Authentic South Indian Biryani Recipe

Name: Authentic South Indian Biryani
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 pod cardamom; 1 clove; 1 cinnamon stick; 4 medium onions, chopped; 3 tablespoons chopped fresh garlic; 1/4 teaspoon chopped fresh ginger; 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes; chili powder to taste; 1 1/2 medium tomatoes, chopped; 16 ounces plain yogurt; 3 tablespoons water; lemon juice, to taste; 3 cups white rice; 1 teaspoon butter; salt to taste; 1 bunch fresh mint, chopped; 1 bunch chopped cilantro

Servings: persons

2 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 pod cardamom
1 clove
1 cinnamon stick
4 medium onions, chopped
3 tablespoons chopped fresh garlic
1/4 teaspoon chopped fresh ginger
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
chili powder to taste
1 1/2 medium tomatoes, chopped
16 ounces plain yogurt
3 tablespoons water
lemon juice, to taste
3 cups white rice
1 teaspoon butter
salt to taste
1 bunch fresh mint, chopped
1 bunch chopped cilantro

1
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2
Heat oil in a large oven-proof pot over medium heat.
3
Add cardamom, clove, and cinnamon stick.
4
Stir in chopped onions, and fry until golden brown.
5
Stir in garlic and ginger.
6
Stir in chicken pieces, and fry about 3 minutes.
7
Stir in chili powder, and cook several minutes.
8
Stir in tomatoes, and cook about 5 minutes.
9
Mix yogurt with 3 tablespoons water and lemon juice; stir into sauce.
10
Cover pot, and bake in a preheated oven until the sauce is somewhat thickened and concentrated, about 15 minutes.
11
Meanwhile, cook rice in enough salted water to cover.
12
Bring to a boil, and cook until it is half cooked, about 7 minutes.
13
Drain rice, and stir into chicken and sauce.
14
Stir in butter, season to taste with salt, cover pot, and bake 1 hour.
15
Stir in mint and cilantro immediately before serving.

967

kcal

Calories

Fat

149

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

Saved locally in your browser — visible only to you.

How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 18 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 2 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 1 pod cardamom, 1 clove, 1 cinnamon stick, and more.

Yes, Authentic South Indian Biryani falls under the Soups & Stews category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Authentic South Indian Biryani

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions