Chicken Bombay Biryani

 

Authentic Chicken Bombay Biryani Recipe – A Royal Feast for Your Taste Buds!

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Authentic Chicken Bombay Biryani recipe with juicy chicken, fragrant rice, and rich spices. Perfect for festive occasions. Step-by-step guide to perfection!

Introduction

Chicken Bombay Biryani is a classic South Asian dish known for its aromatic flavors, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked basmati rice. This one-pot wonder brings together fragrant spices, juicy chicken, and golden-fried potatoes, making it a complete meal that’s rich, comforting, and irresistibly delicious.

Originating from the royal kitchens of the Mughal Empire, biryani has evolved into various regional variations. Whether you enjoy it Bombay-srtle , Hyderabadi-style, Karachi-style, or Lucknowi-style, the essence remains the same—a harmony of flavors and spices.

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Ingredients

1. Rice Preparation:  

- 1-1/2 liters water  

- 1 kg Basmati rice  

- 1 tablespoon vinegar  

- 1-1/2 tablespoons salt  

- 2 bay leaves  

- 7-8 cloves  

- 8-10 whole black peppercorns  

- 2 cinnamon sticks  

- 2 star anise  

- 4 green cardamoms  

- 1 tablespoon white cumin seeds  

2. Chicken Korma:  

- 1 kg chicken (cut into pieces)  

- 3-4 large potatoes (cut into big chunks)  

- 2 large onions (sliced)  

- 4-5 large tomatoes (blended into a puree)  

- 1 tablespoon ginger & garlic paste  

- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)  

- 1 tablespoon Kashmiri red chili powder  

- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds  

- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder  

- 1 tablespoon dry coriander powder  

- 1 tablespoon red chili powder  

- 1 star anise  

- 2 small cardamoms  

- 1/2 teaspoon white cumin seeds  

- 1 bay leaf  

- 3-5 dried plums  

- 1 teaspoon garam masala  

- 1 cup fresh yogurt (whipped)  

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Directions

Step 1: Preparing the Rice  

1. Rinse the rice thoroughly and soak it in water for 30 minutes.  

2. In a large pot, bring 1 ½ liters of water to a boil. Add vinegar, salt, and all the whole spices.  

3. Once the water is hot, add the soaked rice.  

4. Cook the rice until it's 75-80% done, then drain the water.  

5. Rinse the rice with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set it aside.  

Step 2: Frying the Potatoes  

1. Heat oil in a large pot.  

2. Add the whole spices and sauté for 1-2 minutes.  

3. Add the potato chunks and fry them for 3-4 minutes until they turn golden brown.  

4. Remove the potatoes from the oil and set them aside.  

Step 3: Cooking the Chicken Korma  

1. In the same oil, add the sliced onions and fry until golden brown.  

2. Remove 2-3 tablespoons of fried onions for garnishing.  

3. Add the ginger & garlic paste and sauté until fragrant.  

4. Add the chicken pieces and fry for 4-5 minutes until they change color.  

5. Pour in the blended tomato puree and cook for 2-3 minutes.  

6. Add all the dry spices (salt, turmeric, cumin, coriander, red chili powder, and Kashmiri chili powder).  

7. Cook until the chicken absorbs the spices, turns deep red, and the oil separates.  

8. Stir in the whipped yogurt and cook for another 2-3 minutes.  

Step 4: Cooking Chicken with Fried Potatoes  

1. Add the fried potatoes to the chicken and cover the pot for 2-3 minutes.  

2. Add the dried plums, remaining whole spices, and mace.  

3. Cover again and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.  

Step 5: Assembling the Biryani  

1. Layer the cooked rice over the chicken Korma evenly.  

2. Sprinkle the reserved fried onions and chopped green chilies. Arrange tomato slices on top.  

3. Mix orange food color with kewra water and drizzle over the rice.  

4. Sprinkle lemon juice and add 1 tablespoon of ghee for extra richness.  

5. Cover the pot with a tight lid, sealing any steam holes.  

6. Let the biryani cook on low heat for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.  

7. Gently mix the rice before serving.  

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Serving

- Enjoy your delicious Chicken Bombay Biryani with raita and fresh salad!  

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FAQs

1. Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?  

Yes, boneless chicken can be used, but bone-in chicken adds more flavor to the biryani.  

2. Why is vinegar added to the rice?  

Vinegar helps keep the rice grains separate and enhances the texture.  

3. How do I prevent the biryani from sticking to the pot?  

Use a heavy-bottomed pot and grease it with a little oil before layering.  

4. Can I make this biryani ahead of time?  

Yes! The flavors intensify over time. Reheat on low heat before serving.  

5. Can I add saffron to enhance the aroma?  

Absolutely! Soak a few saffron strands in warm milk and drizzle over the rice.  

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Conclusion

There’s nothing quite as comforting as a well-made Chicken Bombay Biryani. With its aromatic spices, juicy chicken, and fluffy basmati rice, this dish is a celebration of flavors and textures. Perfect for festive occasions or a weekend indulgence, this Chicken Bombay Biryani recipe ensures you get the perfect balance of spices and fragrance in every bite. Follow this recipe, and soon, you’ll master the art of making authentic biryani at home. Serve it hot with raita and salad, and watch everyone come back for seconds!