Easy Chicken Tikka Biryani

Chicken Tikka Masala Biryani is a delightful fusion of two renowned Indian dishes. Imagine the vibrant flavors of Chicken Tikka Masala being merged with the fragrant rice dish, Biryani.

The result is an explosion of taste that perfectly represents Indian cuisine at its finest.

The dish begins with succulent pieces of chicken marinated in aromatic spices and yogurt, then grilled to perfection just like in traditional Chicken Tikka recipes. These juicy morsels are then layered with fluffy Basmati rice infused with saffron and a variety of spices - this is where our Biryani element comes into play.

One important factor here that sets it apart from usual biryanis though is the masala sauce—a creamy spiced tomato-based concoction—that each piece of chicken gets generously smothered in before everything goes for a final bake together! This recipe shares roots with Julie Sahni's flavorful, additive-free version but gets kicked up several notches by incorporating aspects from another stellar classic!

Though making authentic biryani can be time-consuming—traditionally prepared over days to fully develop the rich palette—it'll be worth every moment spent when you take that first sumptuous bite! Now let’s dive deeper into creating your own homemade masterpiece.

I love making biryani! I just don't know what it is. My Vijayawada Chicken Biryani is a hit!

What is to love about this recipe

This Chicken Tikka Masala Biryani recipe offers a unique fusion of flavors. The blend of chicken tikka masala and biryani creates an irresistible taste that is both fresh and tantalizing.

As a bonus, it's also healthier and more affordable than most takeout options.

Suitable for beginners as well as advanced cooks, this recipe provides detailed instructions ensuring the preparation process is smooth sailing. You'll absolutely enjoy making this delicious dish with fluffy rice grains layered with moist chicken pieces in mildly spicy curry sauce! The mastery lies not just in your cooking skills but also in patience, as traditional biryani typically takes two to three days to fully develop its rich flavors.

Cooking has never been so enjoyable or rewarding!

Ingredients

Preparing the Chicken Tikka Masala Biryani begins with gathering all the necessary ingredients. This ensures a smooth cooking process. Here's what you will need:

• Boneless chicken pieces
• Long grain basmati rice, known for its fragrant aroma and long, slender grains.
• Freshly chopped herbs such as cilantro and mint to enhance flavor.
• Ground spices like coriander, cumin, Kashmiri chili powder, and paprika to make our biryani seasonings.
• Whole spices including cinnamon sticks, cloves, and cardamom pods for deeper flavors.
• Tomato sauce which forms the base of our chicken tikka masala.
• Greek yogurt for marinating the chicken.
• Onions to be fried until golden brown and crispy.
• Ginger - garlic paste for added aroma and taste.
• Lemon juice to add a hint of freshness.
• Salt according to your taste preference.

How to Make Chicken Tikka Masala Biryani

First, we marinate the chicken in a blend of traditional seasonings for that classic tikka flavor. I recommend using boneless and skinless chicken thighs for this dish; they soak up the flavors remarkably well.

We give the marinade adequate time to penetrate deeply into the chicken, bringing out a rich, spicy curry taste.

Next comes frying onions till they become golden brown - just right to infuse their sweet yet pungent aroma into our biryani. Then we build our masala or sauce as it’s known by adding an array of ground and whole spices that turn this dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Cooking perfect basmati rice is an art in itself! The unique texture and fragrance make this grain ideal for biryani. Now it's finally time to layer your Biryani with alternating levels of cooked chicken masala gravy and semi-cooked basmati rice, ensuring every mouthful is brimming with flavors.

Last on our checklist is giving everything final 25 minutes cook where all elements come together in harmony under slow heat. This enhances the flavor fusion process making each bite incredibly satisfying!

And voila! You've got yourself some homemade Chicken Tikka Masala Biryani!

Marinate the chicken

To make chicken tikka biryani, start by marinating the chicken. Here's what you'll need:

• Yogurt
• Oil
• Garlic paste
• Lemon juice
• Salt

Fry the onions

Frying the onions is a crucial step in making chicken tikka biryani. The fried onions add a flavorful and crispy element to the dish. Here is how you can fry the onions for your biryani recipe:

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add sliced onions to the pan and spread them out in an even layer.
3. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and crispy.
4. Remove the fried onions from the pan using a slotted spoon and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Build the chicken sauce (masala)

To build the chicken sauce (masala), start by marinating the chicken with aromatic spices and yogurt. Then, fry onions in a pot until golden brown. Next, add ginger, garlic, and more spices to create a flavorful base. Stir in canned tomato sauce or fresh tomatoes for tanginess. Finally, cook skinless and boneless chicken thighs in the sauce until tender.

