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Hyderabadi Chicken Dum Biryani Recipe

Emily Carter
A layered, slow-cooked dish where marinated chicken and basmati rice fuse with bold spices to create a flavor explosion.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings 5 servings
Calories 550 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade:

  • 500 g chicken bone-in for best flavor
  • ½ cup yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons oil

For the Rice:

  • 2 cups basmati rice long-grain is non-negotiable
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 3 green cardamoms
  • 3 cloves
  • 1- inch cinnamon stick
  • 1 teaspoon salt

For the Dum Layering:

  • 2 onions thinly sliced and fried until golden brown
  • ¼ cup milk infused with a pinch of saffron
  • 3 tablespoons ghee more if you’re feeling indulgent
  • 2 tablespoons chopped coriander
  • 2 tablespoons chopped mint

Instructions
 

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

  • Mix chicken with yogurt, spices, lemon juice, and oil.
  • Massage everything in like you're giving it a spa treatment.
  • Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

  • Rinse basmati rice and soak it for 20 minutes.
  • Boil water, toss in whole spices, and cook rice until it's 70% done.
  • Drain and set aside—don’t overcook unless you want mushy biryani.

Step 3: Layer the Biryani

  • Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed pot and spread marinated chicken at the base.
  • Layer half the parboiled rice over the chicken.
  • Sprinkle fried onions, saffron milk, coriander, and mint.
  • Repeat with the remaining rice and toppings.

Step 4: Dum Cooking

  • Cover the pot tightly—use dough if your lid isn’t airtight.
  • Cook on low heat for 35-40 minutes.
  • Resist the urge to open and check—it needs the steam.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

  • Fluff up the biryani gently with a fork.
  • Serve hot with raita, and watch everyone fight for seconds.

Notes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: ~550
  • Total Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Carbohydrates: 60g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 35g

Vitamins & Minerals (Per Serving)

  • Iron: 15%
  • Calcium: 10%
  • Vitamin A: 12%
  • Potassium: 14%
  • Vitamin B6: 8%

Pro Tips for the Perfect Biryani

  • Use aged basmati rice for that signature fluffy texture.
  • Caramelize onions properly—half-cooked onions ruin the magic.
  • Dum cooking is key, so seal the pot well.
  • A little extra ghee never hurt anybody.
  • Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving—flavors need time to settle.
Hyderabadi Chicken Dum Biryani isn’t just food; it’s an experience. Cook it once, and your family will expect it every weekend!