Aromatic, flavorful, and spicy, Chicken Biryani is a classic dish loved across India. This recipe makes a delicious restaurant-style biryani at home!

Ingredients
For Chicken Marinade:
500g chicken (bone-in for best flavor)
½ cup yogurt
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp red chili powder
1 tsp garam masala
1 tsp cumin powder
Salt to taste
1 tbsp oil
For Rice:
2 cups basmati rice (soaked for 30 minutes)
4 cups water
2 bay leaves
4-5 cloves
2 green cardamoms
1 black cardamom
1-inch cinnamon stick
1 tsp salt
For Biryani Gravy:
2 tbsp ghee or oil
1 large onion (thinly sliced)
1 large tomato (chopped)
1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
1 green chili (slit)
½ tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp red chili powder
1 tsp garam masala
½ tsp cumin powder
½ tsp coriander powder
½ cup fresh coriander leaves (chopped)
½ cup fresh mint leaves (chopped)
¼ cup warm milk (with a pinch of saffron)
For Layering:
2 tbsp fried onions (for garnish)
2 tbsp ghee
Saffron milk (prepared earlier)
Extra coriander & mint leaves
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, chili powder, garam masala, cumin powder, and salt.
Add chicken pieces and coat well. Marinate for at least 1 hour (overnight for best flavor).
Step 2: Cook the Rice
In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add salt, bay leaves, cloves, cardamoms, cinnamon, and rice.
Cook until 70% done (grains should be slightly firm). Drain and keep aside.
Step 3: Prepare Biryani Masala
Heat ghee or oil in a pan. Add sliced onions and fry until golden brown. Remove half for garnish.
Add ginger-garlic paste and green chili, sauté until raw smell disappears.
Add tomatoes, turmeric, chili powder, garam masala, cumin, and coriander powder. Cook until