Nagpuri Chicken Dum Biryani is a delightful culinary creation from the city of Nagpur in India. This aromatic and flavorful biryani features tender chicken cooked in fragrant spices, layered with basmati rice, and slow-cooked to perfection. It is a true celebration of the rich and vibrant flavors of Nagpuri cuisine. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to prepare this mouthwatering dish.
Nagpuri Chicken Dum Biryani Recipe

This Nagpuri Chicken Dum Biryani Recipe will guide you in making a flavorful and aromatic biryani dish with tender chicken and fragrant spices.
Note: Adjust the spice level according to your preference. You can also add fried onions and mint leaves as garnish for added flavor.
Ingredients:
- 500 grams chicken, cut into pieces
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 4 tablespoons ghee
- 2 onions, sliced
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
- 2 teaspoons red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/4 cup yogurt
- 1/4 cup mint leaves
- 1/4 cup coriander leaves
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup saffron strands
- 1/4 cup fried onions
- 1/4 cup ghee
- 1/4 cup cashews
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1 pinch saffron color
- 1 pinch nutmeg powder
- 2 bay leaves
- 4-5 green cardamoms
- 4-5 cloves
- 1 inch cinnamon stick
- 1 piece star anise
- 2-3 green chilies, slit
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Supply:
- Large heavy-bottomed pan
- Mixing bowls
- Strainer
- Spatula
Instructions:
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Marinate the chicken
Step 1:In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken, yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, coriander powder, cumin powder, mint leaves, coriander leaves, and salt. Mix well to coat the chicken pieces. Marinate for 30 minutes.
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Cook the rice
Step 2:Wash the basmati rice under running water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes. In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add salt, bay leaves, green cardamoms, cloves, cinnamon stick, and star anise. Drain the soaked rice and add it to the boiling water. Cook the rice until it is 70% cooked. Drain the rice using a strainer and set aside.
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Prepare the saffron milk
Step 3:In a small bowl, warm the milk. Add saffron strands and let them steep for 5 minutes. Stir well until the milk turns yellow. Set aside.
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Layer the biryani
Step 4:In a large heavy-bottomed pan, heat ghee. Add the sliced onions and fry until golden brown. Remove half of the fried onions and set them aside for garnishing. To the remaining onions in the pan, add cashews and raisins. Fry for a minute. Layer half of the partially cooked rice over the onions and nuts. Sprinkle saffron milk, saffron color, nutmeg powder, and fried onions. Add the marinated chicken and spread it evenly. Top it with the remaining rice. Drizzle ghee over the rice.
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Dum cook the biryani
Step 5:Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid. Cook the biryani on low heat for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to cook through. Do not open the lid during this time to retain the steam. After 20 minutes, turn off the heat and let the biryani rest for 10 minutes. Remove the lid and gently fluff the rice with a fork. Serve the Nagpuri Chicken Dum Biryani hot with raita or salan.
Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of Nagpuri Chicken Dum Biryani, a dish that captures the essence of Nagpur’s cuisine. With its fragrant spices, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked rice, this biryani is sure to be a showstopper at any gathering or special occasion. Enjoy the rich flavors and immerse yourself in the culinary heritage of Nagpur with this delightful dish.