Indian · serves 2

One-Pot Chicken Biryani

The cheat version. Same joy, half the pots.

50 min A proper cook Non-vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 600g chicken
  • 2 cups basmati, soaked 30 min
  • 3 onions, sliced
  • 1 cup yogurt
  • 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 2 tbsp biryani masala
  • Whole spices: bay leaf, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves
  • Mint + coriander, a big handful
  • 5 tbsp ghee
  • Saffron in warm milk

Method

  1. Fry the onions in ghee till dark golden. Take half out for the top.
  2. Ginger-garlic, then chicken, yogurt, biryani masala, salt. Cook 12 minutes till thick.
  3. Layer soaked drained rice on top. Scatter mint, coriander, fried onions, saffron milk.
  4. Add 2.5 cups hot water gently down the side. Whole spices in.
  5. Cover tight, high 5 minutes, then lowest heat 18 minutes. No peeking.
  6. Rest 10 minutes off the heat, then fold from the bottom up. Raita on the side.

Questions people ask about One-Pot Chicken Biryani

How long does One-Pot Chicken Biryani take?

About 50 minutes from starting to sitting down, and it is a proper cook. A good part of that is unattended, so you can get on with something else once it is going.

What can I use instead of chicken in One-Pot Chicken Biryani?

Use paneer, firm tofu or mushrooms. All three cook far faster than chicken, so add them in the last 5 minutes rather than at the start.

Can I make One-Pot Chicken Biryani ahead of time?

Yes, and it is better for it. Cool it fully, refrigerate for up to three days, and reheat gently with a splash of water. The flavours settle overnight.

Can I make One-Pot Chicken Biryani vegetarian?

Yes. Replace the chicken with paneer, firm tofu, mushrooms or soya chunks. All of them cook far faster than meat, so add them in the last five minutes rather than at the start, and keep the masala exactly as written.

What do you serve with One-Pot Chicken Biryani?

Raita on the side. It serves two as written. Double everything to feed four, but use a wider pan so the food still browns rather than steams.

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