Chicken Biryani Recipe | Authentic South Indian Style Chicken Biryani Step by Step

 🍗 Chicken Biryani Recipe – Authentic South Indian Style (Step by Step)

Chicken Biryani is one of the most loved and searched dishes on Google, especially in India. From weddings and festivals to weekend family lunches, Chicken Biryani holds a special place in every food lover’s heart. The perfect blend of fragrant basmati rice, juicy chicken, aromatic spices, and herbs makes it irresistible.

In this blog post, you will learn how to make authentic South Indian style Chicken Biryani at home, using simple ingredients and an easy step-by-step method. This recipe is perfect for beginners and guarantees restaurant-style taste.

🌟 Why Chicken Biryani Is So Popular?

Chicken Biryani is not just food; it is an emotion. It is popular because:

Rich aroma from whole spices

Perfect balance of spices and flavor

One-pot meal, filling and satisfying

Loved by all age groups

Ideal for special occasions and weekends

Among all biryani varieties, Chicken Biryani is the most searched biryani on Google, followed by Mutton Biryani and Veg Biryani.

🍚 Types of Chicken Biryani in India

Before we move to the recipe, let’s look at popular types of Chicken Biryani:

Hyderabadi Chicken Biryani

South Indian Chicken Biryani

Tamil Nadu Style Chicken Biryani

Ambur Chicken Biryani

Chettinad Chicken Biryani

Kerala Chicken Biryani

This recipe is inspired by South Indian home-style Chicken Biryani, which is flavorful but not overly spicy.

📝 Ingredients for Chicken Biryani

For Marinating the Chicken

Chicken – 1 kg (with bone preferred)

Yogurt (curd) – ½ cup

Ginger garlic paste – 2 tablespoons

Red chili powder – 1½ teaspoons

Turmeric powder – ½ teaspoon

Garam masala – 1 teaspoon

Salt – as required

Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon

For Cooking Rice

Basmati rice – 3 cups

Water – as required

Bay leaf – 1

Cloves – 4

Cardamom – 3

Cinnamon stick – 1

Salt – to taste

For Biryani Masala

Oil – 3 tablespoons

Ghee – 2 tablespoons

Onions – 4 large (thinly sliced)

Green chilies – 4 (slit)

Tomatoes – 3 (chopped)

Mint leaves – ½ cup

Coriander leaves – ½ cup

Biryani masala powder – 2 teaspoons

Whole Spices

Bay leaf – 1

Cloves – 5

Cardamom – 4

Cinnamon – 1 inch

Star anise – 1

🍗 Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Take cleaned chicken pieces in a large bowl. Add yogurt, ginger garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, salt, and lemon juice.

Mix well so that all pieces are evenly coated. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes.

For best taste, marinate for 2–4 hours.

👉 Marination helps the chicken become soft and absorb flavors.

🍚 Step 2: Cook the Rice

Wash basmati rice 2–3 times and soak for 30 minutes.

In a large pot, boil water with bay leaf, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, and salt. Add soaked rice and cook until 70% cooked.

Drain the water and keep the rice aside.

👉 Do not overcook the rice, or biryani will become mushy.

🍳 Step 3: Prepare the Chicken Masala

Heat oil and ghee in a heavy-bottomed biryani pot.

Add whole spices and sauté until aromatic.

Add sliced onions and fry until golden brown.

Add green chilies and chopped tomatoes. Cook until tomatoes turn soft and oil separates.

Add mint leaves, coriander leaves, and biryani masala powder. Mix well.

Now add the marinated chicken and cook on medium flame for 10–12 minutes until chicken is half cooked and masala thickens.

🍲 Step 4: Layering the Biryani

Lower the flame.

Spread half of the cooked rice evenly over the chicken masala.

Sprinkle some mint leaves, coriander leaves, and fried onions.

Add remaining rice as the top layer.

Drizzle 2 tablespoons of ghee and sprinkle a little biryani masala on top.

Cover the pot tightly with a lid.

🔥 Step 5: Dum Cooking (Final Cooking)

Cook on low flame for 20–25 minutes.

You can place a tawa under the pot to prevent burning.

Turn off the flame and let the biryani rest for 10 minutes before opening.

Gently mix from the sides and serve hot.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Chicken Biryani tastes best when served with:

Onion raita

Boiled egg

Chicken salna or gravy

Lemon wedges

💡 Tips for Perfect Chicken Biryani

Always use basmati rice for best aroma

Marinate chicken properly

Use both oil and ghee for rich taste

Cook on low flame during dum

Do not overmix after Cooking

🔍 SEO Benefits of This Recipe

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Chicken Biryani healthy?

Yes, when cooked at home using fresh ingredients and limited oil, chicken biryani is a balanced meal.

Can I use boneless chicken?

Yes, but bone-in chicken gives better flavor.

Which rice is best for Chicken Biryani?

Long grain basmati rice is the best choice.

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🏁 Final Words

This Chicken Biryani Recipe is perfect for anyone looking to prepare an authentic, flavorful, and aromatic biryani at home. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced cook, this step-by-step guide will help you make restaurant-style Chicken Biryani easily.