Chicken Biryani
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Kerala Chicken Biryani

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Why did I ever stop making this? That's the first thing that came to my mind after I made this Biryani recently. I don't know why and when I stopped…but it's been ages since I made Chicken Biryani. Well, these days I make Biryani itself rarely, and whenever I make, it's Mutton Biryani. It's been on my mind that I need to update the pic here and add step by step pics as well, so I finally got around to it the other day. 

When I served this to Jose, he also asked me the same thing “why are you not making it anymore.” The funny thing was, he wanted me to make it one more time before it even got over ;)

Anyways, the timing is kinda perfect now for updating and resharing it again with the new pictures. If you are planning to make Biryani for Eid, please do try this. I really enjoyed making this after a long time, and it tasted great if I say so myself ;)

Kerala Chicken Biryani
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So, here you go to the first version…

If you are wondering why the word “finally” is there in the title, here it goes. There are 2 reasons. First, if I make a list of recipe requests I get from readers of MariasMenu, Chicken Biriyani easily tops that list. You might ask, what took me so long to post the recipe then. Usually, whenever I get a request for Chicken Biriyani recipe, I reply to them with my mutton biriyani link.

Download This Recipe ($1)

Because that's originally a chicken biriyani recipe and I happened to make it with mutton sometimes. We were & are perfectly happy with the recipe & I never wanted to try another one.

So I never bothered collecting or going through any other biriyani recipe. Since the number of emails & comments asking for a chicken biriyani kept on increasing, I gave a second thought and “Finally” I'm posting a Chicken Biriyani recipe :)

Second, this is my 200th post. Let me make something clear here, I don't think this is my 200th food post because there are some nonfoodie posts also. However, WordPress is telling me that I have 199 posts now and when this post gets published it will be 200. Now, I'm a peace-loving person and didn't want to disagree with WordPress ;). I thought ok, let's go ahead with 200! I know…it took me almost 4 years to hit double century, the run rate is really sad :(. When I've seen other bloggers celebrating 200 or 300, I used to wonder “mera number kab ayega”? Here it is “Finally” :) Thank you for helping me to hit the double century, I owe it to YOU big time :)

About the recipe… when I made this biriyani, I had a feeling that I was standing in the mix n match section of Shoppers Stop :). Because I've picked the recipe from here and there. This recipe won't fit under the “authentic” or “traditional” Biriyani recipe. In this, I have fried the chicken pieces and I have also used chilly & coriander powder etc which I normally don't use in the biriyani. I've seen some of my friends doing it, so I thought I will try it. I've got the masala part from some other friends, so its a total mix n match stuff. I've made it 2-3 times and it came out well every time. Hope you will also like it.

Here is the recipe:

Kerala Chicken Biriyani
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Chicken Biriyani

Kerala Style Chicken Biryani. Chicken marinated in spices and shallow fried and cooked in flavor packed masala, layered with Basmati Rice.
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Course: Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: India, Kerala, South Indian
Keyword: Biryani, Chicken Biryani, Kerala Chicken Biryani
Servings: 8 people
Author: Maria Jose

Ingredients

  • 900 gms Chicken (measured after cleaning (refer notes))

For Marination:

  • 1/2 tsp Pepper powder
  • 1 tsp Chilly powder
  • 1.5 tsp Coriander powder
  • 1/4 tsp Turmeric powder
  • 1 tbsp Lemon juice
  • Salt

For Masala

  • 5 large Onion (finely sliced)
  • 2.5 tbsp each Crushed Ginger & Garlic
  • 5 Green chilly (crushed)
  • 2 big Tomato (sliced)
  • 3 tbsp Chopped Coriander leaves
  • 2-3 tbsp Yogurt
  • 1 tsp Garam Masala
  • 1/2 cup Water
  • 2 tbsp Cashew nuts
  • Oil / Ghee
  • Salt

For Rice

  • 3 cups Basmati rice
  • 5 1/4 cups Water (refer notes)
  • 6 Cardamom
  • 6 Cloves
  • 2 medium – big pieces Cinnamon
  • 2 small – medium Bay leaves
  • 1 large Onion (chopped)
  • 1.5 tbsp each Crushed ginger & garlic
  • 2 tbsp Lemon juice
  • 2 Green chilli, crushed
  • 3 tbsp Chopped Coriander leaves
  • 2 tbsp Chopped Mint leaves
  • 3 tbsp Ghee
  • Salt

For garnishing:

  • 2 tbsp each Cashews & raisins
  • 1 large Onion (sliced finely)
  • 3 tbsp Chopped Coriander leaves
  • 2 tbsp Ghee
  • 3 tbsp Chopped Mint leaves
  • Boiled eggs, for garnishing (optional)

