🌶️ Best Authentic One-Pot Chicken Biryani

Fragrant, Flavorful & Festive – A Classic Indian Rice Dish

Prep Time 20 mins

Cook Time 40 mins

Rest Time 10 mins

Total Time 1 hr 10 mins

Difficulty: Intermediate

Servings: 1

Estimated Cost: 11

Calories: 580kcal

Best Season: Fall, Winter

Description

This one-pot chicken biryani is a celebration of Indian flavors—juicy chicken marinated in yogurt and warm spices, layered with aromatic basmati rice and saffron. It’s easier than traditional biryani yet still gives you that authentic taste you love. Whether it’s a weekend treat or a festive meal, this is a crowd-pleasing recipe that’s both satisfying and budget-friendly.

Ingredients

For Marinated Chicken:

500 g chicken (bone-in or boneless, cut into pieces)
1/2 cup Plain Yogurt
1 tbsp Ginger-Garlic Paste
1 tsp Turmeric Powder
1 tsp Red Chili Powder
1 tsp Garam Masala
1/2 tsp Salt
Juice of ½ Lemon

For the Biryani:

2 tbsp Ghee or Vegetable Oil
1 large Onion, thinly sliced
2 cups Basmati Rice (washed and soaked for 30 mins)
4 cups Water or Chicken Stock
1 tsp Cumin Seeds
2 Green Cardamom Pods
1 Bay Leaf
3-4 Cloves
1 small Cinnamon Stick
2 few A strands of Saffron soaked in tbsp warm milk
Fresh Cilantro and Mint Leaves, chopped

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:

1
In a bowl, combine chicken with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, chili powder, garam masala, salt, and lemon juice.
2
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best flavor.

Fry the Onions:

3
Heat ghee/oil in a large pot.
4
Add sliced onions and sauté until deep golden and crispy. Remove half for garnishing.

Cook the Chicken:

5
In the same pot, add cumin seeds, cardamom, cloves, bay leaf, and cinnamon.
6
Sauté for a minute, then add the marinated chicken.
7
Cook on medium heat until chicken is almost done (10–12 minutes).

Add Rice & Simmer:

8
Add soaked rice and 4 cups of water or stock.
9
Season with salt. Stir gently.
10
Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low heat for 20–25 minutes.

Finish with Saffron & Herbs:

11
Pour saffron milk on top.
12
Sprinkle reserved fried onions, chopped cilantro, and mint.
13
Let it rest covered for 10 minutes before fluffing and serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 1

Amount Per Serving
Calories 580kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 22g34%
Saturated Fat 7g35%
Cholesterol 90mg30%
Sodium 670mg28%
Potassium 510mg15%
Total Carbohydrate 64g22%
Dietary Fiber 3g12%
Sugars 4g
Protein 35g70%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: Indian biryani, chicken biryani, Indian rice recipe, one-pot Indian food, easy biryani recipe