Chicken Tikka Biryani (Restaurant Style)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Tikka Biryani is packed with vibrant, rich flavors, thanks to the marinated chicken and the flavorful masala. The chicken is marinated with a blend of spices that infuse it with deep, savory flavors. Paired with aromatic rice, crispy fried potatoes, and the comforting texture of ghee, this dish delivers an indulgent and satisfying meal. The addition of fried onions and boiled eggs adds an extra touch of luxury, making it feel like you’re enjoying restaurant-quality food right at home.

Ingredients

Chicken Marinade

• 500 g Chicken Breast in 1 inch pieces
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Paste
• 1 teaspoon Ginger Paste
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Cumin Powder
• ¼ teaspoon Turmeric Powder
• 2 teaspoon Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Chilli Powder
• 1 teaspoon Coriander Powder
• 1 tablespoon Tandoori Masala or Butter Chicken Powder Mix
• ½ Lemon Juice only
• 3 tablespoon Plain Yoghurt
• 1 teaspoon Kashmiri Chilli Powder
• Red Food Colouring (Optional)

Masala

• 3 tablespoon Oil (Vegetable)
• 2 tablespoon Ghee
• Cloves
• Cardamom
• Bay Leaves
• 1 Onion (Diced)
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 3 Tomatoes (Pureed)

Rice

• 2 ½ cups Rice (Washed and Soaked for 30 minutes)
• 2 Cardamom Pods
• 1 Cinnamon Stick
• 1 Bay Leaf
• Pinch Dry Mint (Optional)
• Oil
• 2 ½ Salt

Layering

• 3 Potatoes (Peeled, cut into 1-inch cubes and pre-fried)
• 5 tablespoon Fried Onions (Optional)

Serve with (Optional)

• 4 Eggs (Boiled)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Chicken Marinade:

1. In a bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients (garlic paste, ginger paste, salt, cumin powder, turmeric powder, paprika, chili powder, coriander powder, tandoori masala, lemon juice, yogurt, and Kashmiri chili powder). Mix well.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and coat them evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.

Masala:

1. Heat oil and ghee in a large pot or pan. Add cloves, cardamom, and bay leaves and sauté for a minute until aromatic.
2. Add the diced onions and cook until they turn golden brown.
3. Add the pureed tomatoes and salt, and cook for 5-7 minutes until the masala thickens and the oil starts to separate.

Rice:

1. In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and add the soaked rice along with the cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, and bay leaf.
2. Cook the rice until it is 70-80% done, then drain and set aside.

Layering:

1. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, add the masala mixture and spread it evenly.
2. Layer the marinated chicken on top of the masala.
3. Add a layer of partially cooked rice over the chicken.
4. Add the pre-fried potatoes and optional fried onions.
5. Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of rice on top.
6. Drizzle some oil or ghee over the top and cook on low heat (preferably using the “dum” method) for 25-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serve with:

1. Serve the biryani with boiled eggs on the side for an added touch of flavor.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Preparation time: 30 minutes (plus marination time)
• Cooking time: 45 minutes to 1 hour

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken with mixed vegetables like carrots, peas, and potatoes. You can also use paneer for a richer taste.
• Spicy Version: Increase the amount of chili powder or add green chilies for an extra kick.
• Grilled Chicken Version: Grill the marinated chicken before adding it to the biryani for a smoky flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover biryani in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the biryani in a microwave or on the stovetop with a few tablespoons of water or ghee to prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

How do I ensure the chicken stays tender in the biryani?

Marinating the chicken for a few hours or overnight will help it remain tender and juicy. Additionally, cooking the biryani on low heat (dum cooking) allows the chicken to cook evenly without drying out.

Can I make this biryani without ghee?

Yes, you can substitute ghee with butter or additional oil, but ghee adds a rich, traditional flavor that enhances the overall dish.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

While white rice is traditionally used, you can substitute it with brown rice, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time as brown rice takes longer to cook.

How spicy is this biryani?

The level of spiciness can be adjusted based on your preference. If you want a milder version, reduce the chili powder and paprika. For more heat, add extra green chilies or red chili powder.

What’s the best way to serve Chicken Tikka Biryani?

This biryani is best served with a side of raita (yogurt sauce), pickle, or boiled eggs. You can also serve it with a fresh salad for added crunch.

Can I freeze Chicken Tikka Biryani?

Yes, you can freeze the biryani. Allow it to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It will last for up to 2-3 months in the freezer.

How do I reheat frozen Chicken Tikka Biryani?

To reheat, thaw the biryani overnight in the fridge and then microwave or heat it on the stovetop with a few tablespoons of water or ghee.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs will add extra flavor and tenderness to the biryani, but ensure they are cooked through properly.

How can I make the biryani more flavorful?

You can enhance the flavor by adding saffron soaked in warm milk or a few drops of kewra water for a floral aroma. You can also increase the spice level by adding extra garam masala.

Can I use store-bought fried onions?

Yes, you can use store-bought fried onions to save time. However, homemade fried onions will add a better flavor and texture to the biryani.

Conclusion

Chicken Tikka Biryani is a flavorful, satisfying dish that combines the best of two beloved recipes—chicken tikka and biryani. The marinated chicken, fragrant rice, and crispy fried potatoes make it a perfect one-pot meal for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a comforting meal, this recipe is sure to impress. Don’t forget to customize it to your taste, and enjoy the incredible flavors that this restaurant-style biryani brings to your table!

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