Chicken Breyani is a rich and hearty South African Indian dish that’s bursting with bold flavors. It’s the perfect dish to prepare when you’re craving comfort food.
You’ll love the seasonings in this chicken and rice dish. Serve it with a refreshing cucumber salad for some added texture.
Table of Contents
What is Chicken Breyani?
Also known as Biryani, Indian Chicken Breyani is a flavorful combination of chicken, rice, and warm spices that are simmered together until perfectly cooked. The recipe has a lot of ingredients but is quite easy to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- chicken thighs or breasts
- olive oil
- onion
- minced garlic
- minced ginger
- roma tomatoes
- water
- green bell pepper
- cayenne pepper
- garam masala
- coriander powder
- ground turmeric
- cumin powder
- cinnamon
- chicken broth
- salt and pepper
- basmati rice
How to Make Chicken Breyani
- Add the olive oil to a large dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides.
- Add the onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Stir in the garlic, ginger, tomatoes, and ½ cup of water.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for about 20 minutes until the water has evaporated.
- Add the bell pepper, salt, cayenne, black pepper, garam masala, coriander, turmeric, cumin and cinnamon, stirring well.
- Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Add the basmati rice, reduce to low heat and cook, covered, for 18-20 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and let the chicken breyani sit, covered, for five minutes before serving.
What Kind Of Rice Is Used In Breyani?
Long grain basmati rice is the ideal rice to use in breyani. It’s a fine-grained rice that can hold its shape.
Why Is Breyani Rice Yellow?
As the breyani cooks, the rice takes on the color of the spices. The yellow color is mainly from the ground turmeric used in the recipe.
How to Serve Chicken Breyani
Breyani pairs well with naan bread and a fresh salad. Cucumber raita salad is an excellent option.
How to Store Chicken Breyani
Chicken breyani should be served hot. It must not be left at room temperature longer than 2 hours.
- Store in the fridge: Place leftover chicken breyani in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Chicken breyani can be stored in the freezer for 2-3 months. Place it into a freezer-safe container and label it with the date. Thaw chicken breyani in the fridge until it’s completely defrosted before reheating.
Best Chicken Breyani Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs or breasts cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion diced
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 2 roma tomatoes cubed
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 green bell pepper sliced
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 4 cups chicken broth
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups basmati rice rinsed and drained
Instructions
- Add the olive oil to a large dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides.
- Add the onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Stir in the garlic, ginger, tomatoes, and ½ cup water.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for about 20 minutes until the water has evaporated.
- Add the bell pepper, salt, cayenne, black pepper, garam masala, coriander, turmeric, cumin and cinnamon, stirring well.
- Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Add the basmati rice, reduce to low heat and cook, covered, for 18-20 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and let the chicken breyani sit, covered, for five minutes before serving.
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