Hyderabadi Chicken Dum Biryani
Authentic Hyderabadi-style biryani where marinated chicken and partially cooked rice are layered and slow-cooked (dum) to perfection.
Pro Tip: Use aged basmati rice for best results. Let the biryani rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking for flavors to meld perfectly.
Ingredients
For Marination:
- 1 kg chicken, cut into pieces
- 2 cups yogurt, whisked
- ¼ cup ginger-garlic paste
- 2 tbsp biryani masala powder
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 2 tsp red chili powder
- 1 cup fried onions (birista)
- ½ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- ½ cup fresh coriander leaves, chopped
- 4-5 green chilies, slit
- Salt to taste
For Rice:
- 3 cups basmati rice, soaked 30 mins
- 4 bay leaves
- 6 green cardamoms
- 4 cloves
- 2 inch cinnamon stick
- 1 tsp salt
For Layering:
- Saffron strands soaked in ¼ cup warm milk
- ½ cup ghee or oil
- Rose water (optional)
- Kewra water (optional)
Nutrition (per serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1
Marinate the chicken
Mix chicken with all marination ingredients. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for best flavor penetration.
- 2
Prepare the rice
Boil water with whole spices and salt. Add soaked rice and cook until 70% done (grain should break with slight pressure). Drain immediately.
- 3
Layer in heavy pot
In a heavy-bottomed pot, spread marinated chicken evenly. Top with partially cooked rice in an even layer.
- 4
Add final touches
Sprinkle remaining fried onions, saffron milk, ghee, mint, and coriander over the rice. Add rose/kewra water if using.
- 5
Dum cooking (sealed cooking)
Seal the pot with dough or aluminum foil to trap steam. Cook on lowest heat for 40-45 minutes. DO NOT open the lid during this time.
- 6
Rest and serve
Turn off heat and let it rest for 15 minutes. Open lid, gently mix layers. Serve hot with raita, mirchi ka salan, and salad.
Chef's Tips & Notes
- ✓Use chicken with bones for more flavor
- ✓Do not overcook rice before dum cooking
- ✓Seal the pot properly to prevent steam escape
- ✓Resting time is crucial for flavor development
- ✓Adjust spice levels according to preference
Recipe by Satya
Home chef with 20+ years of experience in Indian cuisine
"This Hyderabadi biryani recipe has been perfected over generations. The key is patience - proper marination and slow dum cooking cannot be rushed. It's not just food; it's an experience that brings people together."