatic basmati rice, juicy marinated chicken, fragrant spices, saffron, and fried onions. Cooked on dum (slow steam), this biryani is rich, flavorful, and the perfect centerpiece for festive occasions.

prep time 12 Hour 20 Mins
cook time 1 Hour 15 Mins
chef Ankita Singh
Hyderabadi Chicken Biryani

Biryani is more than just a dish – it’s a royal experience. Among the many regional versions, Hyderabadi Chicken Biryani is perhaps the most celebrated. Known for its deep flavors and aroma, this biryani is prepared using the kacchi dum method, where raw marinated chicken is layered with partially cooked rice and slow-cooked until tender and fragrant.

The dish is built in layers. The chicken is marinated overnight in yogurt, spices, and herbs to ensure it absorbs maximum flavor. Long-grain basmati rice is parboiled with whole spices for fragrance. The two are layered together, topped with saffron milk, fried onions, mint, coriander, and ghee, then cooked on dum (sealed and cooked on very low flame).

The result? Fluffy, long-grained rice that’s infused with spices, tender chicken bursting with flavor, and layers of aroma that make this dish irresistible. Traditionally enjoyed with mirchi ka salan (chili curry) and raita, Hyderabadi Chicken Biryani is truly a feast fit for royalty.

Step 1

 Prepare the Rice

  1. Wash and soak rice in water for 40–45 minutes. 
  2. Heat water in a large pot. Tie whole spices (cardamom, javitri, cloves, cumin, peppercorns, bay leaf, star anise, cinnamon) in a muslin cloth to make a potli. 
  3. Add the potli, shahi jeera, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, and salt to boiling water. 
  4. Drain soaked rice and add it to the pot. Cook until 80% done. Drain and set aside. 

Prepare the Rice
Step 2

Marinate the Chicken

  1. Mix chicken with shahi jeera, ghee, green chili paste, ginger paste, garlic paste, garam masala, coriander powder, cumin powder, Kashmiri chili powder, turmeric powder, salt, oil, and lemon juice. 
  2. Marinate for 10–12 hours (or overnight) in the refrigerator. 
  3. Before cooking, add curd, mint, coriander, and fried onions. Mix well. 

Marinate the Chicken
Step 3

Assemble the Biryani

  1. Transfer marinated chicken into a heavy-bottomed pan. 
  2. Spread 80% cooked rice evenly on top of the chicken. 
  3. Drizzle milk, saffron milk, fried onions, coriander, mint, and ghee. 
  4. Cover with aluminum foil and seal with a tight lid. 

Step 4

Dum Cooking

  1. Place the pan on high heat for 5–6 minutes. 
  2. Reduce to very low heat and cook for 35–40 minutes. 
  3. Turn off heat and let rest for 10 minutes. 
  4. Gently fluff rice and mix layers lightly. 

Step 5

Serve

Serve hot with raita, mirchi ka salan, or simple onion salad.

Served Hyderabadi Chicken Biryani

Tips and Tricks

  1. Soak saffron in warm milk for at least 15 minutes before using. 
  2. Do not overcook rice – it should be 80% done, as it will finish cooking on dum. 
  3. Marination is key – overnight marination ensures tender and flavorful chicken. 
  4. Seal properly – sealing the pot with foil traps steam, ensuring authentic dum cooking. 
  5. Use heavy cookware – a thick-bottomed handi or Dutch oven prevents burning. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Hyderabadi uses raw marinated meat (kacchi biryani) cooked with rice, while Lucknowi (Awadhi) often uses cooked meat layered with rice (pakki biryani).

Yes. You can use a little turmeric or food-grade yellow coloring in milk, but saffron gives a richer aroma.

 Do not overcook rice or add too much water in the chicken. Dum cooking on low flame ensures perfect texture.

Yes. In a cooker, cook for just 15–20 minutes on very low heat without whistle. In an oven, assemble in a Dutch oven and bake at 180°C for 30–35 minutes.

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