Chicken Biryani (restaurant Style)
Lunch • India
How to Make Chicken Biryani (Restaurant Style) – Traditional & Healthy Version
Chicken Biryani is a beloved Indian rice dish, renowned for its aromatic spices, tender chicken, and layered textures. Originating in the royal kitchens of Mughal India, biryani has become an integral part of Indian cuisine, celebrated across regions from Hyderabad to Lucknow. Restaurant-style Chicken Biryani combines fragrant basmati chawal, marinated chicken, and a medley of whole and ground masalas, creating a rich, festive main course. This dish is often prepared during grand occasions like Eid, weddings, and family gatherings, symbolizing prosperity and togetherness. Its irresistible aroma and complex flavors make it a favorite for both special celebrations and hearty weekend lunches. Making a health-conscious version at home means you can enjoy all the vibrant flavors and authentic taste, while keeping an eye on calories and nutrition. With the right balance of lean protein, aromatic spices, and carefully chosen ingredients, Chicken Biryani becomes a wholesome and satisfying meal, perfect for your calorie tracking goals.
Ingredients(for 1 medium bowl per person)
- 1 cup Basmati rice (chawal)
- 200 grams Chicken (boneless, skinless) (murgh)
- 1/2 cup Curd (dahi)
- 1 large Onion (pyaz, thinly sliced)
- 1 medium Tomato (tamatar, chopped)
- 1 tablespoon Ginger garlic paste (adrak lahsun paste)
- 1 Green chilli (hari mirch, slit)
- 1/4 cup Mint leaves (pudina, chopped)
- 1/4 cup Coriander leaves (dhaniya, chopped)
- 1 tablespoon Biryani masala (ready-made or homemade)
- 1/4 teaspoon Turmeric powder (haldi)
- 1/2 teaspoon Red chilli powder (lal mirch)
- 1/2 teaspoon Garam masala
- 1 small piece each Whole spices (cloves, cardamom, bay leaf, cinnamon) (sabut masale)
- 1 tablespoon Oil (preferably mustard or sunflower)
- to taste Salt (namak)
Instructions
- 1
Rinse basmati chawal thoroughly and soak for 20 minutes. Drain before cooking. In a handi or deep pan, bring 4 cups of water to boil, add salt and half the sabut masale. Add rice and cook until 80% done. Drain and set aside.
10 minutes
Soaking rice helps achieve long, separate grains.
- 2
In a bowl, marinate chicken with dahi, haldi, lal mirch, biryani masala, ginger garlic paste, and salt. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes.
15 minutes
Longer marination enhances flavor and tenderness.
- 3
Heat oil in a tawa or thick-bottomed kadhai. Add remaining sabut masale, then fry sliced pyaz until golden-brown. Remove half for garnishing.
5 minutes
Crispy onions add authentic restaurant-style texture.
- 4
Add marinated chicken to the pan and sauté on medium heat until sealed. Add tamatar and hari mirch. Cook until tomatoes soften and oil separates.
5 minutes
Do not overcook chicken to keep it juicy.
Why This Dish is Healthy
This restaurant-style Chicken Biryani is a healthier alternative to takeaway versions, as it uses lean murgh, less oil, and is loaded with fresh vegetables and herbs. The use of dahi for marination reduces saturated fat, while the aromatic spices aid metabolism and digestion. Controlled rice portions and balanced macros make this dish suitable for those tracking calories, supporting weight management without sacrificing authentic Indian flavors.
Chicken Biryani offers a balanced blend of lean protein from chicken, complex carbohydrates from basmati rice, and antioxidants from whole spices like cloves and cardamom. Using dahi instead of cream reduces fat content and boosts probiotics. Herbs like pudina and dhaniya provide vitamins A, C, and K, while onions and tomatoes offer dietary fiber, supporting digestive health. With minimal oil and controlled portions, this biryani fits well into a nutrient-rich Indian meal plan.
Pro Tips
- 💡Tip 1: Use aged basmati chawal for best texture and aroma.
- 💡Tip 2: Marinate chicken overnight for deeper flavor.
- 💡Tip 3: Always cook on low flame during dum for perfect layering.
Storage & Serving
Store leftover biryani in an airtight dabba in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on a tawa or microwave before serving, adding a sprinkle of water to retain moisture.
Best served: Lunch
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per 100g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 520.0 kcal |
