Description
This Chicken Tikka Biryani is a flavorful and aromatic one-pot Indian dish featuring tender cubed chicken cooked in a rich tikka masala sauce, combined with fragrant basmati rice. The recipe balances spices, yogurt, and chicken broth for a comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 chicken breasts, cubed
Rice and Grains
- 2 cups basmati rice
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 onion, sliced
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons tikka masala paste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- Salt to taste
Dairy
- 1/2 cup yogurt
Liquids
- 2 cups chicken broth
Instructions
- Sauté the onions: In a large pot, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook them, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. This step develops a deep, sweet flavor that forms the base of the biryani.
- Cook the chicken: Add the cubed chicken breasts to the pot with the onions. Cook the chicken pieces, stirring occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and mostly cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. This ensures the chicken absorbs the onion flavor and starts building the dish’s body.
- Add the spices and yogurt: Stir in the tikka masala paste, yogurt, ground cumin, and ground coriander with the chicken and onions. Mix thoroughly so the spices evenly coat the chicken. Cook this mixture for 3-4 minutes to allow the flavors to combine and develop a rich, creamy texture.
- Simmer the broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the pot to a simmer. This will create a flavorful cooking liquid for the rice and help everything meld together.
- Cook the rice: Add the basmati rice to the pot, stirring gently to combine it with the chicken and spices. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the biryani cook undisturbed for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been fully absorbed.
- Garnish and serve: Once the rice is cooked, turn off the heat and let the biryani rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork, then garnish with fresh cilantro before serving immediately. Enjoy your aromatic, flavorful Chicken Tikka Biryani!
Notes
- Use basmati rice for authentic fragrance and texture.
- Adjust salt according to your taste, as chicken broth can vary in saltiness.
- For a spicier version, add chopped green chilies or extra tikka masala paste.
- Make sure to cover the pot tightly while cooking rice to trap steam and cook evenly.
- If you prefer, you can marinate the chicken in yogurt and tikka masala paste before cooking for more depth of flavor.
