Hyderabadi Chicken Dum Biryani Recipe | Authentic & Flavorful

Discover the authentic Hyderabadi Chicken Dum Biryani recipe with tender chicken, fragrant basmati rice, and rich spices. Learn how to make this flavorful and traditional Indian dish step-by-step, perfect for any occasion!

There’s something magical about the aroma of Hyderabadi Chicken Dum Biryani—its rich spices, tender chicken, and fragrant rice have made it one of the most beloved dishes in Indian cuisine. Whether you’re dining at a royal banquet or enjoying a home-cooked meal, this iconic dish never fails to delight the senses.

But despite its popularity, many home cooks struggle to recreate the authentic taste of Hyderabadi Biryani. With the complex layering of flavors and the delicate dum (slow-cooking) technique, it can be difficult to get it just right.

Don’t worry! In this guide, I’ll walk you through every step of making the perfect Hyderabadi Chicken Dum Biryani—an authentic, flavorful recipe that guarantees tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a mouthwatering blend of spices. You’ll master the art of “dum” cooking and enjoy the satisfaction of serving this royal dish right from your kitchen.

Ingredients for Hyderabadi Chicken Dum Biryani

The secret to a perfect Hyderabadi Chicken Dum Biryani lies in the quality of your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavorful dish:

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 500g chicken (cut into pieces)
• 1 cup curd (thick)
• 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tbsp red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tbsp garam masala
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• A handful of fresh coriander leaves (chopped)
• A handful of fresh mint leaves (chopped)
• Salt to taste

For the Rice:

• 2 cups basmati rice (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
• 3-4 whole cloves
• 2-3 green cardamom pods
• 2 bay leaves
• 1-inch cinnamon stick
• Salt (to taste)
• Water for boiling

For the Biryani Base (Dum Layering):

• 1 large onion (thinly sliced and deeply fried)
• 2 tbsp ghee (clarified butter)
• A pinch of saffron strands (soaked in 2 tbsp warm milk)
• Fresh mint and coriander leaves (chopped)
• Lemon wedges
• ¼ cup milk (optional, for soaking saffron)

Hyderabadi Chicken Dum Biryani: 3 Easy Steps

1.Preparing the Chicken Marinade

The marinade is key to infusing your chicken with deep, rich flavors. Here’s how to get it just right:

1. Mix the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
2. Add the Chicken: Add your chicken pieces into the marinade and mix until they are well-coated. The yogurt will tenderize the chicken while the spices infuse it with flavor.
3. Let It Marinate: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken for at least 2-4 hours. For the best results, let it marinate overnight. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful and tender the chicken will be.

2.Cooking the Basmati Rice

The rice is another crucial component that needs to be just right. Here’s how to cook it:

1. Rinse the Rice: Wash the basmati rice thoroughly with water to remove excess starch. This will ensure your rice is fluffy and separate once cooked.
2. Boil the Rice: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the whole spices (cloves, cardamom, bay leaves, and cinnamon) and salt. Add the soaked rice to the boiling water and cook until it’s about 70% done (the rice should still be firm). Drain the rice and set it aside.

3.Assembling the Hyderabadi Chicken Dum Biryani

Now comes the fun part: layering the chicken and rice to make the perfect biryani!

1. Layer the Rice and Chicken:
   • Start by adding a layer of cooked rice to the bottom of a large, heavy-bottomed pot.
   • Then, add half of the marinated chicken on top of the rice. Spread it out evenly.
   • Add another layer of rice over the chicken, followed by the remaining chicken.
2. Add the Biryani Base:
   • Drizzle ghee over the top layer of rice.
   • Sprinkle the fried onions, chopped mint, and coriander leaves.
   • Pour the saffron milk (optional) over the rice for color and fragrance.
   • Garnish with lemon wedges for a fresh zing.
3. Seal the Pot for Dum Cooking:
   • To preserve the steam, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. You can seal the edges with dough or a wet kitchen cloth to ensure no steam escapes.

For more such delicious and easy recipes, click here.

Cooking the Biryani on Dum

The dum method is the key to ensuring your biryani has tender, flavorful chicken and perfectly cooked rice. Here’s how to cook it:

1. Cook on Low Flame: Place the sealed pot on a very low flame (or on a tawa to distribute heat evenly). Cook for about 30-45 minutes. The slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together and makes the chicken incredibly tender.
2. Avoid Stirring: Once your biryani is on the dum, avoid stirring. Let the rice steam and absorb all the flavors.
3. Check the Biryani: After about 30 minutes, gently open the lid and check for doneness. The rice should be soft, fluffy, and fragrant, and the chicken should be tender. If not, seal it back and cook for a few more minutes.

Serving the Hyderabadi Chicken Dum Biryani

Once your biryani is ready, it’s time to serve! Here are some suggestions:

1. Serve with Raita: A cooling, curd-based raita pairs wonderfully with spicy biryani. Try cucumber raita or a simple onion and cucumber salad for the perfect side.
2. Add Extra Garnishes: Serve with boiled eggs (optional) and a sprinkle of fresh coriander leaves(chopped) for a decorative touch.

Tips for the Perfect Hyderabadi Chicken Dum Biryani

• Use Quality Basmati Rice: The rice should be long-grain and aromatic. A good quality basmati rice will elevate your biryani.
• Marinate the Chicken Well: Let the chicken marinate for at least 2-4 hours, preferably overnight, to ensure it absorbs all the flavors.
• Slow Cooking is Key: The dum method ensures that the flavors develop deeply. Patience is key to the perfect biryani.
• Adjust the Spice Levels: If you’re not a fan of too much heat, adjust the amount of red chili powder and garam masala according to your preference.

For a detailed recipe video, click here.

Conclusion

Hyderabadi Chicken Dum Biryani is a dish that combines rich history with incredible flavors. By following this step-by-step recipe, you’ll be able to recreate this royal Hyderabadi Chicken Dum Biryani in your own kitchen. With tender chicken, fragrant rice, and a perfect blend of spices, your homemade Hyderabadi Chicken Dum Biryani will be just as authentic and flavorful as the ones served in Hyderabad’s best kitchens.

Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your experience! Let us know how your biryani turned out in the comments below. Happy cooking!