Hyderabad Chicken Dum Biryani Recipe

🍗 Hyderabad Chicken Dum Biryani Recipe | Authentic Hyderabadi Style

Learn how to make Authentic Chicken Dum Biryani Recipe at home with aromatic basmati rice, tender chicken, and rich Indian spices. Perfect for lunch, dinner, parties, and special occasions.

📝 About Chicken Dum Biryani

The Chicken Dum Biryani Recipe is a royal and flavorful dish that originated in the kitchens of the Mughal emperors and later became a signature of Hyderabadi cuisine. This dish combines fragrant basmati rice, marinated chicken, and a blend of aromatic spices cooked using the traditional “dum” method—slow cooking in a sealed pot so the flavors mingle perfectly.

Whether it’s Eid celebrations, weddings, or a weekend family dinner, this authentic chicken biryani recipe brings joy to every plate. The beauty of dum biryani lies in its layers—soft rice, juicy chicken, fried onions, saffron-infused milk, and fresh herbs, all packed with irresistible aroma and taste.

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

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 750g Chicken (bone-in or boneless)

• 1 cup thick curd/yogurt

• 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste

• 2–3 green chilies, slit

• 2 tbsp red chili powder

• 1 tsp turmeric powder

• 1 tbsp garam masala powder

• 1 tbsp biryani masala

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• Salt to taste

• 2 tbsp fried onions (birista)

• 2 tbsp fresh coriander leaves, chopped

• 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves, chopped

For the Rice:

• 3 cups basmati rice (aged, long grain)

• 6–7 cups water

• 4–5 green cardamoms

• 2 bay leaves

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 4–5 cloves

• 1 tsp shah jeera (caraway seeds)

• Salt to taste

For Layering:

• 1 cup fried onions (birista)

• 3 tbsp ghee (clarified butter)

• 1/4 cup warm milk with a pinch of saffron strands

• Fresh mint & coriander leaves for garnish

🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Chicken Dum Biryani

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a large mixing bowl, add chicken, yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, green chilies, chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, biryani masala, lemon juice, salt, fried onions, mint, and coriander leaves.

2. Mix well, ensuring chicken is fully coated with spices.

3. Cover and marinate for at least 1 hour (overnight for best results).

Step 2: Parboil the Rice

1. Wash basmati rice until water runs clear, then soak for 30 minutes.

2. In a large pot, bring water to a boil with cardamoms, bay leaves, cinnamon, cloves, shah jeera, and salt.

3. Add soaked rice and cook until 70% cooked (grains should still be firm).

4. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Layer the Biryani

1. In a heavy-bottomed handi or deep pan, spread the marinated chicken evenly at the bottom.

2. Add half-cooked rice over the chicken in an even layer.

3. Drizzle ghee, saffron milk, and sprinkle fried onions, mint, and coriander leaves.

4. Repeat with remaining rice and toppings to form two layers.

Step 4: Dum Cooking Method

1. Seal the pot with foil or dough to trap steam.

2. Place on low heat for 25–30 minutes (use a heavy tawa under the pot to prevent burning).

3. Let it rest for 10 minutes before opening the lid.

Step 5: Serve

• Gently fluff the biryani from the sides to mix the layers slightly.

• Serve hot with raita, salan, or papad.

🍽 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving Approx.)

💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Dum Biryani

• Use aged basmati rice for long, fluffy grains.

• Marinate chicken overnight for deeper flavors.

• Always cook on low flame during dum to prevent burning.

• Don’t overcook rice before layering—it should be just 70% done.

📍 Location Popularity

• Hyderabad, India: Famous for Hyderabadi Chicken Dum Biryani, known for its spiciness and rich flavors.

• Lucknow (Awadhi style): Milder but equally aromatic biryani with a royal touch.

• Kolkata: Known for its use of potatoes and subtle flavors.

• Across India and the Middle East, chicken dum biryani is enjoyed as a festive delicacy.