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Fragrant Butter Chicken Biryani

Fragrant Butter Chicken Biryani: A Cozy Comfort Meal

A delightful one-pot meal combining tender chicken in a creamy sauce with fluffy basmati rice. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 35 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade
  • 200 g Chicken Breast Thighs recommended for extra juiciness
  • 1/2 tsp Ginger Garlic Paste Can substitute with minced fresh garlic and ginger
  • 1/4 tsp Turmeric Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Coriander Powder
  • 1 tsp Red Chili Powder Adjust based on spice preference
  • to taste Salt Kosher or sea salt yields the best taste
For the Biryani Base
  • 2 cups Basmati Rice Jasmine rice is a good alternative
  • 8 cups Water Essential for cooking the rice
  • 1 tbsp Oil Vegetable oil or ghee can enhance flavor
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Mint Leaves Substitute with cilantro if desired
  • 2 Whole Spices 2 cloves, 1/4 cinnamon stick, 2 cardamom pods, 1/2 bay leaf
For the Sauce
  • 1 medium Onion Both yellow and red onions work well
  • 2 large Tomatoes Canned tomatoes can be used as an alternative
  • 6 Cashews Almond paste is a viable substitute
  • 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter
  • 1/2 tsp Cumin Seeds
  • 1 tbsp Kasuri Methi Dried fenugreek leaves
  • 2 tbsp Yogurt Coconut yogurt for dairy-free option
  • 1 tsp Garam Masala Store-bought or homemade

Equipment

  • air fryer
  • Large Bowl
  • Large Pot
  • Skillet
  • Food Processor

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Marinate Chicken: Combine chicken pieces with ginger garlic paste, turmeric, coriander, red chili powder, and salt. Marinate in refrigerator for 30-60 minutes.
  2. Prepare Rice: Rinse basmati rice until water runs clear, then soak for 30 minutes. Boil 8 cups of water, add salt, mint leaves, and whole spices, then cook soaked rice until 80% done, about 8-10 minutes.
  3. Air Fry Chicken: Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Cook marinated chicken for 9 minutes, turning halfway through.
  4. Make Sauce: Blend onion, tomatoes, ginger garlic paste, and cashews into a smooth paste. In skillet, heat oil, add cumin seeds and whole spices, cook until fragrant, then add blended mixture and cook until oil separates.
  5. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add air-fried chicken and yogurt to sauce in skillet, stir gently and let simmer for 2 minutes.
  6. Layer Biryani: Spread chicken mixture in pot, top with rice, sprinkle garam masala, and add mint or cilantro.
  7. Cook on Dum: Cover pot and cook on high for 5 minutes, then lower heat and cook for another 10 minutes without lifting the lid.
  8. Serve: Remove from heat and let rest for 10 minutes, fluff rice before serving. Pair with raita or salad.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 68gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Marinate chicken for at least 30-60 minutes for better flavor. Rinse rice to avoid stickiness. Serve with yogurt raita or salad for a refreshing meal.

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