Mom'S Khao Mok Kai (Some Call It Biryani) Recipe

Name: Mom'S Khao Mok Kai (Some Call It Biryani)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: Spice Mix; 1 tablespoon green cardamom (toasted, pods removed); 1 tablespoon black cardamom (toasted, pods removed); 1 teaspoon coriander seed (toasted); 1 teaspoon cumin seed (toasted); 1 teaspoon fennel seed (toasted); 2 tablespoons fresh turmeric (1 T if dried); 2 tablespoons fresh ginger; 4 garlic cloves; 1 tablespoon salt; 1/2 tablespoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (optional); 1/4 teaspoon saffron; 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper; Rice and Chicken (the Khao and Kai); 1 pound chicken; 1 cup yogurt; 2 tablespoons ghee; 1/2 onion (sliced thinly); 2 cinnamon sticks; 2 bay leaves; 3-5 cloves; 2 cups basmati rice

Servings: persons

Spice Mix
1 tablespoon green cardamom (toasted, pods removed)
1 tablespoon black cardamom (toasted, pods removed)
1 teaspoon coriander seed (toasted)
1 teaspoon cumin seed (toasted)
1 teaspoon fennel seed (toasted)
2 tablespoons fresh turmeric (1 T if dried)
2 tablespoons fresh ginger
4 garlic cloves
1 tablespoon salt
1/2 tablespoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
1/4 teaspoon saffron
1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
Rice and Chicken (the Khao and Kai)
1 pound chicken
1 cup yogurt
2 tablespoons ghee
1/2 onion (sliced thinly)
2 cinnamon sticks
2 bay leaves
3-5 cloves
2 cups basmati rice

1
add all the ingredients from the spice mix to a mortar and ground into a paste
2
divide the spice mix in half and mix one half with the yogurt
3
lightly salt the chicken pieces and mix with the yogurt spice mix and allow to sit for at least 20 minutes.
4
wash and rinse the rice.
5
heat the ghee and stir fry the other half of the spice mix.
6
add the rice and coat with the spice mix over medium heat.
7
Add 2 cups of water to the rice and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer with a cover (10 minutes)
8
in another pan, melt another tablespoon of ghee and brown the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side.
9
Add the chicken, onion and whole spices to the half-cooked rice and cover until the rice is cooked (approximately 30 minutes)
10
Eat with lime and cilantro for garnish.

868

kcal

Calories

Fat

158

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

Feel free to swap in similar ingredients you already have on hand and adjust seasoning to taste.

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

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

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

You need 23 ingredients. The key ingredients include: Spice Mix, 1 tablespoon green cardamom (toasted, pods removed), 1 tablespoon black cardamom (toasted, pods removed), 1 teaspoon coriander seed (toasted), and more.

Yes, Mom'S Khao Mok Kai (Some Call It Biryani) falls under the Meat & Poultry 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!

Mom'S Khao Mok Kai (Some Call It Biryani)

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions