Fried Chicken Masala Biryani – Our new Favourite

Fried Chicken Masala Biryani – Our new Favourite

For Eid al-Adha 2020, I wanted to make a different Biryani than I usually make. I have had so many requests for this type of Biryani. Fried Chicken Masala Biryani. Here, the chicken is marinated and fried 50 per cent before being cooked in the masala and layered in the ‘Dum’ (Steam Sealed Cooking method).

I can understand why many would request such a recipe. For many, who are new to Biryani cooking, making a Katchi style Biryani, can seem quite a daunting task. (Katchi) refers to cooking raw marinated meat under the partially cooked rice in the ‘Dum’, till they are both cooked to perfection in intense steam and heat. It is quite doable, but it takes some, ‘cooks instinct’ which comes with time :).

Then we have various types of ‘Pakki’ Biryanis, where the meat masala is cooked and the rice is either partially or fully cooked separately and then layered and placed in the ‘Dum’ together. There are so many varieties, I have several- right here, on RAS.

The main problem that many people face, while preparing a Biryani is to have the poultry/meat/ seafood and the rice to BOTH have flavour and texture. At the same time, we have the masala permeating beautifully through both, as they complement each other. Many a time, the meat lacks moisture, or you have that feeling that the meat has not absorbed the flavour enough, is bland. Many times, with just a few misses, the rice turns out clumpy or is not seasoned well.

With the Fried Chicken Biryani, you fry Chicken that has been marinating for several hours, so it locks in the flavour and created a crust that doesn’t disintegrate into the Biryani when faced with the harsh steam sauna, that it faces in the Dum.

This partial frying also helps the chicken to actually absorb more flavour during the masala making. The perfectly cooked rice, here, makes the Biryani more fragrant and salivating. You enjoy each mouthful more and more.

Scroll down for the Complete Recipe.

Fried Chicken Masala Biryani – Our new Favourite

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Watch the Video or click to read Complete Recipe – Below. 

How to make Fried Chicken Masala Biryani – Our new Favourite- Recipe at a glance:

• Marinate chicken and refrigerate a few hours.
• Partially fry the chicken in batches.
• Prepare the special Masala for Fried chicken Biryani.
• Add the fried chicken and marinating juices and cook till just tender.
• Cook rice separately with select spices.
• Layer the rice and chicken masala together.
• Dum cook (Steam cook) in the oven or on the stovetop as desired.

Ingredients: (1 cup=240 ml measure)

• 1 1/4 kg chicken pieces, skinless, bone-in pieces cut into medium-sized pieces
• 4 cups Basmati rice
• 3 large red Onions, for frying till golden crisp
• 1/2 cup cashew nuts
• 4 Tbsp Rosewater
• 3 Tbsp freshly made pineapple juice made from 1 large slice of fresh pineapple (clear, unsweetened, fresh-pressed)
•  more Cashews (1/2 cup) and Raisins/Kismis (1/4 cup); for the fried garnish
• As required: Oil for frying Chicken (I use Coconut for enhanced flavour)
• As required: Oil for frying onions

To Marinate Chicken

• 1/2 cup yoghurt (thick and sour)1 tsp lime juice if the Yoghurt is not sour enough
• 1 1/2 Tbsp Kashmiri chilli powder
• 1/2 Tbsp Turmeric powder
•  3/4 Tbsp Garam Masala (I use Kerala Garam Masala  here)
• 1 tsp dried green peppercorns (use black if not available)
• Green chillies to taste (I use 2 long and mild green chillies here, about 4 Tbsp when chopped)
• 2-3 curry leaves
• 1 1/4 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Ghee (Clarified butter)
• 1/2 of a Chicken stock cube ( I use Knorr)

For the Sauteed Masala:

• 4 Red Onions
• 4 Tbsp Ginger Garlic paste
• 5-6 whole hot green chillies
• 1 Tbsp Garam Masala
• 3 tsp Kashmiri chilli powder
• 3 tsp Coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
• 1/2 Tbsp Fennel powder
• 2 Ripe fresh tomatoes
• 3 Tbsp Regular set yoghurt (not too sour)
• 4 Tbsp fresh mint
• 1/2 cup coriander

For cooking the Rice:

• 6 cups of water
• 1 Tbsp cloves
•  1 Tbsp Green Cardamom
• 2 sticks of Cinnamon
• 2 Tbsp Lime juice
• 2 Tbsp Ghee

It is recommended that you open the recipe page and keep this page going if you like to WATCH / LISTEN to the video alongside the written instructions.

Key Ingredients: Chicken, Basmati Rice, Onions, Ginger, Garlic, Tomato, Yoghurt, Green Chilli, Oil, Ghee, Whole spices, Powder spices, Fresh Coriander&Mint, Cashewnuts, Raisins(Kismis), Limejuice, Salt.

EAT AND TELL!!! Let us know if you tried – Fried Chicken Masala Biryani – Our new Favourite