Instructions

  • Masala Preparation
  • Clean the chicken pieces and make small gashes. Marinate the cleaned chicken pieces with the marination ingredients and keep for half an hour.
    Step 1 Chicken Biryani
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  • Grind tomato & coriander leaves to a smooth paste. Check out Pepper Chicken
    Step 2 Chicken Biryani
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  • Soak the cashew nuts in hot water (2 tbsp) for 5-10 mins and grind it to a smooth paste.
    Step 3 chicken biryani
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  • Shallow fry the chicken pieces in oil/ghee till it turns golden brown & half cooked.
    Step 4 chicken biryani
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  • Add the finely sliced onion to the same oil/ghee (in which chicken is fried) and cook till it becomes brown. Check out Green Chicken Curry
    Step 5 Chicken Biryani
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  • Add crushed ginger, garlic and green chilly. Cook for 3 – 4 minutes.
    Step 6 Chicken Biryani
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  • Add the tomato coriander paste and cook till the oil separates. Add garam masala and cook for a minute.
    Step 7 Chicken Biryani
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  • Add yogurt, salt and mix well.
    Step 8 Chicken Biryani
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  • Add the fried chicken pieces and combine well. Make sure that the chicken pieces are coated well with the masala. Add 1/2 cup water and cover and cook the chicken.
    Step 9 Chicken Biryani
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  • When the chicken is almost done and the gravy has dried, add the cashew paste. Cook till the chicken is done.
    Step 10 Chicken Biryani
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  • Rice Preparation
  • Clean, wash and drain the rice. Heat ghee and add spices(cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, bay leaf). Fry for a min and add chopped onion, crushed ginger, garlic and green chilli. Stir well till it gives out an aroma, for 4-5 mins.
    Step 11 Chicken Biryani
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  • Add rice and stir for five mins. Check out Chicken Ghee Roast
    Step 12 chicken biryani
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  • Add salt, lemon juice and 5 1/4 cups of water. Bring the water to boil, reduce flame to lowest and cook till rice is done, around 7 mins. (refer notes)
    Step 13 Chicken Biryani
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  • Layering the Biriyani
  • Preheat the oven to 180 degree 10 minutes before baking the biriyani. Apply some ghee to a baking dish. Put one layer of rice in the dish. Sprinkle some chopped coriander & mint leaves, fried onion, cashew and raisins (if using) and drizzle some ghee. On top of that spread some chicken masala. Repeat the process until the masala and rice is finished. The top layer should be of rice. Cover the dish with a wet cloth. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 mins.(refer notes for alternative method)
    Step 14 Chicken Biryani
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  • Garnishing:
  • Heat ghee/oil in a pan and fry the cashews & raisins. Remove them from the pan & in the remaining ghee/oil fry the onions till it becomes golden brown. Drain the excess ghee in a paper towel & keep it aside.
  • Garnish the baked biriyani with fried cashew, raisins, onions, boiled eggs, chopped mint and coriander leaves. Serve hot with pickle, raita & pappad.

Notes

I used 10 skinless thigh pieces of chicken for the biriyani. Also I’ve used only 5 1/4 cups of water for cooking the rice. Usually the water is double the amount of rice. But I prefer the rice not to be mushy, hence lesser qty of water. My rice was ready in 7 mins. The timing may vary depending on the brand. 
I skipped raisins. 
If you dont have an oven to bake the biriyani, do the following method. 1. Layer the rice and masala in a greased heavy bottomed vessel/non stick pan & cover it with a tight lid. 2. Heat a thava/dosa kallu, when it is really hot, place the biriyani vessel on top of that. Reduce the heat to the lowest flame & cook for 20-25 mins. Keep the heat at the lowest flame throughout, otherwise it might get burnt. 3. Also place a pan of boiling water on top of the biriyani vessel at the same time.
Tried this recipe? Let others know by…mentioning @mariasmenu or tagging #mariasmenu
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244 thoughts on “Kerala Chicken Biryani”

  1. I tried this biriyani recipe and it was delicious. I am usually wary of making biriyani but this was effortless to make. Thank you.

    Reply

  3. I am a big fan of Kerala Biryani, so I wanted to try this recipe. You have provided very detailed preparation method, but I wonder why there is no mention of coconut in your recipe, Whenever I tried Kerala biryani in restaurants, it had a distinct flavor of coconut. Are there different versions of Kerala biryani – with or without coconut?

    Reply

  4. The recipe came out quite good. My daughter loves kerala style biriyani and she and my husband loved it. Thank u for such a unique recipe

    Reply

  7. If the rice and chicken are to be cooked until they are done according to your recipe, then what is the need of baking them together for another 20-25 mins. in an oven? Wouldn’t they get over-cooked?

