Chicken Biryani Recipe | just ready in 30 Minutes – Try It Now!

Discover how to make your own chicken biryani recipe at home — aromatic layers, rich flavor, and totally achievable by beginners.
Whether you're just learning how to make biryani at home or looking for an easy biryani recipe for beginners, this recipe gives you every step you need.
In less than 30 minutes of prep, you'll be mastering an authentic chicken biryani recipe with fragrant saffron, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked rice.
If you've ever wondered about the difference between Afghani chicken biryani recipe and the more familiar Indian versions, you're in the right place! This guide mixes tradition with simplicity and delivers a spicy biryani rice recipe packed with aroma and depth.
Ready to impress friends or family? Keep reading — you'll uncover marinade secrets, layering methods, and tips to keep your rice fluffy and separate, every time.
By positioning the most valuable content near the top and bolding key phrases, this format aligns with users’ natural scanning behavior. Studies show that web readers scan in horizontal movements at the top and then down the left side, focusing on first lines and bold terms to decide what’s worth reading next
Scroll down for the complete recipe card if you're ready to cook — or stay a moment longer to pick up insider tips that make this an easy biryani recipe for beginners you'll remember. Once you try this authentic chicken biryani recipe, you'll understand why it's a favorite in U.S. kitchens.

Ingredients

• 1 kg chicken (cut into pieces, preferably with bone),
• 500 g basmati rice (well rinsed and soaked),
• 2 large onions (thinly sliced),
• 4 cloves garlic (minced),
• 1 thumb-sized ginger (minced),
• 2 green chilies (sliced, adjust to taste),
• 1 cup plain yogurt (Greek or regular),
• 1 teaspoon saffron threads (soaked in 2 tablespoons warm milk),
• 3 tablespoons ghee or clarified butter,
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil,
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds,
• 4 cardamom pods,
• 4 cloves,
• 1 cinnamon stick,
• 1 bay leaf,
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder,
• 2 teaspoons chili powder,
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander,
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper,
• Salt to taste,
• Fresh cilantro leaves (for garnish),
• Fried onions (birista) for topping

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine yogurt, ginger‑garlic paste, spices and salt. Mix well and coat the chicken pieces. This is your marination base for the authentic chicken biryani recipe.
2. Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, or overnight for deeper flavor—perfect for an easy biryani recipe for beginners.
3. Rinse basmati rice thoroughly until the water runs clear, then soak for 30 minutes before cooking.
4. Parboil the rice: bring water to a rolling boil with whole spices and salt, cook for about 5 minutes (70 % done), then drain completely.
5. In a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat ghee or oil and fry sliced onions until light golden. Add the marinated chicken and sauté for 4–5 minutes until pale.
6. Reduce heat, cover, and cook chicken until just tender. Stir occasionally to evaporate excess moisture.
7. Layer half the fried onions, half the mint/cilantro, then spread the parboiled rice evenly over the chicken.
8. Drizzle saffron‑milk mixture and melted ghee on top. Cover the pot tightly and cook on low heat (dum) for 20 minutes.
9. Once done, let the biryani rest for 5 minutes before fluffing gently with a fork. Top with remaining fried onions and herbs.
10. Serve hot with yogurt raita or cucumber salad—experience how making this chicken biryani recipe at home brings restaurant-quality flavor.