Perfect Chicken Biryani

Ingredients:

For Marinating Chicken:

• 500g chicken, cut into pieces
• 1 cup yogurt
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• Salt to taste

For the Rice:

• 2 cups basmati rice, soaked for 30 minutes
• 4-5 cups water
• 1-2 bay leaves
• 4-5 green cardamom pods
• 4-5 cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick

For Biryani Masala:

• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup cooking oil or ghee
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• Fresh cilantro and mint leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Marinate the chicken with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Allow it to marinate for at least 1 hour.
2. In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add soaked basmati rice, bay leaves, cardamom pods, cloves, and cinnamon stick. Parboil the rice until it is 70-80% cooked. Drain and set aside.
3. In a separate pan, heat oil or ghee. Add sliced onions and sauté until golden brown. Remove half of the fried onions for garnish.
4. To the remaining onions in the pan, add cumin seeds and ginger-garlic paste. Sauté until the raw smell disappears.
5. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft.
6. Add coriander powder, garam masala, turmeric powder, and red chili powder. Cook the masala until the oil separates.
7. Add the marinated chicken and cook until it's no longer pink. Adjust salt and spice levels according to your taste.
8. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
9. In a large ovenproof dish, layer half of the partially cooked rice, followed by the chicken masala, and then the remaining rice.
10. Top with the reserved fried onions, fresh cilantro, and mint leaves.
11. Cover the dish tightly with foil or a lid and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and aromatic.
12. Gently fluff the biryani with a fork before serving. Serve hot with raita or a side salad.

Enjoy the delightful flavors of homemade Chicken Biryani!