    Reply

  8. Hi Maria,

    I have been looking out for a good biryani recipe for a longgg time as my hubby is a HUGE chicken biryani fan (Its like a ritual… friday lunch just has to be chicken biryani for him) and finallly I have heard his sigh of contentment after trying out this recipe :) Thank you so muchhhh!

    All your other recipes are superb as well.. i have tried out most of the chicken ones especially ..sorry i havent been able to leave a comment everywhere yet.. each recipe leaves me at a loss for words usually…i do look forward to seeing more recipes from you…

    P.S: You are literally like my Bible when it comes to cooking :) Keep up the great work!

    Reply

    • Hi Merin,

      Thanks a ton for your lovely feedback, appreciate it very much :) Really happy to know that you’ve tried many recipes from here.

      I’m glad your husband also liked the biriyani recipe.

      Happy cooking!

      Cheers
      Maria

      Reply

  9. hai maria chechi …
    myself bilsha and my room mate chinnutha from abudhabi .. we both are fan of u..
    we followed so many youtube food recipe.. but we didnt got dat much success atlast we got ur blog..:)
    we liked ur all food recipe ..every recipe u have a diffrent style …soo tasty…we tried chicken biriyani …it came out super..thanks alot…chechii … u r doing a great favour… pls add more recipe ..we r waiting for ur food recipe

    Reply

  10. hai maria chechi …
    myself bilsha and my room mate chinnutha from abudhabi .. we both are fan of u..
    we followed so many youtube food recipe.. but we didnt got dat much success atlast we got ur blog..:)
    we liked ur all food recipe ..every recipe u have a diffrent style …soo tasty…we tried chicken biriyani …it came out super..thanks alot…chechii … u r doing a great favour… pls add more recipe ..we r waiting for ur food recipe

    Reply

  11. Hi maria, which brand basmati rice is good for making biriyani.i used to make with jeerakashaala rice but now i would like to try any other brand. Pls reply as soon as possible

    Reply

  12. hii mariyechi, super recepie…i was searching a good recepie of biriyani to prepeare in this easter….thank you so much…tomarrow i will post the photos here..thanks

    Reply

  14. Hi Maria..
    Could you please help me with the exact amount of each ingredient to be used while making biryani for 2 to 3 people?
    I’m new to cooking..n dont wanna make a mistake:)
    Thank you.
    PS: Your recipes are the best! I’ve tried out a few n they all came out really well

    Reply

    • Hi Maisoon,

      Thank you so much for trying the recipes from here :) Glad that it worked out well for you..

      Now, coming to specific measurements, I’m so sorry dear, I’m very bad in doing that :( May be you can have the recipe and try.

      I do hope you get to try it successfully, soon. All the best :)

      Cheers
      Maria

      Reply

  16. Hi Maria,

    Tried the recipe over the weekend and it turned out yumm! Everyone from my parents to in laws were drooling over it and I had a big proud smile on my face. I gave all the credit to you though:)

    Love your blog!

    P.S: My mum in law is the best Malayali cook ever and she asked me for this recipe so you can imagine how awesome your recipe is:)

    Reply

    • Hi Aparna,

      I was really thrilled to read your comment, thank you so much :)

      Great to know that the recipe was a hit with your family. Btw, the cook can also take credit for the biriyani :)

      Hope your mother in law gets to try it out soon.

      Cheers
      Maria

      Reply

  17. Thanks for the recipe. It really worked. Biriyani was yummy. My sister jiji referred this blog for me. I was the hero at lunch today.

    Reply

  18. Hi Mam,
    Thank you for this recipe. I love ur all recipes and tried many more all came out well.
    Now I have some doubts abt this biriyani making. Can I use oven in convection mode or combination mode? In convection mode I always bake cakes. In the same mode I hv to use for dum biriyani? Second one can I use aluminium foil to cover the dish instead of wet cloth. Coz I afraid to use wet cloth because of burning. Pls reply

    Reply

    • Hi Litha,

      You are welcome. Please call me Maria :)

      Nice to know that you liked the recipes from here. I normally bake biriyani in the same mode as cakes, so I guess you can use convection mode. Yes you can cover it with al.foil.

      Hope you get to try it soon and like it too..

      Cheers
      Maria

      Reply

  19. hi maria
    this recipe looks yummy…planning to try out this weekend…by the way i would like to know which brand of rice do u use…
    thanks

    Reply

  20. Thanks for sharing this awesome chicken biryani recipe . I’m sure all of your followers like and satisfied from this detailed step-by-step procedure that you’ve shared from us. We’ve looking forward from more delicious recipes from you. More power and congrats for lots of good feedback. You deserve it! :)

    Reply

  21. Hi Triya,

    Thanks a ton for your lovely comment :) Great to know that the briyani recipe fetched you many compliments.

