For Marinating Chicken:

• 1 kg Chicken (with bone, cleaned)
• 1 cup Yogurt (curd)
• 2 tbsp Ginger-Garlic Paste
• 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
• 2 tsp Red Chili Powder
• 1 tsp Turmeric Powder
• 2 tsp Garam Masala
• 1 tsp Coriander Powder
• 1 tsp Cumin Powder
• 3 tbsp Oil
• Salt to taste
• Fresh Coriander Leaves (Chopped)
• Mint Leaves (Chopped)

For Rice:

• 3 cups Basmati Rice (soaked for 30 mins)
• 6 cups Water
• 2 Bay Leaves
• 4 Cloves
• 2 Cardamom Pods
• 1 Cinnamon Stick
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Oil

For Gravy:

• 3 Large Onions (sliced thin)
• 2 Tomatoes (chopped)
• 3 Green Chilies (slit)
• 1/2 cup Mint Leaves
• 1/2 cup Coriander Leaves
• 1 tsp Garam Masala
• 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder
• 2 tbsp Ghee (Clarified Butter)

🔥 How to Make Chicken Biryani

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, mix chicken with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, salt, lemon juice, coriander, and mint leaves.
2. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (Best if kept for 2-3 hours).

Step 2: Prepare the Rice

1. Boil water with bay leaves, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, salt, and oil.
2. Add soaked basmati rice and cook until 70% done (Grains should be firm).
3. Drain and keep aside.

Step 3: Fry Onions

1. Heat oil in a pan and fry thinly sliced onions until golden brown and crispy.
2. Remove half of the fried onions for garnishing.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

1. In the same oil, add green chilies, tomatoes, and marinated chicken.
2. Cook on medium heat until chicken is 80% cooked and oil separates from gravy.
3. Add mint leaves, coriander leaves, and garam masala.

Step 5: Layering the Biryani

1. In a large pot, spread one layer of chicken gravy.
2. Add half of the boiled rice on top.
3. Sprinkle fried onions, mint leaves, and coriander leaves.
4. Repeat another layer with chicken and rice.
5. Pour 2 tbsp ghee and a pinch of saffron mixed in milk (optional for color and aroma).

Step 6: Dum Cooking (Final Cooking)

• Cover the pot with a tight lid or seal it with dough.
• Cook on low flame for 20-25 mins.
• Let it rest for 10 mins before opening.

🍽️ How to Serve

• Gently mix the layers before serving.
• Serve hot with Raita and Salad.

Pro Tips 💪

✅ Always use long-grain basmati rice for best results.
✅ Marinate chicken for longer time to get juicy flavors.
✅ Fry onions till golden brown — it gives the authentic taste.
✅ Dum cooking gives biryani its perfect aroma and flavor.