Chicken biryani is a dish which is considered to be a favorite comfort food or even classified as a dish made on special occasions. Each and every family has their own version of this chicken and rice dish. Our version uses a few basic ingredients which result in an explosion of flavor. By using the Instant Pot, we’ve drastically reduced the time it takes to cook a traditional chicken biryani. This is another quick and easy dish which you’ll want to add to your weekly rotation.
Chicken Biryani in the Instant Pot
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
Chicken biryani is a dish which is considered to be a favorite comfort food or even classified as a dish made on special occasions. Each and every family has their own version of this chicken and rice dish. Our version uses a few basic ingredients which result in an explosion of flavor. By using the Instant Pot, we’ve drastically reduced the time it takes to cook a traditional chicken biryani. This is another quick and easy dish which you’ll want to add to your weekly rotation.
Serves: 4
Ingredients
- Instant pot
- Mixing bowl
- 1 cup basmati rice-washed and drained
- 1 ½ large onions sliced thin
- ½ bunch cilantro, washed and chopped
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, washed and cut into large cubes https://amzn.to/2uPjq0G
- Small handful of fresh or dry mint leaves
- 1-2 dry bay leaves
- 1 large cinnamon stick
- 3 pieces star anise
- ½ teaspoon jeera (cumin seeds)
- 4 tablespoons Bombay Biryani Masala (your favorite brand)- we used Mehran
- 2 teaspoons minced ginger
- 4 cloves of garlic minced
- 2 green chilies minced (adjust for spice level)
- ¾ cups plain yogurt- use our recipe to make your own!
- 1 teaspoon (urad) turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon salt (or per taste)
- 2 teaspoons ghee- use our recipe to make your own!
- 2 tablespoons oil (divided into 1 tb each)
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)
- 2 tablespoons water + ¼ cup water
Instructions
- Turn on the Instant Pot to SAUTE mode (normal)
- Wait until the display reads “HOT”
- While waiting for the pot to heat, marinate the chicken
- In a bowl, add the chicken, yogurt, biryani masala, turmeric powder, ginger, garlic, chilies, salt
- Mix well to incorporate the ingredients
- Set aside
- Add 1 tablespoon oil and 2 teaspoons ghee to the Instant Pot
- Add the bay leaves, cinnamon, star anise and cumin seeds
- Stir and allow to pop and sizzle
- Add the sliced onions
- Allow to saute for 3-4 minutes until caramelized
- Press CANCEL on the Instant Pot
- Remove the onions to a clean dish and set aside
- Add 1 tablespoon of oil to the Instant Pot
- Add the chicken with the marinade and stir
- Add 2 tablespoons water and stir
- Close and lock the lid on the Instant Pot
- Turn the vent to sealing to prevent steam from escaping
- Set pot to MANUAL mode
- Set to HIGH PRESSURE
- Set timer to 4 minutes
- Once the timer goes off on the Instant Pot, manually release the steam by opening the vent. The silver prong will drop back into the lid. BE CAREFUL OF THE HOT STEAM
- Press CANCEL on the Instant Pot
- Open the lid
- Layer the washed rice over the cooked chicken
- Add ¼ cup water on top of the rice
- Layer onions on top of the rice
- Sprinkle mint on top of onions
- Close and lock the lid on the Instant Pot
- Turn the vent to sealing to prevent steam from escaping
- Set pot to MANUAL mode
- Set to HIGH PRESSURE
- Set timer to 6 minutes
- Once the timer goes off on the Instant Pot, manually release the steam by opening the vent. The silver prong will drop back into the lid. BE CAREFUL OF THE HOT STEAM
- Press CANCEL on the Instant Pot
- Garnish with cilantro
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Serving suggestion
This dish can be served with raita, butter chicken, your favorite curries, or as is for a main meal.
Variations
Add in extra veggies for a complete meal.
This dish can be served with raita, butter chicken, your favorite curries, or as is for a main meal.
Variations
Add in extra veggies for a complete meal.
