Master the art of chicken biryani for a memorable gathering (serves 20)

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of authentic Indian cuisine with this comprehensive guide on how to make chicken biryani for 20 people. This exquisite dish is a harmonious blend of fragrant spices, succulent chicken, and fluffy rice, creating a symphony of flavors that will captivate your taste buds. Follow our step-by-step instructions and prepare a culinary masterpiece that will leave your guests in awe.

Ingredients for the Chicken Marination

• 2 kg boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tablespoon red chili powder
• 1 tablespoon coriander powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Ingredients for the Biryani Base

• 1 kg basmati rice, soaked in water for 30 minutes
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 3 green chilies, slit lengthwise
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
• 4 cloves
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg powder
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves

Ingredients for the Saffron Milk

• 1/4 cup milk
• 10-12 saffron strands

Preparation of the Chicken Marinade

1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the yogurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, salt, and black pepper.
2. Mix well to ensure that the chicken is evenly coated with the marinade.
3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Preparation of the Biryani Base

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat.
2. Add the cumin seeds, coriander seeds, cloves, bay leaves, and cinnamon stick.
3. Toast the spices for a few seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the sliced onion and green chilies and sauté until the onion turns golden brown.
5. Stir in the marinated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Add enough water to cover the chicken and bring to a boil.
7. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

Preparation of the Saffron Milk

1. In a small bowl, combine the milk and saffron strands.
2. Stir well and set aside to allow the saffron to infuse the milk.

Layering the Biryani

1. Drain the soaked rice and spread it evenly over the cooked chicken.
2. Pour the saffron milk over the rice.
3. Sprinkle the nutmeg powder, mint leaves, and cilantro leaves over the rice.
4. Cover the pot and cook over low heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the biryani is heated evenly.

Resting and Serving the Biryani

1. Once the biryani is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
2. Fluff the biryani with a fork and serve hot with your favorite accompaniments, such as raita, salad, or papadum.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Biryani

• Use high-quality basmati rice for the best results.
• Marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate.
• Do not overcook the chicken, as it will become tough.
• If the biryani is too dry, add a little more water or yogurt.
• If the biryani is too spicy, add a little more yogurt or cream.
• Garnish the biryani with fresh cilantro, mint leaves, or fried onions for a vibrant presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can I make vegetarian chicken biryani?
A: Substitute the chicken with firm tofu or vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, and peas.

Q: Can I use brown rice instead of basmati rice?
A: Yes, you can use brown rice, but it will take longer to cook and the texture will be slightly different.

Q: How can I store leftover chicken biryani?
A: Store the leftover biryani in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Q: What are some good accompaniments for chicken biryani?
A: Raita, salad, papadum, and chutney are all excellent accompaniments for chicken biryani.

Q: How can I make the biryani more flavorful?
A: Add additional spices to the marinade or use a flavorful yogurt. You can also add chopped nuts or dried fruits to the biryani for extra texture and flavor.