Hyderabadi Chicken Dum Biryani – a dish that needs no introduction. Bursting with rich flavors, fragrant spices, and tender chicken, this classic biryani is the pride of Hyderabad. Whether you're a seasoned lover of Indian cuisine or a first-time taster, the magic of Hyderabadi biryani is truly irresistible.
This post will walk you through how to make this iconic dish, using the authentic dum method, which locks in the flavors and ensures a truly indulgent experience
For a pax of 4-5 Members
Ingredients:
For the Marinade:
- 500 grams of chicken (cut into pieces)
- 1 cup yogurt (fresh)
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 2 tablespoons red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 tablespoon garam masala powder
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander and mint leaves (finely chopped)
For the Rice:
- 2 cups basmati rice (soaked for 30 minutes)
- 5-6 cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3-4 green cardamoms
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- Salt to taste
For the Dum:
- 1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced (fried golden brown)
- Fresh mint and coriander leaves for garnish
Steps to Prepare Authentic Hyderabadi Chicken Dum Biryani
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, lemon juice, salt, mint, and coriander.
Add the chicken pieces and coat them evenly with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 -4 hours to let the flavors infuse.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the whole spices (cloves, cardamoms, cinnamon, bay leaves, cumin seeds) and salt.
Add the soaked basmati rice and cook until it's 70% done. Drain the rice and set it aside.
Step 3: Layer the Biryani
Add a layer of marinated chicken at the bottom of the pot, followed by a layer of partially cooked rice.
Sprinkle fried onions, fresh mint, and coriander leaves on top.
Step 4: Dum Cooking
Seal the pot with dough (optional) to trap the steam or cover it tightly with a lid.
Place the pot on low heat and cook for 25-30 minutes. The dum cooking process allows the chicken to cook in its own juices, absorbing the fragrant spices and flavors of the rice.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once done, gently fluff the rice and serve hot with Mirchi Ka Salaan and Raita.
Tips for Perfect Hyderabadi Chicken Dum Biryani
- Quality of Rice: Use long-grain basmati rice for the best texture and aroma.
- Marination: The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be. Overnight marination is highly recommended.
- Slow Cooking: Ensure that you cook the biryani on low heat to get the perfect dum effect, ensuring all the flavors are sealed in.
