Eid Recipe - Authentic Pakistani Chicken Biryani

Eid is a time for celebration, family gatherings, and of course, indulging in delicious food. One of the most iconic dishes to serve during Eid is Chicken Biryani. Known for its vibrant colors, rich flavors, and aromatic spices, this dish holds a special place in the hearts of many. Today, we’ll be sharing an authentic Pakistani Chicken Biryani recipe that will make your Eid feast unforgettable.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Marinade:

1 kg chicken, cut into pieces

1 cup plain yogurt

1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste

1 tablespoon red chili powder

1 teaspoon turmeric powder

1 teaspoon garam masala

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Salt to taste

For the Rice:

3 cups basmati rice, soaked for 30 minutes

6 cups water

2-3 bay leaves

4-5 cloves

3-4 green cardamom pods

1 cinnamon stick

1 tablespoon cumin seeds

Salt to taste

For the Biryani Gravy:

3 large onions, thinly sliced

2 large tomatoes, chopped

2-3 green chilies, slit

1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste

1/4 cup oil or ghee

1 teaspoon coriander powder

1 teaspoon cumin powder

1 teaspoon garam masala

A handful of chopped coriander leaves

A handful of chopped mint leaves

Saffron threads soaked in warm milk (optional)

1/4 cup fried onions for garnish

How to Make Pakistani Chicken Biryani:

Marinate the Chicken:

Start by marinating the chicken pieces. In a large mixing bowl, combine yogurt, ginger garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, lemon juice, and salt. Add the chicken and make sure the pieces are well-coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and let it sit in the fridge for at least 1 hour (preferably overnight for deeper flavor).

Cook the Rice:

Bring 6 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Add the soaked basmati rice, bay leaves, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon stick, cumin seeds, and salt. Boil the rice until it’s 70-80% cooked. The rice should still have a slight bite to it, as it will cook further while layering the biryani. Drain the rice and set aside.

Prepare the Biryani Gravy:

Heat oil or ghee in a large, heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add sliced onions and sauté them until they become golden brown and caramelized. This step is key for the depth of flavor in the biryani.

Add the ginger garlic paste and cook for a minute until fragrant. Next, add chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and the oil separates from the masala. Stir in the green chilies, coriander powder, cumin powder, and garam masala. Let the spices cook for 2-3 minutes.

Add the marinated chicken to the pan and cook until the chicken is tender and the oil separates from the gravy. If the gravy becomes too thick, add a little water to adjust the consistency.

Layer the Biryani:

Once the chicken is cooked, reduce the heat to low. In a large pot, begin layering the biryani. Start with a layer of chicken gravy, followed by a layer of cooked rice. Sprinkle some chopped mint and coriander leaves, and a few fried onions on top.

If using saffron, drizzle the saffron-infused milk over the top of the rice for a beautiful color and aroma. Continue layering until all the rice and chicken are used up, finishing with a rice layer on top.

Final Dum Cooking:

Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid or seal the edges with dough to trap the steam. Place the pot on low heat for 15-20 minutes to allow the biryani to cook through and for the flavors to meld together. This slow-cooking process, called “dum,” is what gives the biryani its signature taste.

Serving the Biryani:

Once the biryani is ready, gently fluff the rice and mix the layers. Serve hot with raita, salad, or a boiled egg on the side for an authentic Pakistani biryani experience.

Tips for the Perfect Chicken Biryani:

Rice: Always use good quality basmati rice for the best texture and aroma.

Spices: Freshly ground spices make a huge difference in the flavor profile of your biryani.

Marination: Marinating the chicken for longer enhances the flavors. Try to marinate it overnight if you can.

Fried Onions: Use plenty of caramelized fried onions for that authentic crunch and flavor.