Chicken Dum Biryani recipe is a magical dish loved worldwide! It’s all about the fragrant spices, juicy chicken, and fluffy basmati rice. The "dum" style cooking seals in the flavors, making every bite a burst of deliciousness! Trust me, it’s like flavor magic in every bite!
Jump to:
- About Chicken Dum Biryani
- What Makes Dum Biryani Special?
- Why You'll Love This Recipe💖
- What You'll Need to Make This Chicken Dum Biryani?
- How to Make Chicken Dum Biryani Recipe Hyderabadi Style
- Secrets to a Flavorful Chicken Dum Biryani
- Regional Variations of Chicken Dum Biryani
- Pairing Ideas for Chicken Dum Biryani
- Quick Tips for Leftover Chicken Dum Biryani
- Tips for Achieving the Perfect Dum Biryani
- ❔FAQs
About Chicken Dum Biryani
Chicken Dum Biryani recipe, also known as Hyderabadi Biryani, is a dish with royal roots, loved by people all over the world.
It was created in the kitchens of the Nizams of Hyderabad and has become a staple at celebrations.
So, whenever you taste this dish, you’re not just eating food—you're experiencing history!
Slow Cooking with "Dum"
The term "dum" means slow-cooking with steam, where the chicken and rice are cooked in a sealed pot, allowing all the flavors to come together perfectly.
If you think about it, this method locks in moisture and spice, making each grain of rice soft, fluffy, and aromatic.
Different regions add their own twist to this dish. For example, some add saffron or rose water for extra flavor.
While Hyderabadi Biryani is known for its spiciness, Lucknowi Biryani is lighter and more fragrant. No matter where it's made, the "dum" cooking method makes every version irresistible!
What Makes Dum Biryani Special?
Dum Biryani is truly special because of the slow-cooking method called "dum." Firstly, the dish is sealed in a pot to trap the steam. This allows the chicken and rice to cook in their own juices.
As a result, the flavors get locked in, making every bite super tasty. Not only does this technique keep the rice fluffy, but it also makes the chicken tender and juicy.
In comparison to other Biryani styles, dum cooking creates a unique aroma and richness that’s hard to beat! Hence, it’s a favorite for celebrations and family feasts!
Why You'll Love This Recipe💖
- Flavor Explosion: Chicken Dum Biryani recipe is like a party of spices—each bite is filled with rich, delicious flavors that everyone loves!
- Tender Chicken, Fluffy Rice: Imagine biting into juicy chicken and soft rice that melt in your mouth. It’s the perfect combo!
- Fun Cooking Vibes: The “dum” method locks in all the goodness with steam, making it super flavorful and mouthwatering!
- Make It Your Own: Want to spice it up? Add your favorite herbs, veggies, or a secret ingredient—it’s your Biryani, your rules!
- Celebration Ready: Whether it’s a family dinner or a special occasion, this Biryani brings everyone together for a feast that’s truly unforgettable!
- Easy to Love: Once you’ve tasted it, you’ll want to make it again and again. Trust me, it’s that good!
Explore More Delicious Recipes!
Chicken Bread Roll
Vegetable Biryani
Egg Biryani
Mutton Biryani
Prawn Biryani
What You'll Need to Make This Chicken Dum Biryani?
Key Ingredients:
Ingredients Breakdown:
- Chicken: Tender chicken is the star! I still remember the first time I had Biryani, the chicken was so juicy, it felt like a hug in every bite.
- Basmati Rice: The long, fluffy rice that absorbs all the flavors. It’s like a secret treasure hidden in every grain—reminds me of family dinners where everyone’s excited for the rice!
- Spices: Cumin, cardamom, cinnamon—they create that mouth-watering aroma. It’s like a spice adventure in every bite, taking me back to the sweet smells of my mom’s kitchen.
- Onions & Tomatoes: Sweet caramelized onions and tangy tomatoes balance the spices. They remind me of my childhood, when my mom would stir fry onions and the whole house would smell amazing!
- Yogurt: The yogurt marinade is the secret to tender chicken. It's like magic—like the chicken just knows how to soak up all those awesome flavors!
