Nigella Chicken Biryani features basmati rice, chicken thighs, saffron, and aromatic spices. It takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes to make and serves 4.
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🧡 Why You’ll Love This Chicken Biryani Recipe:
- Aromatic Spices: Experience the rich blend of cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and more.
- Tender Chicken: Juicy chicken thighs cooked to perfection.
- Fluffy Rice: Basmati rice infused with saffron for fragrance.
❓ What Is Nigella Chicken Biryani Recipe?
Nigella Chicken Biryani is a flavorful rice dish featuring tender chicken thighs cooked with aromatic spices, saffron-infused milk, caramelized onions, and ghee, layered to perfection.
🍗 Nigella Chicken Biryani Ingredients
- 200 grams of plain flour
- 500 grams of good-quality basmati rice
- 5 tablespoons salt
- ½ teaspoon saffron strands
- 80 millilitres of full-fat milk
- 8 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter) or vegetable oil (sometimes I mix both and it works well)
- 2 white onions (thinly sliced into half moons)
- 1 kilogram of skinless chicken thighs on the bone
- 3 cloves garlic (crushed)
- 5 – 6 centimetres piece fresh ginger (grated)
- 2 tablespoons full-fat Greek yogurt
- ½ teaspoon chilli powder
- 2 green cardamom pods
- 2 cloves
- 1 centimetre piece of cinnamon sticks
- 1-centimetre piece of mace (crushed)
- ⅛ teaspoon grated nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon sugar
- juice of ½ lemon
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
🍲 How To Make Nigella Chicken Biryani
- Mix flour and water to make a firm dough. Let it rest. Wash rice gently until water runs clear. Soak rice with salt for 2 hours to absorb water.
- Soak saffron in warm milk. Caramelize onions in ghee/oil until golden brown. Set aside.
- Fry chicken until golden. Add garlic, ginger, yogurt, chili powder, and salt. Cook until fragrant. Add half of the caramelized onions, and water, and simmer for 25 minutes until the chicken is firm.
- Drain soaked rice. Boil water with salt. Add rice and boil for 5 minutes until three-quarters cooked. Drain and spread on a tray.
- Place chicken in a pan. Strain cooking liquid over the chicken. Add spices, saffron milk, sugar, lemon juice. Layer with rice, remaining onions, saffron milk, and reserved oil. Seal with dough.
- Steam biryani over medium heat with a sealed lid for 1 minute. Transfer to oven or low heat with a cloth-covered lid for 20 minutes. Serve by gently mixing chicken and rice.
💭Recipe Tips
- Pre-soak Rice: Soaking rice with salt helps it absorb water evenly for better texture.
- Infusing Saffron: Soak saffron in warm milk for a rich, aromatic flavor in every bite.
- Caramelizing Onions: Take time to caramelize onions to a golden brown for added sweetness.
🥗 What To Serve With Chicken Biryani?
Serve Chicken Biryani with Chicken Shawarma,Courgette Fritters, Cauliflower Cheese,Sausage Rolls, Ratatouille, and Potato Salad.
🎚 How To Store Leftovers Chicken Biryani?
- In the fridge: Store leftovers chicken biryani in an airtight container for 3 days.
- In the freezer: Freeze leftovers chicken biryani in portions in freezer-safe containers for 3 months.
🥵 How To Reheat Leftovers Chicken Biryani?
- In the oven: Place leftovers chicken biryani in a preheated oven for 15 minutes at 350°F.
- In the microwave: Heat leftovers chicken biryani on high for 3 minutes, stirring halfway.
- On the stove: Reheat leftovers chicken biryani in a pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.
- In the air-fryer: Reheat leftovers chicken biryani in the air-fry for 5-7 minutes at 350°F, stirring halfway.
FAQ’S:
Why Fry The Chicken Before Adding Other Ingredients?
Frying the chicken before adding other ingredients helps to seal in the juices and enhances the flavor by giving it a golden, caramelized exterior.
Can I Substitute Greek Yogurt With Regular Yogurt?
Yes, you can substitute full-fat Greek yogurt with regular full-fat yogurt in the same quantity. Both types of yogurt will contribute to tenderizing the chicken and adding a creamy texture to the dish.
Why Transfer The Biryani To The Oven After Steaming?
Transferring the biryani to the oven after steaming ensures even heat distribution and allows the flavors to meld together thoroughly without burning, resulting in a perfectly cooked and aromatic dish.
How Do You Prevent The Yogurt From Curdling When Cooking?
To prevent yogurt from curdling when cooking, ensure it is at room temperature before adding it to the hot pan. Stir continuously while adding and cooking with yogurt to distribute it evenly and prevent separation.
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Nigella Chicken Biryani Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 292
- Total Fat: 9.4g
- Saturated Fat: 1.7g
- Trans Fat: 0.1g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.9g
- Cholesterol: 48mg
- Sodium: 419mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 31g
- Dietary Fiber: 1.4g
- Sugars: 3.2g
- Protein: 20g
- Calcium: 26mg
- Iron: 1.7mg
- Potassium: 461.7mg
- Caffeine: 0mg
Nigella Chicken Biryani
Description
Nigella Chicken Biryani features basmati rice, chicken thighs, saffron, and aromatic spices. It takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes to make and serves 4.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix flour and water to make a firm dough. Let it rest. Wash rice gently until water runs clear. Soak rice with salt for 2 hours to absorb water.
- Soak saffron in warm milk. Caramelize onions in ghee/oil until golden brown. Set aside.
- Fry chicken until golden. Add garlic, ginger, yogurt, chili powder, and salt. Cook until fragrant. Add half of the caramelized onions, and water, and simmer for 25 minutes until the chicken is firm.
- Drain soaked rice. Boil water with salt. Add rice and boil for 5 minutes until three-quarters cooked. Drain and spread on a tray.
- Place chicken in a pan. Strain cooking liquid over the chicken. Add spices, saffron milk, sugar, lemon juice. Layer with rice, remaining onions, saffron milk, and reserved oil. Seal with dough.
- Steam biryani over medium heat with a sealed lid for 1 minute. Transfer to oven or low heat with a cloth-covered lid for 20 minutes. Serve by gently mixing chicken and rice.
Notes
- Pre-soak Rice: Soaking rice with salt helps it absorb water evenly for better texture.
Infusing Saffron: Soak saffron in warm milk for a rich, aromatic flavor in every bite.
Caramelizing Onions: Take time to caramelize onions to a golden brown for added sweetness.