    Thanks for taking time to share your feedback here..

    Cheers
    Maria

    Reply

  23. Hey Maria,
    Regular follower of your site. And I love all your recipes, photos and the detailing is too good. Just to tell you that I love and trying your recipes and more over I love to read your description prior to recipe. Those little stories are adorable. Keep up the good work; God Bless!!!

    Reply

    • Hi Neethu,

      Thanks a ton for leaving a comment here, appreciate it very much :)

      I’m so happy to know that you like the photos, recipes and write ups too..

      Please do keep trying the recipes and I do hope you enjoy them.

      Best wishes to you too..

      Cheers
      Maria

      Reply

  24. Maria – thanks for a really great recipe. I’ve tried quite few over the years and this is one that probably comes closest to the authentic version. Attaching a picture of the result.

    Reply

  26. Thank you so much for the wonderful comment :) I’m so happy to know that you’ve tried many recipes from here and it was very much appreciated by your family.

    Cheers
    Maria

    Reply

  28. Maria, we are all big fans of your recipes. Kids always want to make sure the recipe is from “Maria”. Got 10/10 for your recipe from the family. Thank you so much. Keep the recipes coming. Salutes from all of us.

    Reply

  29. Excellent Biriyani…!!!!
    Thanks a lot Maria for tis recipe..
    So now my old biriyani recipe gets a break..
    Hats off to yr painstakingly created site..

    Reply

  30. Hi maria,
    I cooked chicken biriyani for the first time in my life. It came out really well. I surpriced myself. Thank you so much for doing this. Your reciepie is Excellent.

    Reply

  31. Dear Maria
    Your recipes are awesome.
    Please could you let me know For the white paste can v add coconut and poppy seeds as it is added in mutton biriyani and what can be the measurement for white paste if v r doing for more people(eg.18 people) bcoz i m plannin diz dish for my son”s birthday.

    Reply

    • Thanks Helen :) Yes, you can add that. I havent made such a large qty, so I’m not very sure about the exact measurements.

      May be you can take 1/2 – 3/4 cup of cashews and 3-4 tbsp of poppy seeds. This is just an estimate… Hope this helps..

      Cheers
      Maria

      Reply

  33. hi, i just tried this chicken biryani and it was absolutely yummy. very delicious. Thank you for sharing the recipe.
    Love,

    Marissa.

    Reply

  34. Hi Maria,

    I have tried chicken biriyani many times but have never got a satisfactory result…i tried ur recipe yesterday and it came out really well…thanks for the recipe and keep up the good work

    Reply

  35. HI Maria,
    i made this 2 days back…And u know it was so good…everybody liked… Million thanks you yaar.

    Going to make this today again for some of my guest//hope it will turn good this time too

    Reply

  37. Hi Maria, is it possible to make the chicken and the rice the previous day and then bake them together the next day? I am planning to make this for lunch when some friends come over and making it the previous day will be really helpful. Thanks.

    Reply

  38. Hi maria I am gonna try this today, I love all ur recipes its very simple to cook and though tasty. Is it ok if i don’t add coriander leaves while making tomato paste for the chicken masala.

    Reply

    • Hi Neha,

      Thank you :) Coriander leaves add flavour, but if you wanna omit you can do the same to suit your requirements.

      Hope your biriyani came out well.

      Cheers
      Maria

      Reply

    • Hi Neha,

      Thank you :) Coriander leaves add flavour, but if you wanna omit you can do the same to suit your requirements.

      Hope your biriyani came out well.

      Cheers
      Maria

      Reply

  39. Hi maria I am gonna try this today, I love all ur recipes its very simple to cook and though tasty. Is it ok if i don’t add coriander leaves while making tomato paste for the chicken masala.

    Reply

  40. Hi Maria

    I cannot thank you enough for these wonderful recipes u have gifted us.. I work for 10-11 hrs thru the week (being in IT :) ) even then i have made it a rule to try at-least one recipe of urs on weekend, which always turn out to be awesome.. and even after one year of marriage, my husband is still in love with my cooking..thanx to u :)

    Reply

  41. Hi Maria

    I cannot thank you enough for these wonderful recipes u have gifted us.. I work for 10-11 hrs thru the week (being in IT :) ) even then i have made it a rule to try at-least one recipe of urs on weekend, which always turn out to be awesome.. and even after one year of marriage, my husband is still in love with my cooking..thanx to u :)

    Reply

  42. I tried this and made a chicken pulao instead of Biriyani. Thanks so much! For a twist, you can add mint leaves along with coriander.

