Chicken Biryani Chennai Style

Serves: 8 | Cooking Time: 60–75 minutes | Flavour Profile: Medium spicy, aromatic, smooth

🛒 Ingredients

Chicken Marinade

• Chicken (bone-in preferred) – 1 &1/2kg

• Curd/yogurt – ½ cup

• Red chilli powder – 1 tbsp

• Ginger-garlic paste – 250gms

• Lemon juice – one whole lime

• Salt – to taste

Rice -

Basmati rice – 1 kg (soak 15–20 mins)

Whole Spices - (Chennai biryani keeps this light.)

• Bay leaf – 1, Cloves – 3, Cinnamon – 1 small piece, Cardamom – 2, Star anise – optional

Other Ingredients

Groundnut Oil – 100 ml, Ghee – 100 ml, Onion – 3 large, thinly sliced, Tomato – 2 medium, chopped, Green chillies – 4 to 6, Mint leaves – 1 cup

• Coriander leaves – 1 cup, Salt – as needed, Optional: fried onions

🔥 Step-by-Step Method

1️⃣ Marinate the Chicken

Mix all marinade ingredients and rest for at least 30 minutes. This helps tenderize the chicken and deepens the flavour.

2️⃣ Prepare the Biryani Base (Thokku)

• Heat oil + ghee in a heavy pot.

• Add the whole spices.

• Add sliced onions and cook until golden.

• Add ginger-garlic paste — sauté until raw smell disappears.

• Add tomatoes and cook until soft.

• Add mint + coriander leaves.

• Add marinated chicken and cook until 70% done and oil separates.

• Your kitchen will smell like a Chennai household at this stage.

3️⃣ Add Rice and Water

• Add one is to one and a half ratio of hot water, let it boil.

• Drain soaked basmati rice and gently mix into the chicken masala.

• Add salt (the water should taste slightly salty).

• Add lemon juice if needed for brightness.

4️⃣ Dum Cooking (Traditional Finish)

Option A: Pressure Cooker

• Cook for 1 whistle, then rest 10 minutes.

Option B: Pot + Dum

• Cook on medium flame until most water is absorbed.

• Lower heat completely.

• Cover with tight lid and place weight or cloth to seal steam.

• Dum cook for 12–15 minutes.

5️⃣ Rest & Serve

• Let the biryani sit for 10 minutes before opening.

• Fluff gently with a fork.

• Serve hot with: Onion raita, Boiled egg, Kathrika Chutney / Brinjal pachadi (optional)

🌟 Chef’s Tips (Kaayal Style)

• Mint + coriander bring freshness and the signature Chennai aroma.

• Tomato + yogurt give the biryani its smooth, comforting texture.

• Medium spice ensures the flavours shine without overpowering.

• Basmati rice keeps the biryani light, perfect for daily cravings.

• Cooking chicken first ensures tender, juicy pieces every time.

💛 Final Thoughts

Chennai-style biryani is comfort food at its best — simple, layered, and soulful. Whether you make this at home or enjoy it at Kaayal Eats, it carries the warm spirit of Chennai kitchens and the tradition of sharing good food, one plate at a time.

Pro-Tip: For the true Chennai experience, we recommend you enjoy this hot & fresh biryani with your fingers and not with a spoon and fork. It’s the traditional way to savor the full aroma and texture!

Kaayal Chicken Biryani Combo