- Mint & Cilantro: Fresh mint and cilantro add that final “pop.” They’re like the finishing touch to a masterpiece, always bringing a smile to my face.
- Ghee: The ghee brings richness and flavor—like the icing on the cake, but better! My grandmother always said, "A little ghee, and you’ve got happiness on a plate."
How to Make Chicken Dum Biryani Recipe Hyderabadi Style
Step by Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
- First, grab a large mixing bowl and add yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, green chilies, red chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, cumin, coriander powder, lemon juice, and salt.
- Next, toss in the chicken pieces and make sure they’re fully coated with all those tasty spices!
- Then, add some chopped coriander and mint leaves, along with 2 tablespoon of oil.
- After that, cover the bowl and let it sit in the fridge for at least 1 hour (but overnight is even better for max flavor!).
2. Cook the Rice
- Now, boil 5-6 cups of water in a large pot.
- Add bay leaves, cloves, cinnamon, green cardamoms, cumin seeds, and salt to the boiling water.
- Next, add your soaked and drained basmati rice to the pot.
- Cook the rice until it’s about 70% done (still a bit firm).
- After that, drain the rice and set it aside.
3. Prepare the Chicken
- In a large, deep pan, heat it up and add the marinated chicken with all the marinade.
- Cook the chicken on medium heat until it starts to release its juices.
- Then, lower the heat and let the chicken simmer in its juices for 15-20 minutes. It should be tender but not fully cooked because it’ll finish cooking later!
4. Layer the Biryani
- In the same pan or another pot, start layering your biryani.
- First, spread half of the parboiled rice over the cooked chicken.
- Next, add a layer of fried onions on top of the rice.
- Then, drizzle saffron-infused milk over the rice, and sprinkle some fresh mint and coriander leaves.
- After that, add the remaining rice, followed by the rest of the fried onions, mint, and coriander.
- Finally, pour 2 tablespoon of ghee over the top layer to make it extra rich!
5. Dum Cooking (Sealing the Biryani)
- Now, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. If it’s not tight enough, use dough to seal the edges and keep the steam inside.
- Cook on low heat for 30-40 minutes so all the flavors blend together perfectly.
- Pro Tip: Place a flat tawa (griddle) under the pot to prevent burning.
- Afterward, let the biryani sit for 10 minutes before opening the lid.
6. Serve
- Carefully fluff the biryani from the edges to mix the layers while keeping the rice grains fluffy.
- Serve Chicken Dum Biryani Recipe hot with raita, salad, or boiled eggs for a tasty meal!
Secrets to a Flavorful Chicken Dum Biryani
1. Saffron for a Golden Touch
- First, soak saffron strands in warm milk for that rich, golden color and luxurious fragrance. This touch of saffron is not only beautiful but adds a unique flavor to the biryani. Indeed, it’s the perfect way to give your dish a royal touch!
2. Fried Onions (Birista) for Sweetness
- Next, fry onions until they turn crispy and caramelized. These crispy fried onions (birista) are a key ingredient for adding a sweet crunch to your biryani. Consequently, they add both texture and flavor, making every bite delightful!
3. Dum Cooking for Perfect Flavor
- Additionally, dum cooking is the magic! By cooking the biryani on low heat or placing a tawa (griddle) under the pot, you ensure even heat distribution, which prevents burning and locks in all the flavors. In effect, this slow-cooking process lets the rice and chicken cook together in harmony!
4. Layering with Aromatics
- Moreover, when layering the biryani, add whole spices like bay leaves, cardamom, and cloves in every layer. This ensures the biryani is infused with a deep, rich fragrance that will have everyone excited to dig in. To clarify, these spices release their oils, adding a fragrant, mouth-watering aroma with each bite.
Regional Variations of Chicken Dum Biryani
1. Hyderabadi Biryani
- Firstly, in Hyderabad, the chicken is marinated with fried onions, mint, and yogurt. This style uses the double cooking method, making the biryani rich in flavor and aroma. Certainly, it’s a classic!
2. Lucknowi (Awadhi) Biryani
- Conversely, Lucknowi Biryani has a milder taste, with no yogurt in the marinade. Instead, it relies on a perfect balance of fragrant spices. At the same time, the rice is cooked with care, making it lighter and elegant.