    Reply

  43. I tried this and made a chicken pulao instead of Biriyani. Thanks so much! For a twist, you can add mint leaves along with coriander.

    Reply

  44. Hi Maria,

    I tried this Biriyani recipe for the 3rd time this sunday and I must say, it turned out perfect….all credit to the detailed recipe. And the reason I am posting this comment after 4 days of making it is, I had frozen some of it and reheated and had for lunch just now. And it tasted awesome. Only sad that there wasn’t a lot left. :)
    Not sure if I have already asked you, but do you mind if I blog the recipe in my li’l blog (not word for word), giving you due credit?
    Remya
    remya-r.blogspot.com

    Reply

    • Hi Remya,

      Great to hear that biriyani recipe worked well for you. Btw, freezing biriyani is something new to me :)

      Yep, you can post it on your blog, no probs at all, just give a link back to the original recipe. Thanks for sharing it on your blog :)

      Cheers
      Maria

      Reply

      • Freezing was something new to me too. My friends used to talk about cooking large portions and freezing it to use later in the week, and I used to be really sceptical about it. This time around, I thought of giving it a shot and it tasted so good that you would think it was just made. You must try. :)

        Reply

      • Freezing was something new to me too. My friends used to talk about cooking large portions and freezing it to use later in the week, and I used to be really sceptical about it. This time around, I thought of giving it a shot and it tasted so good that you would think it was just made. You must try. :)

        Reply

  45. Hi Maria,

    I tried this Biriyani recipe for the 3rd time this sunday and I must say, it turned out perfect….all credit to the detailed recipe. And the reason I am posting this comment after 4 days of making it is, I had frozen some of it and reheated and had for lunch just now. And it tasted awesome. Only sad that there wasn’t a lot left. :)
    Not sure if I have already asked you, but do you mind if I blog the recipe in my li’l blog (not word for word), giving you due credit?
    Remya
    remya-r.blogspot.com

    Reply

  47. hai maria..how r u doing??? its been quite a while i wrote something here..but I am visiting your blog everyday I guess…..just love it…i have tried many of your recipes but never took pics…..this time when i made chicken biriyani i took one photo and I am sharing it with you…thanks a lot for your wonderful recipes…keep going……

    Reply

    • Hi Sindhu,

      I’m doing good dear. Hope you are also doing great!

      Thanks a lot for sharing the pic with me, it’s really great! I’m so happy to know that you visit this space regularly and try recipes, thanks dear :)

      Cheers
      Maria

      Reply

  51. hi Maria,..first of of all THANK YOU for this wonderful recipe. I tried this today and it came out really well.. i have made your fish biriyani also . actually urs is the frst blog i search fr recipes nwadays,,, thanks a ton again dear….

    Reply

  52. I tried this, and maria, i have to say! THank u from the bottom of my heart… after trying to make biryani TWICE from some other ways, both were flop!… Finally my husband appreciated my biryani! :)
    Ur a life saver! :) He still asks me to cook it again :):):)

    Reply

  53. And the specialty is when someone is celebrating birthday I am their with Maria’s chicken biriyani…. Even I was a person who run away when I see any raw meat…. Now I am proud of myself. Thank you so much

    Reply

  56. Hi Maria I Tried This Recipe & It Turned Out Lip Smacking Good. My Family Just Loved It. I Added A Couple Of Boiled Eggs & Fried Potatoes Also.

    Reply

  57. Nice Biryani..but too lengthy procedure. Request if you can sent me kache ghosh (raw chicken) biryani recepie.

     Waiting for your reply… rajiv

    Reply

      • Hi Maria,
        Kachche Gosh biryani is the typical Hyderabadi Dum Biriyani, where the meat (goat or chicken) is not precooked, rather layered raw with the rice & then slow cooked with the rice. This really needs technique & expertise to get done right, which is why Hyderabad has acquired such a rich repute for their unique traditional method.

        Your website & recipes are really a blessing. Many Thanks.

        Cheers.
        Peter.

        Reply

  59. i tried chicken biriyani yesterday.it turned out awesome i have also added some mint leaves to d gravey..i really appreciate ur effort nd time for sharing such a wonderful recipies..thanks a lot maria

    Reply

    • Hi Merin,

      You are welcome dear! Nice to know that you liked the chicken biriyani recipe.

      Thank you very much for trying it and also for posting the comment here :)

      Cheers
      Maria

      Reply

  60. Hi Maria,
    I just happend 2 c ur website 2day..i wasnt interested in cooking..but am sure i wil try your recipes.i have noted down a few…ur dishes luk so yummy & the ingredients r easily available .I also appreciate ur effort 2 reply 2 each n every comments posted. Thanx a lot!!!!!!!

