Chicken Tikka Biryani

Learn how to make authentic Chicken Tikka Biryani at home with tender smoky chicken tikka, aromatic basmati rice, and rich spices layered to perfection. This step-by-step recipe includes easy marinade, flavorful masala, and dum cooking method for the best biryani experience. Perfect for family dinners, parties, or special occasions.

Ingredients:

Marinade

1 kg of chicken

2 tbsp vinegar

1 tsp salt

1 tsp red chili

1 tsp black pepper

1 tbsp garam masala

¼ tsp red food color

1 tsp ginger paste

1 tsp garlic paste

1 ½ tbsp mustard oil

Sauce

½ cup cooking oil

1 cup sliced onion

1 medium tomato

½ tsp salt

1 tsp red chili

1 tbsp coriander

4 tbsp plain yogurt

1 tsp sugar

½ tsp kewra water

Rice

6 cups of water

2 cinnamon sticks

6 cloves

5 cardamom

8-10 pepper

1 tsp cumin

1 ½ tsp salt

1 tsp ghee

1 tsp ginger

4 cups basmati rice

½ tsp kewra water

1 tbsp food color

Garnish

1 tbsp ghee

1 tbsp fresh mint

1 tbsp fresh coriander

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a bowl, mix vinegar, salt, red chili, black pepper, garam masala, food color, ginger paste, garlic paste, and mustard oil.

2. Coat the chicken well, cover with plastic wrap, and marinate for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken Tikka3. Heat a grill pan on low heat, place chicken pieces, and cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway.4. Drizzle a little cooking oil over the chicken.5. Increase to medium heat and cook for another 15 minutes until chicken is done and slightly charred.6. Place a small piece of hot charcoal in a bowl, drizzle ghee over it, set it inside the pan with the chicken, cover with a lid, and let the smoke infuse for a few minutes. Remove charcoal and set chicken aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce7. In a pan, heat oil and fry sliced onions until golden brown.8. Add chopped tomato and cook until soft.9. Stir in salt, red chili powder, ground coriander, yogurt, and sugar.10. Add the grilled chicken pieces and mix well.11. Finish with kewra water, stir, and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Rice12. In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add cinnamon sticks, cloves, cardamom, black peppercorns, cumin, salt, ghee, and ginger.13. Add soaked basmati rice and cook until about 70% done.14. Drain the rice, then sprinkle kewra water over it.

Step 5: Assemble the Biryani15. In a large heavy-bottom pot, layer rice and chicken alternately.16. Sprinkle fried onions, ghee, mint, and coriander leaves between layers.17. Drizzle food coloring mixed with milk or water over the top layer of rice.18. Cover tightly and cook on low heat (dum) for 10 minutes.

Step 6: Serve19. Fluff the rice gently, serve hot, and enjoy your fragrant Chicken Tikka Biryani!