Chettinad Chicken Biryani
Chettinad Chicken Biryani is a flavourful South Indian biryani from the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu. It is known for its spicy masala, aromatic seeraga samba rice, and rich traditional taste.
Ingredients
For the Rice
2 cups seeraga samba rice (or basmati rice)
Water as needed
For the Chicken Masala
500 g chicken
3 tbsp oil + 1 tbsp ghee
2 onions (thinly sliced)
2 tomatoes (chopped)
2 green chillies
1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
1 sprig of curry leaves
Salt as needed
Coriander leaves and mint leaves
Whole Spices
1 bay leaf
1-inch cinnamon
3 cloves
2 cardamoms
1 star anise
1 tsp fennel seeds
Chettinad Spice Mix
2 tbsp coriander seeds
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp black pepper
5 dry red chillies
1 tsp fennel seeds
2 tbsp grated coconut
Preparation Method
Step 1: Wash the Rice
Wash and soak seeraga samba rice for 20 minutes.
Step 2: Roast the Spices
Dry roast coriander seeds, cumin, pepper, fennel, dry red chillies, and grated coconut until aromatic.
Step 3: Grind the Masala
Cool the roasted ingredients and grind them into a smooth paste with a little water.
Step 4: Sauté the Whole Spices
Heat oil and ghee in a large cooker or pot. Add bay leaf, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, star anise, and fennel seeds.
Step 5: Cook the Onions
Add sliced onions, green chillies, and curry leaves. Sauté until golden brown.
Step 6: Add Ginger Garlic Paste
Cook the ginger garlic paste until the raw smell disappears.
Step 7: Add Tomatoes
Add chopped tomatoes and cook until soft.
Step 8: Cook the Chicken
Add chicken pieces, salt, mint leaves, and coriander leaves. Cook for 8–10 minutes.
Step 9: Add Chettinad Masala
Mix in the ground spice paste and cook until the oil separates.
Step 10: Add Rice
Add the soaked rice and the required water.
Step 11: Dum Cooking
Cover and cook on a low flame until the rice becomes fluffy and fully cooked.
Serving Suggestions
Chettinad Chicken Biryani tastes best with:
Onion raita
Brinjal curry
Boiled egg
Chicken fry
Tips for Authentic Taste
Seeraga samba rice gives traditional Chettinad flavour.
Freshly roasted spices improve aroma.
Mint and coriander enhance freshness.
Dum cooking gives a restaurant-style taste.
Variations
Chettinad Mutton Biryani
Pepper Chicken Biryani
Kuska Biryani
Thalappakatti Style Biryani
Enjoy this spicy and aromatic Chettinad Chicken Biryani with your family and friends!
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