    Reply

    • Hi Viji,

      Welcome to MariasMenu! Thanks for your comment. I do hope you get to try some of the recipes and like them too.

      Btw, Sorry for the delayed rep, I was away on a trip.

      Cheers
      Maria

      Reply

  61. Hi Maria,
    Thank you So Much for posting in this. My  dad told me and my sister to prepare dinner for tonight and the first place we thought to go to was Marias Menu. We love your recipes and it always turns out really good.
    Thnx Again,
    Helen  & Ann Mary

    Reply

    • Hi Ann Mary,

      Thank you very much dear! It’s a pleasure to know that you come to this place first in search of recipes :) Please do say my thanks to your sis too.

      Cheers
      Maria

      Reply

  62. hai Maria
      I am Shylaja.  I tried chicken biriyani recipe two times.  its delicious & easy to understand ur way of writing. I tried vattayappan also. What to tell ,it also very tasty. Thank u Maria.

    Reply

    • hhmm, its not actually very tiresome. Just that I’ve explained it in detail. May be you can prepare the chicken masala one day in advance and make rice the next day :)

      Cheers
      Maria

      Reply

  67. Hi Maria

    i tried your biryani it cam out well , i had some guest at home they all liked it, for garnishing i used onions fried in ghee also.

    thank you very much

    Reply

  70. Hi Maria,
     I’m trying biryani for the first time.It came out really well…But I did not get the same colour for chicken as shown in your image.I tried the recipe exactly as you described.Do you have to fry the chicken pieces like you fry for chicken fry???…It was really yummy after all…Thanks for your post.
         

    Reply

    • Hi Smrithi,

      Thank you! I guess it depends on the colour of the chilli powder used.    I fried the chicken till it turned golden brown in colour. I think for chicken fry, you fry it till you get a darker shade of brown, its not required for biriyani.

      Anyways, I’m glad that you liked it :)

      Cheers
      Maria

      Reply

  71. Hi Maria,
    I came to your blog quite by chance a few months ago. I belong to those group of people who hate cooking , just because I didn’t know how to cook. But after checking u’r blog and trying out a few recipes from here has changed my attitude toasted cooking. So firstly a BIG THANKS from the bottom of my heart.
    I now have the confidence to invite friends to my house since I can serve them good dishes. Last week I tried this biriyani and it came out very well.
    May God bless you.
    Thanks once again and keep up the good work.
    Regards
    Jincy

    Reply

    • Hi Jincy,

      Thanks a ton for the wonderful comment. It’s a pleasure to know that you find this place helpful. Also comments like your’s is a great motivation for me to continue blogging, thanks again :)

      Cheers
      Maria

      Reply

  72. hi maria,, 
    now this chicken biryani is baking in my kitchen, fingers crossed i hope it turns out well. this is my first biryani try ever. however i couldnt get whole chicken, i had boneless chicken and am trying my hands on that,, i have marinated it enough, i hope it turns out like normal bone-in chicken biryani… i’ll update on the taste and comments tomorrow. 

    Reply

    • it turned out good, flavourful… Little less spicy, but the aroma was beautiful. For a first try, it was a wonder. Again thanks a ton :)

      Reply

  73. I just happened to pass by your blog while trying to zero in on a beef recipe…one of the best blogs on food to say the least :)  While growing up, I never even so much as give a glance in the direction of the kitchen, but now with the advent of lifestyle TV channels on food and blogs like yours, my culinary skills have taken a great leap for the better!  With the channels, there was never any ‘food on the table.’  It was just watching and fighting the salivary glands! As you state in your blog, your reciptes are no nonsense, and I can vouch for it because I got the chicken biryani right the first time around! A big thank you :)

    Reply

    • Hi Reji,

      Thanks for dropping in! Its great to know that your biriyani came out well in the first attempt itself :)

      Btw, I was also in the same category, who never bothered to get into the kitchen. Started cooking only after my marriage & got hooked :)

      Thanks for taking time to write to me.

      Cheers
      Maria

      Reply

  74. hi Maria,
    I tried this recipe. It came out well. But, do we have to fry the chicken and rice.Though I blindly followed ur recipe, I would like to know whether it will be ok without frying.

    All ur recipes are becoming super hit in my kitchen(I tried chilly gobi,chkn cutlet,paneer biriyani,egg sandwich,chkn mappas,egg-potato curry,tomato chutney…all in a span of 2 weeks.Thank u soooooooooo much. Also belated wedding annniversary wishes from my side…..