3. Kolkata Biryani
- Moreover, Kolkata-style biryani features potatoes and has a slightly sweet flavor. In fact, this version gives you a delicious contrast between savory and sweet. All things considered, it’s a fun twist on the classic!
4. Mughlai Biryani
- Finally, the Mughlai Biryani is rich and creamy. It often includes dried fruits, nuts, and a touch of milk in the layers. No sooner do you take a bite than you realize why it’s a royal favorite!
Pairing Ideas for Chicken Dum Biryani
- Raita Variations: To cool the palate, try pairing Chicken Dum Biryani recipe with different raitas like boondi raita, onion-cucumber raita, or pudina raita. This will balance the spices and add a refreshing touch.
- Pickles & Chutneys: Moreover, serve with tangy mango pickle, lime pickle, or sweet-sour chutney. These will enhance the flavors of the biryani and add a burst of tang!
- Salad Pairings: Additionally, pair the biryani with a fresh salad made of tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions. Dress it with lemon juice, salt, and pepper for a refreshing contrast.
- Dessert Pairing: Finally, wrap up your meal with a light dessert like phirni (rice pudding) or sweet gulab jamun. This will end the feast on a sweet note!
Quick Tips for Leftover Chicken Dum Biryani
Biryani Bowls: Firstly, turn your leftover Chicken Dum Biryani into a bowl by adding a dollop of raita, fresh salad, and pickles. This way, you get a quick, tasty, and satisfying meal!
Biryani Paratha: Another key point is to make Biryani Parathas. Simply, roll the leftover biryani rice into dough and cook it on a tawa to make crispy, flavorful flatbreads. This method makes for a delicious snack!
Biryani Soup: Moreover, you can transform your leftover biryani into a comforting soup. Just add vegetable stock and heat it gently. This will create a warm, one-pot meal!
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Dum Biryani
Choosing the Right Pot
- Firstly, pick a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. These pots ensure the heat is distributed evenly, so the biryani cooks perfectly. In other words, use a cast-iron pot for the best results!
Simmering on Dum
- Secondly, always keep the heat low and even. This ensures that the biryani cooks slowly without burning. Typically, the ideal cooking time is 45 minutes to 1 hour. No sooner do you reach the right heat than the flavors meld together.
Making the Biryani Fragrant
- Moreover, for that signature fragrance, add a few drops of rose water or kewra water in the final layers. Alternatively, try adding mace (javitri) for extra aroma. At the same time, this gives the dish an irresistible scent!
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Lastly, avoid these mistakes:
- Don’t overcook the rice – it should be half-cooked, not fully done.
- Ensure the pot is sealed tightly so the flavors stay in. Otherwise, you may lose the steam!
- And, don’t use too much water – too much moisture will make the biryani soggy.
Did you try this Chicken Dum Biryani recipe? Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating below and share it on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest!
❔FAQs
Yes, you can use boneless chicken, but bone-in chicken adds more flavor to the biryani as it releases juices during cooking.
Ensure the rice is only 70% cooked before layering. Also, use aged, long-grain basmati rice and drain it well after parboiling.
Yes, you can use an Instant Pot for a quicker version, but the traditional dum cooking method gives the best flavor and texture.
Yes, you can freeze biryani for up to a month. Ensure it is stored in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn, and thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours or overnight. This allows the spices to penetrate the meat fully.
Cook the biryani on very low heat, or place a tawa (griddle) underneath the pot to distribute heat evenly and prevent burning.
Chicken Dum Biryani
Ingredients
For Marinating Chicken:
- 1 Kg Chicken (bone-in, cut into medium pieces)
- 1 Cup Yogurt
- 2 tablespoon Ginger-garlic paste
- 2-3 Green chilies (slit)
- 1 teaspoon Red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon Garam masala powder
- 1 teaspoon Cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon Coriander powder
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves (chopped)
- Fresh mint leaves (chopped)
- 2 tablespoon Oil
For Rice:
- 3 Cup Basmati rice (long-grain, washed and soaked for 30 minutes)
- 5-6 Cup Water (for boiling rice)
- 2 Bay leaves
- 4-5 Cloves
- 1 Cinnamon stick
- 2-3 Green cardamoms
- 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
- Salt to taste
For Assembling Biryani:
- 2 Large onions (sliced and fried until golden brown)
- 1 Cup Saffron-infused milk (a few strands of saffron soaked in warm milk)
- 2 tablespoon Ghee
- Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)
- Fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
- First, grab a large mixing bowl and add yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, green chilies, red chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, cumin, coriander powder, lemon juice, and salt.
