Peshawari Chicken Biryani Recipe

ISLAMABAD: For biryani lovers, this Peshawari chicken biryani is a must-try, particularly for special occasions!

Ingredients:

• 400 g chicken, cut into pieces
• 1/2 cup yogurt
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp red chilli powder
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tbsp biryani masala
• Salt, to taste
• 1 ½ cups rice
• 2-3 cloves
• 1 bay leaf
• 1-inch cinnamon stick
• 2-3 cardamom pods
• 1/2 cup sliced onions
• 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
• Oil, as needed
• Water, as needed
• Saffron, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Rinse the rice thoroughly and soak it in water for about 20-30 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. In a bowl, mix the chicken pieces with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, biryani masala, garam masala, red chilli powder, and salt. Combine well and refrigerate for a while.
3. In a large pot, bring water to a boil, then add the soaked rice along with the bay leaf, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon stick, and salt. Cook the rice until it is partially done.
4. In a heavy-bottomed pot, layer the marinated chicken, followed by the partially cooked rice. Add chopped tomatoes, onions, and coriander leaves, then drizzle with oil. Repeat the layering until the pot is full. You can also add saffron strands for extra flavour.
5. Cover the pot with aluminum foil and cook on low heat for 40-45 minutes. Serve hot and enjoy.