    Reply

    • Hi Sandhya,

      I’m super thrilled to see the list of recipes you’ve tried from this place, thanks a ton :)

      About frying the rice & chicken…. hhmmm, sometimes I cook the rice in normal method instead of frying it, I mean I dran the excess water & in that case I do not fry rice. It works well, so you can do that.

      I have tried another biriyani recipe without frying chicken & it worked. So I guess you can try it. However frying gives a different flavour to the biriyani.

      Cheers
      Maria

      Reply

  78. you are the wind behind every newly wed woman’s wings.the strength for an inexperienced cook.the door to a culinary world.thanks to the ALMIGHTY for sending people like you.its one of lifes biggest blessings to do something you love as a career.
     

    Reply

  79. Thanks maria the chicken biriyani was awesome.I used mint leaves also along with the corriander leaves when grinding it with tomato.

    Reply

    • Hi Sapnaram,

      I’m glad that the chicken biriyani recipe worked well for you :) I’m sure that mint leaves enhanced the flavour of the biriyani.

      Thanks a lot for sharing your feedback here.

      Cheers
      Maria

      Reply

  80. Hi Maria,

    I’ve tried most of the beef,prawns,mutton and Chicken biriyani from your blog..Just love it! as the below person has mentioned, they can be trusted blindly! :)

    Tomorrow for Xmas lunch I’m making your Malabar mutton biriyani! Thanks for your recipes and you will be surely remembered this Xmas.

    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

    Reply

    • Hi Shalini,

      wow! I’m thrilled to know that you’ve tried out every biriyani recipe posted here :) Hope mutton biriyani also came out well.

      Thanks a ton dear for your kind words. Wish you and your family a Happy & Blessed New Year!

      Cheers
      Maria

      Reply

  81. Hi Manju,

    It’s such an honour to know that you trust the recipes posted here that much, thank you! I havent tried that recipe, but I’m sure, it will be great :) Hope it works well for you.

    Cheers
    Maria

    Reply

    • Yes I do blindly believe in the recipes here. I’m so confident about the recipes here that I can prepare it for the first time and serve it to my guests. dats y I said I’ll try it only if u’ve tried something like dat. or else wait till u do . :) And i’ve to thank you on behalf of each and every reader here that u post such simple and perfect recipes here.The main reason for that is YOU DONT POST TO SHOW OFF UR COOKING CAPABILTIES OR PHOTOGRAPHY. U R JUST GIRL NEXT DOOR OR A BEST FRIEND WHOM WE CAN REACH OUT TO WHENEVER IN CONFUSION OR TROUBLE.
      God bless you maria.

      Reply

      • Hi Manju,

        wow! Your comment made my day :) I’m so touched to read your comment & its really good to know that you consider me as a best friend :).

        Thanks a ton dear for all the kind words & encouragement. I appreciate it very much.

        Wish you a Merry Christmas & a Blessed New Year!

        Take care,
        Maria

        Reply

  82. hi maria,
    came across a chicken pilaf in nishas blog. have u tried it. i wanted to make it. but wanted a word .from coz u know whatever u recommend is awesome as I’ve tried almost everything from ur blog. jus tell whether u hav tried the pilaf if yes did u like it. only then I’ll be making it

    Reply

  83. hi maria
    i made ur chicken biriyani on saturday,and it was great.My husband loved it.I added 2cubes of maggi cube while making rice and also added 1 cube of maggi cube while cooking the chicken.It was awesome…keep it up

    Reply

  84. Hi Maria,

    I tried this one.. it came out well… but we felt that the dish needed some more flavor to it… would you recommend using some more masala,than given in the recipe?? or will it get too soggy??

    cheer,Shiny

    Reply

  86. hi maria
    i want to make this biriyani,but the problem is my hubby doesnt like taste of mint/coriander leaves.:(..so can i use curry leaves instead??

    Reply

  88. hay maria
    i am a regular visitor of ur site nd i luv ur recipes very much,had tried this chkn biriyani n it was gr8 hit….thank you very much….

    Reply

  89. hay maria
    i am a regular visitor of ur site nd i luv ur recipes very much,had tried this chkn biriyani n it was gr8 hit….thank you very much….

    Reply

  90. Hi Maria,i’m confused with the below sentance.”Boil 5 cups water with half the quantity of whole masala & keep it aside. Heat ghee in a vessel/pan, splutter the remaining whole masala and add the rice.”with this, the whole masala wil be done. right? Then from where we will get the masala for layering?

    Reply

    • Hi Sephy,

      The whole masala referred in the above sentence is cardamom, cloves & cinnamon, listed under the ‘for rice’ list in the ingredients.