- Next, toss in the chicken pieces and make sure they’re fully coated with all those tasty spices!
- Then, add some chopped coriander and mint leaves, along with 2 tablespoon of oil.
- After that, cover the bowl and let it sit in the fridge for at least 1 hour (but overnight is even better for max flavor!).
Cook the Rice
- Now, boil 5-6 cups of water in a large pot.
- Add bay leaves, cloves, cinnamon, green cardamoms, cumin seeds, and salt to the boiling water.
- Next, add your soaked and drained basmati rice to the pot.
- Cook the rice until it’s about 70% done (still a bit firm).
- After that, drain the rice and set it aside.
Prepare the Chicken
- In a large, deep pan, heat it up and add the marinated chicken with all the marinade.
- Cook the chicken on medium heat until it starts to release its juices.
- Then, lower the heat and let the chicken simmer in its juices for 15-20 minutes. It should be tender but not fully cooked because it’ll finish cooking later!
Layer the Biryani
- In the same pan or another pot, start layering your biryani.
- First, spread half of the parboiled rice over the cooked chicken.
- Next, add a layer of fried onions on top of the rice.
- Then, drizzle saffron-infused milk over the rice, and sprinkle some fresh mint and coriander leaves.
- After that, add the remaining rice, followed by the rest of the fried onions, mint , and coriander.
- Finally, pour 2 tablespoon of ghee over the top layer to make it extra rich!
Dum Cooking (Sealing the Biryani)
- Now, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. If it’s not tight enough, use dough to seal the edges and keep the steam inside.
- Cook on low heat for 30-40 minutes so all the flavors blend together perfectly.
- Pro Tip: Place a flat tawa (griddle) under the pot to prevent burning.
- Afterward, let the biryani sit for 10 minutes before opening the lid.
Serve
- Carefully fluff the biryani from the edges to mix the layers while keeping the rice grains fluffy.
- Serve Chicken Dum Biryani Recipe hot with raita, salad, or boiled eggs for a tasty meal!
Notes
Regional Variations of Chicken Dum Biryani
1. Hyderabadi Biryani-
- Firstly, in Hyderabad, the chicken is marinated with fried onions, mint, and yogurt. This style uses the double cooking method, making the biryani rich in flavor and aroma. Certainly, it’s a classic!
-
- Conversely, Lucknowi Biryani has a milder taste, with no yogurt in the marinade. Instead, it relies on a perfect balance of fragrant spices. At the same time, the rice is cooked with care, making it lighter and elegant.
-
- Moreover, Kolkata-style biryani features potatoes and has a slightly sweet flavor. In fact, this version gives you a delicious contrast between savory and sweet. All things considered, it’s a fun twist on the classic!
-
- Finally, the Mughlai Biryani is rich and creamy. It often includes dried fruits, nuts, and a touch of milk in the layers. No sooner do you take a bite than you realize why it’s a royal favorite!
Pairing Ideas for Chicken Dum Biryani
-
- Raita Variations: To cool the palate, try pairing Chicken Dum Biryani recipe with different raitas like boondi raita, onion-cucumber raita, or pudina raita. This will balance the spices and add a refreshing touch.
-
- Pickles & Chutneys: Moreover, serve with tangy mango pickle, lime pickle, or sweet-sour chutney. These will enhance the flavors of the biryani and add a burst of tang!
-
- Salad Pairings: Additionally, pair the biryani with a fresh salad made of tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions. Dress it with lemon juice, salt, and pepper for a refreshing contrast.
-
- Dessert Pairing: Finally, wrap up your meal with a light dessert like phirni (rice pudding) or sweet gulab jamun. This will end the feast on a sweet note!
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