Bhatkali Biryani Recipe – Authentic Coastal Karnataka Style Biryani

Bhatkali Biryani is a traditional and aromatic rice dish from Bhatkal, a coastal town in Karnataka. Known for its rich flavors, unique spice blend, and generous use of caramelized onions, this Coastal Karnataka Biryani is a hidden gem of Indian cuisine. Unlike other biryanis, Bhatkali Biryani combines the fiery flavors of green chilies, the sweetness of onions, and the fragrance of jeera rice, making it truly special.

This dish is popular among seafood lovers as it is often made with fish or prawns, but chicken and mutton versions are equally delicious.

🛒 Ingredients for Bhatkali Chicken Biryani (Serves 4–5)

For the Chicken Marinade

• Chicken (bone-in) – 1 kg

• Ginger-garlic paste – 2 tbsp

• Turmeric powder – ½ tsp

• Salt – to taste

For the Masala Base

• Oil – 4 tbsp (preferably sunflower or coconut oil)

• Onions – 4 large (thinly sliced)

• Green chilies – 8–10 (slit)

• Tomatoes – 2 medium (chopped)

• Fresh mint leaves – ½ cup (chopped)

• Fresh coriander leaves – ½ cup (chopped)

• Yogurt – 1 cup (whisked)

Spice Mix

• Cinnamon stick – 1 inch

• Cloves – 6–7

• Cardamom pods – 4

• Bay leaves – 2

• Star anise – 1

• Fennel seeds – 1 tsp

• Black peppercorns – 8–10

For the Rice

• Jeera rice or basmati rice – 3 cups

• Water – as required

• Salt – 1 tbsp

🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Marinate the Chicken

1. In a bowl, mix chicken with ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, and salt.

2. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes for deeper flavor.

Step 2 – Prepare the Rice

1. Wash the rice thoroughly and soak it for 20 minutes.

2. In a large vessel, boil water with salt and cook rice until 70% done.

3. Drain the water and keep the rice aside.

Step 3 – Make the Masala Base

1. Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed handi.

2. Add whole spices (cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, bay leaves, star anise, fennel seeds, peppercorns) and sauté for 30 seconds.

3. Add sliced onions and fry until golden brown.

4. Remove half of the fried onions for garnishing.

5. Add green chilies and chopped tomatoes, cooking until tomatoes soften.

6. Mix in the marinated chicken and cook until it turns white.

Step 4 – Add Yogurt & Herbs

1. Lower the flame and add whisked yogurt, mixing well.

2. Add mint and coriander leaves, and cook the chicken until 80% done.

Step 5 – Layer the Biryani

1. Spread half of the rice over the chicken masala.

2. Add some fried onions on top, followed by the remaining rice.

3. Garnish with the rest of the fried onions, a few mint leaves, and coriander leaves.

Step 6 – Dum Cooking

1. Cover the handi with a tight-fitting lid.

2. Place it on low heat for 20–25 minutes to let the flavors blend (dum style).

3. Turn off the heat and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

🥗 Serving Suggestions

• Serve hot with onion raita, cucumber salad, or coastal-style coconut chutney.

• Can be paired with boiled eggs or fried fish for an extra treat.

📊 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – approx.)

💡 Tips for Perfect Bhatkali Biryani

• Always use jeera rice for authentic taste, though basmati rice can be used as an alternative.

• Fry onions until perfectly caramelized – they add sweetness and depth to the biryani.

• Green chilies are the heart of this biryani’s heat – adjust according to spice preference.

• Dum cook slowly for maximum flavor infusion.

📍 Location & Origin

• Cuisine: Coastal Karnataka Cuisine – South India

• Place of Origin: Bhatkal, Uttara Kannada District, Karnataka

• Cultural Significance: This biryani has strong influences from Arab and Persian cuisines due to the coastal town’s historical trade links. It is a festive and wedding favorite, loved for its balance of heat, sweetness, and spice.

Intersting facts:
This Authentic Bhatkali Biryani beautifully blends coastal Karnataka flavors with aromatic spices, making it stand out among other South Indian biryanis. Whether you make it with chicken, mutton, or seafood, it’s a flavorful and memorable dish perfect for special occasions.