Tips To Make Mouth-Watering Chicken Biryani In A Pressure Cooker
Image Credit: Chicken Biryani | Image Credit: Freepik

What is Chicken Biryani?

Chicken biryani is a popular variation of biryani that includes chicken as the primary protein. It is prepared by cooking rice with a variety of aromatic spices such as cumin, coriander, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves and then layering it with cooked chicken that has been marinated in a blend of herbs and yogurt.

The chicken is often cooked separately in a gravy or sauce made with onions, tomatoes, and other seasonings. The chicken and gravy are then layered with the rice and cooked together in a sealed pot or dum. The dish is typically garnished with fried onions, mint leaves, and chopped coriander leaves.

Chicken biryani is a flavorful and satisfying dish enjoyed all over the world and is a staple of Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi cuisine. It is often served at special occasions such as weddings, festivals, and other celebrations, but it can also be enjoyed as a delicious and hearty meal at home. 

How to make chicken biryani in a pressure cooker?

Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless chicken, cut into small pieces
  • 2 cups basmati rice
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 2-3 green chilies, chopped
  • 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 tsp biryani masala
  • 1 tsp red chili powder
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 2-3 cloves
  • 2-3 cardamom pods
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Water as needed
  • Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Method

 ASIN ID - B01M15JZMK    

  • Rinse the rice with water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for about 30 minutes. Doing this is essential as it helps to remove excess starch from the rice and ensures that the rice grains cook evenly.
  • Turn on the pressure cooker and add the oil. Once the oil is hot, add the cloves, cardamom pods, and bay leaf. Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant. Here we add the flavor of the whole spices and infuse them into the oil.
  • Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown. Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another minute. This step adds depth and complexity to the dish by caramelizing the onions and cooking off the raw flavor of the ginger-garlic paste.
  • Now go on to add the chopped tomatoes and green chilies. Sauté until the tomatoes are soft and mushy. This step adds acidity and sweetness to the dish and helps to balance out the spice blend.
  • Dry Masalas: Add the biryani masala, red chili powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for a minute. Pay extra attention to this as it adds the signature flavor and aroma to the dish. These are a whole blend of spices that includes cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, bay leaves, cumin, coriander, and nutmeg. You can either use store-bought biryani masala or make your own at home.
  • After this, add the chicken pieces and mix well. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is slightly cooked. Doing this will seal the chicken's juices and prevent them from becoming tough and chewy.
  • Drain the water from the soaked rice and add it to the pressure cooker. Mix well and add water. The ratio of rice to water should be 1:1.5. This step is crucial as the amount of water you add will determine the texture of the rice. You can adjust the amount of water depending on how soft or firm you prefer the rice to be.
  • Close the lid of the pressure cooker and cook on high heat until you hear the first whistle. Reduce the heat to low and cook for another 5-7 minutes. This step ensures that the rice and chicken are cooked evenly and thoroughly.
  • Turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally. Once the pressure is released, open the lid of the pressure cooker and gently fluff the rice with a fork. Make sure to mix the chicken and rice well so that the spices are evenly distributed.
  • Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with raita, salad, or any other accompaniment of your choice.

Before we wish you a ‘Bon Appetite!’, we have a bunch of tips for you to make your delicacy even more flavorsome.  

Tips


  • Veggie delight: Add vegetables like carrots, peas, and potatoes to the biryani to make it more nutritious and colorful – yes, this won’t turn it into a pullav – the biryani will be as delicious as ever.
  • Adding saffron or food color to the biryani will give it a more vibrant and appealing look – presentation matters!
  • Keeping it light - If you prefer a milder flavor, no problem. Just reduce the number of spices used or skip the green chilies.
  • Make sure to soak the rice for at least 30 minutes to ensure it cooks evenly.
  • If you do not have a pressure cooker, we got you covered. You can also make biryani in a regular pot or a rice cooker. The cooking time and method may vary slightly.

In conclusion, making chicken biryani in a pressure cooker is a convenient and easy way to enjoy this delicious dish without spending too much time in the kitchen. By following these simple steps and using the right ingredients, you can create a flavorful and aromatic biryani that will impress your friends and family. So go ahead and give it a try!