Chicken Tikka Biryani – This succulent chicken tikka and fragrant biryani rice with its perfectly spiced, yogurt-marinated chicken and layers of aromatic basmati rice, this dish is perfect for dinner parties or cozy family meals.
What is Chicken Tikka Biryani?
It is a fusion dish that combines the richness of chicken tikka—marinated, grilled, and tender chunks of chicken—with the layered spiced rice of biryani. The result is a dish that balances smokiness, warmth, and fragrant spices in every bite. Biryani originates from South Asia and has been enjoyed for centuries in various forms, while chicken tikka hails from Indian cuisine as a popular grilled delicacy. When these two iconic dishes come together, you get an irresistible meal!
Tips and Tricks for the Best Chicken Tikka Biryani
- Marinate the chicken overnight: If you have time, marinate the chicken overnight for the best flavor. The longer it marinates, the juicier and more flavorful the chicken will be.
- Use basmati rice: Always opt for aged, long-grain basmati rice for an authentic, fluffy biryani texture.
- Cook the rice al dente: Ensure that the rice is parboiled, about 70% done, before layering. It will finish cooking on dum (steam).
- Dum cooking is key: For an authentic biryani, the dum method ensures that the flavors meld together perfectly. You can place a heavy object on the lid or seal the pot with dough to trap steam.
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh mint and coriander are essential for the signature fragrance of biryani.
Variations of Chicken Tikka Biryani
- Vegetarian Tikka Biryani: Substitute chicken with paneer or mixed vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, and peas. Marinate and grill the paneer or veggies similarly.
- Tikka Biryani in Instant Pot: You can simplify this dish by using an Instant Pot. Cook the marinated chicken directly in the pot, then layer the rice on top and pressure cook for just 6-7 minutes.
- Spicy Tikka Biryani: If you like it extra hot, add more red chili powder to the marinade and green chilies to the rice.
How to Serve Chicken Tikka Biryani
It is best served with cool, refreshing sides to balance the rich, spiced rice and chicken. Here are some classic accompaniments:
- Raita: A yogurt-based dip with cucumber, onions, and a dash of cumin powder.
- Salads: Fresh onion and cucumber salad with a squeeze of lemon.
- Chutney: Mint-coriander chutney pairs wonderfully with the flavors of biryani.
- Pickles: Spicy Indian pickles, such as mango or lime pickle, offer a tangy contrast.
How to Store Chicken Tikka Biryani
If you have leftovers (though that’s rare!), here’s how you can store:
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water to prevent drying out.
- Freezing: You can freeze biryani in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months. When reheating, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm it up on the stove.
Recipe FAQs
Q: Can I make Chicken Tikka Biryani without a grill?
Yes, you can pan-fry the marinated chicken in a skillet or even bake it in the oven until charred.
Q: How do I prevent the biryani from becoming mushy?
Ensure that you cook the rice only 70% before layering. Overcooking the rice beforehand can lead to a mushy texture after the dum cooking.
Q: Can I make this recipe with leftover chicken tikka?
Absolutely! Leftover chicken tikka works wonderfully in this recipe, saving you time. Simply prepare the rice and layer the pre-cooked chicken in the biryani.
Q: What can I use if I don’t have saffron?
If saffron is unavailable, you can use a pinch of turmeric mixed with warm milk for the color and subtle flavor.
Chicken Tikka Biryani
Chicken Tikka Biryani - This succulent chicken tikka and fragrant biryani rice with its perfectly spiced, yogurt-marinated chicken and layers of aromatic basmati rice, this dish is perfect for dinner parties or cozy family meals.
Ingredients
For Chicken Tikka:
- 1 ⅓ lb chicken breast (600 g)
- 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 2 tbsp tikka masala sauce
- 1 ⅔ cups natural yogurt (410 mL)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
For the Curry:
- 2 tbsp oil
- 2 black peppercorns
- 2 cloves
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 finely chopped onion
- 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp garam masala powder
- 2 finely chopped tomatoes
- ½ cup natural yogurt (100 mL)
- ⅓ cup water (100 mL)
For the Rice:
- 1 ½ cups basmati rice (300 g), soaked for 20 minutes
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 ⅔ cups water (400 mL)
- ½ tsp cumin seeds
- For Biryani Assembly:
- ½ cup fresh coriander, chopped
- 1 ½ cups caramelized onions
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 cup saffron-infused water (200 mL)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 430°F (220°C).
- Mix all the chicken tikka ingredients and marinate in the fridge for 1 hour.
- Skewer the marinated chicken and bake for 15 minutes until browned on the edges. Reserve leftover marinade.
- Heat oil in a pot, add peppercorns, cloves, and cumin seeds. Sauté onions until browned.
- Add ginger-garlic paste, tomatoes, spices, yogurt, water, and the reserved marinade. Cook until it forms a rich curry.
- Add in the grilled chicken, cook for 4-5 more minutes. Set aside.
- Boil water with cumin seeds and a bay leaf. Add soaked rice and cook until tender but not mushy. Drain excess water.
- In a large pot, layer: rice, chicken curry, caramelized onions, coriander, and saffron water. Repeat the layers, finishing with the remaining rice and toppings.
- Cover and simmer on low for 10 minutes until the rice absorbs all the moisture.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 532Total Fat 25gSaturated Fat 7gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 15gCholesterol 118mgSodium 1335mgCarbohydrates 37gFiber 4gSugar 9gProtein 41g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Tikka Biryani is an unforgettable dish that delivers on both flavor and presentation. With tender, spiced chicken and fragrant rice, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for special occasions or weekend indulgence. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a festive gathering, following these tips and techniques will ensure you create the perfect biryani every time.
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