How to Make Biryani Rice

To make biryani rice, start by rinsing the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Then, soak the rice in cold water for 30 minutes. Drain the rice and set it aside.

Cook the chicken

To cook the chicken for the biryani, you can roast, sauté, grill, or barbecue it. The choice is yours! Here's how to do it:

1. Prepare the chicken by seasoning it with your favorite spices and marinade. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to soak up all the flavors.
2. Heat a pan over medium - high heat and add some oil. Once hot, place the chicken in the pan and cook until golden brown on both sides.
3. If you prefer a smoky flavor, you can also cook the chicken under the broiler or on the grill. Make sure to flip it halfway through to ensure even cooking.
4. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and set it aside. It should be tender and juicy.

Layer the biryani

To create the perfect Chicken Tikka Masala Biryani, layering is key. Here's how to assemble this delicious dish:

1. Start by spreading a layer of cooked basmati rice at the bottom of a deep pan.
2. Add a generous amount of the chicken tikka masala curry on top of the rice.
3. Sprinkle some freshly chopped herbs and spices, like cilantro and mint, for added flavor.
4. Repeat the process with another layer of rice, followed by more curry and herbs.
5. Continue layering until you have used up all the ingredients, making sure to end with a layer of rice on top.
6. Cover the pan tightly with foil or a lid to trap in all the steam and flavors.
7. Cook the biryani on low heat for about 25 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together.
8. Once cooked, remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Final 25-minute cook

The final step to making the chicken tikka biryani is the 25-minute cook that brings all the flavors together. Here's what you need to do:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) or heat a large skillet over medium heat on the stovetop.
2. If using the oven, transfer the layered biryani into a baking dish and cover it tightly with aluminum foil. Place it in the preheated oven.
3. If using the stovetop, place a tight - fitting lid on the skillet.
4. Let the biryani cook for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and creating a delicious aroma in your kitchen.
5. After 15 minutes, remove the foil (if using oven) or lid (if using stovetop) and continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes.
6. This will allow any excess moisture to evaporate and give you slightly crispy rice at the bottom of the pan, known as "tahdig."
7. Once cooked, remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Best Basmati Rice for Biryani

When it comes to making the perfect biryani, the choice of rice is crucial. Basmati rice is widely considered as the best rice for biryani due to its fragrant aroma and long, slender grains.

Its light and fluffy texture adds a wonderful mouthfeel to the dish.

For biryani, it is recommended to use aged basmati rice. Aged rice has a golden hue and longer cooking time, which helps in achieving that perfect texture and flavor. Before cooking, make sure to rinse the basmati rice thoroughly to remove any excess starch and ensure that each grain cooks separately.

If you're wondering which brand of basmati rice to choose for your biryani, some popular options include Auhu Barah Basmati Rice, Daawat Ultima Extra Long Grain Basmati, and Royal Chef's Secret Extra Long Grain White Basmati Rice.

These brands are known for their high-quality grains that cook up beautifully.

So next time you're making biryani at home, don't forget about the importance of using the best basmati rice available. Your taste buds will thank you for it!

How to Make Biryani Ahead

I love making biryani ahead of time, as it allows the flavors to develop even more. Here's how you can make biryani ahead:

1. Start by marinating the chicken on day one. This step is important to ensure that the meat is flavorful and tender when cooked.
2. On day two, cook the chicken and make the sauce (masala). The sauce adds richness and depth to the biryani.
3. Prepare the biryani rice separately. This involves cooking basmati rice until it is fluffy and fragrant.
4. Once all the components are ready, you can assemble the biryani. Layer the rice and chicken sauce in a deep pot or casserole dish.
5. Cover the dish tightly with foil or a lid, and refrigerate until you're ready to serve. The biryani can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

FAQs

1. What ingredients do I need to make chicken tikka biryani?

To make chicken tikka biryani, you will need chicken pieces, basmati rice, yogurt, spices like cumin and coriander, onion, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, and mint leaves.

2. How long does it take to cook chicken tikka biryani?

The cooking time for chicken tikka biryani can vary depending on the recipe you are following. On average, it takes about 1-2 hours from preparation to serving.

3. Can I use boneless chicken for making chicken tikka biryani?

Yes, you can use boneless or bone-in chicken for making chicken tikka biryani based on your preference.

4. Is it necessary to marinate the chicken before making chicken tikka biryani?

Marinating the chicken before making the dish is recommended as it helps in enhancing the flavor and tenderness of the meat.

5. Can I substitute basmati rice with regular white rice?

While basmati rice is traditionally used in biryanis for its fragrance and texture,

you can use regular white rice if you don't have access to basmati rice.

Just keep in mind that the taste and texture may be slightly different