Authentic Chicken Dum Biryani: A Step-by-Step Recipe
50 minutes
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About Authentic Chicken Dum Biryani: A Step-by-Step Recipe
Savor the rich aroma and exquisite flavors of authentic Chicken Dum Biryani with this easy-to-follow recipe. Imagine tender marinated chicken nestled amongst fragrant basmati rice, aromatic spices, and crispy fried onions (barista), a true taste of traditional Mughlai cuisine.Master the art of the perfect "dum," the slow-cooking technique that infuses this biryani with incredible depth. This show-stopping, restaurant-quality dish is surprisingly simple to create at home, guaranteed to impress your family and friends.
Recipe Time & More
Prep20 minutes
Cook30 minutes
Total50 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 300 gm Chicken cut into pieces
- 1/2 cup Yogurt
- 1 tbsp Garlic Paste
- 1 tbsp Ginger Paste
- 1 tsp Chili Powder red
- 1 tbsp Coriander Powder
- 1 tsp Cumin Powder
- 1/2 tsp Salt or to taste
For the Rice
- 250 gm Basmati Rice washed and soaked for 20 minutes
- 1 tbsp Oil
For the Aromatics and Spices
- 1 Onion finely chopped, medium
- 3 tbsp Oil
- 3 Bay Leaves
- 2 Kashmiri Chillies whole
- 5 Cloves
- 11 Peppercorns black
- 2 Cardamom Pods black
- 4 Cardamom Pods green
- 2 Cinnamon Sticks
- 1 Star Anise
- 1 tsp Biryani Masala homemade, or store-bought
- 1 tsp Salt or to taste
- 2 drops Orange Food Color optional
- 2 drops Kewra Water optional
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces, yogurt, garlic paste, ginger paste, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and salt. Mix well, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated. Cover and marinate for at least 20 minutes. This allows the chicken to absorb the flavors and tenderize.
- Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and fry until golden brown and crispy. This creates the barista, which adds a wonderful texture and flavor to the biryani. Remove the fried onions with a slotted spoon and set aside, reserving the oil.
- In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil. Add the bay leaves, Kashmiri chilies, cloves, peppercorns, black cardamom pods, green cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and salt. This infuses the water with aromatic spices. Add the soaked basmati rice and 1 tablespoon of oil. The oil helps keep the rice grains separate. Bring back to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for about 8-10 minutes, or until the rice is about 70% cooked. The rice should still have a slight bite to it. Drain the rice and set aside.
- Heat the reserved oil from frying the onions in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides. Add 1 cup of water, biryani masala, and salt. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- In a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven (ideally with a tight-fitting lid), layer one-third of the parboiled rice. Top with half of the cooked chicken. If using, mix the remaining rice with the food color and kewra water. Layer half of this colored rice over the chicken. Add the remaining cooked chicken, followed by the last layer of colored rice. Sprinkle the fried onions (barista) evenly over the top. This layering creates a beautiful presentation and ensures even distribution of flavors.
- Seal the pot tightly with a lid. You can also use aluminum foil to create a tighter seal and prevent steam from escaping. Place the pot on a very low flame or over a diffuser. The dum technique allows the biryani to steam gently, melding the flavors and creating a wonderfully aromatic dish. Cook for 15-20 minutes. This slow cooking process is crucial for developing the characteristic dum biryani flavor and texture.
- Carefully remove the lid, releasing the fragrant steam. Gently fluff the biryani with a fork. Serve hot, garnished with the remaining barista and a side of raita or salad.
Recipe Notes
Good To Know
- A double boiler is necessary for cooking dum biryani and is also recommended for reheating leftovers.
- For a more intense flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- If you don't have an oven, you can create the "dum" effect by sealing the pot with dough or placing a heavy pan on top to trap steam.
- Layering fried onions (birista) and saffron-infused milk between the rice and chicken enhances flavor and presentation.
- Leftover biryani can be repurposed into biryani fried rice.
Expert Tips
- Use aged basmati rice for the best biryani texture and aroma. Rinsing the rice thoroughly until the water runs clear is crucial for removing excess starch and achieving separate, fluffy grains.
- Don't overmix the rice and chicken while layering. A gentle hand preserves the distinct layers and prevents the rice from becoming mushy.
- Adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more or fewer chilies during the cooking process.
Storage Instructions
- Store leftover biryani in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat thoroughly in a double boiler, microwave, or on the stovetop before serving.
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 456kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 6gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gSodium: 1710mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4g
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This is so tempting! Can’t wait to cook it.
I’m eager to make this recipe!
This is exactly what I was looking for!