Chicken Dum Biryani Recipe: How to make Dum Biryani?

Chicken Dum Biryani is an exquisite and aromatic dish hailing from the Indian subcontinent, celebrated for its rich flavors and delicate textures. Unlike ordinary biryanis, this dish features marinated chicken cooked with fragrant basmati rice, layered and slow-cooked to perfection. The secret lies in the “dum” cooking style, which allows the ingredients to meld together, creating an explosion of flavors with each bite. Its beautiful blend of spices, tender chicken, and fluffy rice makes it a cherished favorite in homes and restaurants alike. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a solo meal, Chicken Dum Biryani is bound to impress!

Ingredients

To prepare this delightful Chicken Dum Biryani, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 500 grams (1.1 lbs) chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces (preferably bone-in for more flavor)
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
• 2 teaspoons red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 tablespoon biryani masala (available in stores or homemade)
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh coriander leaves, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Biryani:

• 2 cups basmati rice, washed and soaked for at least 30 minutes
• 4 cups water
• 2-3 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter) or vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 green chilies, slit (adjust based on spice preference)
• 2-3 whole cloves
• 2-3 green cardamom pods
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 bay leaves
• 1-2 tablespoons of coriander and mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Marinating the Chicken

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, biryani masala, salt, chopped coriander, chopped mint, and lemon juice.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, making sure each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (longer if possible for deeper flavor).

Step 2: Preparing the Rice

1. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt to taste (about 1 tablespoon).
2. Drain the soaked basmati rice and gently add it to the boiling water.
3. Cook the rice for about 5-7 minutes until it is about 70% cooked (it should still have a bite). Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Frying Onions and Cooking Chicken

1. In a heavy-bottomed pot or pressure cooker, heat the ghee or oil over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they are golden brown. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Remove half of the fried onions and set them aside for garnishing.
3. To the remaining onions, add the slit green chilies, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon stick, and bay leaves. Fry for another minute to release the spices’ fragrance.
4. Next, add the marinated chicken to the pot, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken begins to brown and is nearly cooked through.

Step 4: Layering the Biryani

1. Gently layer the 70% cooked rice on top of the chicken, spreading it evenly.
2. Sprinkle the reserved fried onions on top, along with additional mint and coriander leaves for freshness.

Step 5: Cooking ‘Dum’ Style

1. To create the “dum” effect, cover the pot tightly with a lid. If using a pressure cooker, do not attach the pressure; you want to trap steam without pressure.
2. Cook on low heat for about 10-12 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the rice to finish cooking.
3. After 12 minutes, turn off the heat but let the biryani sit covered for an additional 5-10 minutes. Do not lift the lid until ready to serve.

Step 6: Fluffing and Serving

1. Once the biryani has rested, gently fluff the rice with a fork or spatula, being careful not to break the rice grains.
2. Serve hot, garnished with the reserved fried onions, and sprinkle with additional fresh herbs if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Dum Biryani is a complete meal on its own, but you can enhance the dining experience by serving:

• Raita: A refreshing yogurt-based side dish made with chopped cucumbers, mint, and spices, helps balance the spiciness of the biryani.
• Salad: Sliced onions, tomatoes, and cucumbers tossed in lemon juice and spices create a crunchy contrast.
• Pickles: Indian pickles (achar) for that extra zing.
• Beverages: Pair with a cooling drink like lassi (yogurt drink) or a sweet mint lemonade.

Nutritional Information

Chicken Dum Biryani not only satisfies your taste buds but also provides various nutritional benefits:

• Protein: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and overall health.
• Vitamins and Minerals: The fresh herbs (coriander and mint) provide vitamins A and C, and the spices in the biryani offer various health benefits such as anti-inflammatory properties.
• Carbohydrates: Basmati rice provides energy and fiber.
• Probiotics: When served with yogurt, you’ll benefit from digestive health support.

Conclusion

This Chicken Dum Biryani recipe makes for a convenient yet gourmet meal that can impress any guest and satisfy your family’s cravings. With fresh ingredients, aromatic spices, and delightful textures, it captures the essence of traditional Indian cooking while being manageable for home cooks of all skill levels. Enjoy this timeless classic and explore the magic of biryani in under 30 minutes!