Indulge your taste buds with the tantalizing flavors of Afghani Chicken Biryani. This aromatic and mouthwatering dish combines succulent chicken pieces, fragrant basmati rice, and a harmonious blend of Afghani spices. Prepare to embark on a culinary journey filled with richness, as the biryani slowly simmers to perfection. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to create this exquisite Afghani Chicken Biryani, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience for you and your loved ones.
Afghani Chicken Biryani Recipe

This Afghani Chicken Biryani recipe will guide you in making a flavorful and aromatic biryani dish with tender chicken and fragrant spices.
Note: Adjust the spice levels according to your preference.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 500 g chicken pieces
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 2 onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 inches ginger, grated
- 2 green chilies, slit
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/4 cup milk
- 4 tablespoons ghee or vegetable oil
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fried onions (birista)
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh coriander leaves
- 1/4 cup fried raisins
- 1/4 cup saffron milk
- Salt to taste
Supply:
- Large pot
- Strainer
- Skillet
- Serving dish
Instructions:
-
Rinse and soak the rice
Step 1:Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes, then drain.
-
Marinate the chicken
Step 2:In a bowl, combine the yogurt, minced garlic, grated ginger, green chilies, chopped cilantro, chopped mint leaves, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and mix well. Marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight in the refrigerator.
-
Cook the chicken and rice
Step 3:In a large pot, heat ghee or vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until golden brown. Remove half of the fried onions and set aside for garnishing.Step 4:Add the marinated chicken to the pot and cook until it is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.Step 5:In the same pot, add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they are softened. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute.Step 6:Add the soaked and drained rice to the pot. Stir well to coat the rice with the tomato mixture.Step 7:Pour in the chicken broth and milk. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
-
Assemble and garnish
Step 8:Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Sprinkle the fried onions, sliced almonds, chopped fresh coriander leaves, and fried raisins over the top. Drizzle the saffron milk evenly over the rice for added color and flavor.Step 9:Cover the pot and let the biryani rest for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.Step 10:Serve the Afghani Chicken Biryani hot with raita or yogurt on the side. Enjoy!
Start your gastronomic adventure with this sumptuous recipe, as tender chicken pieces meld effortlessly with fragrant basmati rice, enhanced by a medley of delightful Afghani spices. This delightful dish is sure to captivate the senses and leave a lasting impression on your guests.
To create this masterpiece, begin by marinating the chicken in a tantalizing blend of yogurt, ginger, garlic, and a secret combination of Afghani spices. The chicken should be coated evenly with this aromatic marinade and left to rest for at least an hour, allowing the flavors to infuse deeply.
Meanwhile, prepare the basmati rice by rinsing it thoroughly until the water runs clear. This ensures the rice cooks evenly, resulting in grains that are fluffy and separate. Allow the rice to soak for about 30 minutes, allowing it to absorb some water, which will reduce the cooking time.
Afghani Chicken Biryani
Next, gently cook the marinated chicken in a large pan, using a modest amount of oil. This technique ensures the chicken remains tender and succulent, as it slowly absorbs the flavors of the marinade. Once the chicken is cooked to perfection, remove it from the pan and set it aside.
In the same pan, add fragrant spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves, allowing them to release their enticing aromas. Follow this by adding the soaked basmati rice, allowing it to cook partially. This step is crucial in achieving the desired texture and flavor of the biryani.
Now comes the exciting part! Layer the partially cooked rice with the succulent chicken in a large pot, creating a beautiful symphony of flavors. Drizzle a few drops of saffron-infused water over the layers, imparting a rich golden hue and an irresistible aroma.
Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let the biryani cook on low heat, allowing the flavors to mingle and the rice to absorb the essence of the chicken and spices. This slow cooking process ensures that each grain of rice is infused with the delicate flavors, resulting in an exceptional culinary experience.
Once the biryani is cooked to perfection, serve it hot, garnished with fragrant coriander leaves and crispy fried onions. The combination of tender chicken, aromatic rice, and tantalizing spices will make every mouthful an explosion of flavors.