      The masala for the layering is the chiken gravy masala that you cook. Hope its clear now. Cardamom, cinnamon & cloves is referred to as whole masala at times. Hence I wrote it like that in the recipe.

      Hope you get to try this biriyani sometime & like it too…

      Cheers
      Maria

      Reply

  91. Hey Maria,

    The chicken biriyani came out really well. I have tried out all your chicken recipes and they were all a great success. Waiting to see more chicken recipes, Great job Maria

    Anila

    Reply

    • Hi Anila,

      Thank you very much! Its really nice to know that you like the chicken recipes posted here. I’m so excited that you have tried all the chicken recipes here :)

      I’ll try to add more chicken recipes as & when I try good ones.

      Cheers
      Maria

      Reply

  92. Hi Runam,

    Its a pleasure to know that you liked the biriyani recipe. Yeah, its a bit time consuming process, but I guess its worth trying :) Thank you so much for your wonderful comment dear!

    Cheers
    Maria

    Reply

  93. Hi Maria,

    I’m quite a frequent visitor of your site and I’d bookmarked the chicken biryani recipe for a long long time. I always thought that it’s too complicated to make biryanis and I’m a fairly new cook so it seemed all the more difficult.

    But, I FINALLY tried this recipe and it was awesome. At one point the whole kitchen platform was messy and full of stuff, but it was all worth it in the end. The biryani was absolutely divine, my husband (who is not a big fan of biryanis) loved it. I got loads of compliments from friends too…all thanks to you.

    Please keep up the great work, you’re God send to people like me.

    Thank you so very much !!

    Regards,
    Runam

    Reply

  94. hello…
    i am going thru ur blog since last month… got to say … ur recipes r gr8 n easy as well… cooking is fun wen it is easy n fud tastes gr8… thanks to u and your blog… n going thru ur blog is like talking to u… thanks a ton anyways….
    Mahi

    Reply

  97. Hi Maria,

    Thanks a lot for the Recipie.

    I have one doubt.whenever i try to cook the ricfe with the amount of water thatnis mentioned am getting it as either undercooked or overcooked.Please help.
    Can you please sepcify which brand is more appropriate for Biriyani Rice???

    Thanks
    Parry

    Reply

    • Hi Parry,

      You are welcome. I use Kohinoor brand Basmati rice for biriyani. If you feel that your rice isnt getting cooked well using this method, try the normal method of cooking rice.

      Boil water first  (the water level should be 3-4 inches higher than the rice)& then add washed rice (no need to soak) & cook till the rice is 3/4th cooked. Drain the excess water. Hope this should help….

      Cheers
      Maria

      Reply

  98. Hi Maria,

    Just wanted to know the proportion of the masalas if I take 1kg rice and 2 kg chicken? I always make the greener version of chicken biryani that my mother in law makes. Wanted to try this out using 1kg rice and 2kg chicken, I always loved the red masala :))

    Reply

    • Hi Yasmine,

      You are using the same qty of rice mentioned in the recipe, right? I’m guessing 3 cups is approximately 1 kg. In that case, just increase the qty of masalas a little bit, hhmm I dont know how to give the exact qty :( But I’m sure once you start cooking, you can figure it out :)

      I do hope you’ll like this version too…I’m little bit curious about the green masala, what’s it like? Coriander-mint leaves paste?

      Anyways, please share your feedback, if you happen to try this. All the best!

      Cheers
      Maria

      Reply

  99. Hi Maria,

    I tried the chicken briyani. Turned out really well :) Due to lack of time I didn’t get into the layering instead I added the rice to the chicken masala and cooked it. Finally kept on a low flame for 12 mins. The aura is awesome and so the taste. Next time I would try the layering…

    Also I had run short of coriander leaves, so I had grinded mint leaves, a bit of coriander leaves with the tomato.

    I tried your prawn briyani and also chicken coriander gravy. Both turned out really well. Everybody in my house liked it :)

    Thanks for the wonderful recipes :)

    Anu

    Reply

    • Hi Anu,

      Great to know that you like the recipes posted here. Thanks dear for trying the recipes & also for the comment. :)

      Wish you & your family a Happy Easter in advance!

      Cheers
      Maria

      Reply

  100. Hi Maria,
    Yor chicken biriyani is superb,easy to prepare and sooooooooo……….delicious.I tried it many times and it came out well….

    ALL YOUR RECIPIES ARE EXCELLENT>>>>>>>>>>>>

    thanks
    simi.

    Reply

  101. Hi Maria,

    its high time I thanked u for your awesome recipes…its very recently i started trying my hand at cooking……
    and this recipe of chicken biriyani was ultimate….i have never made a biriyani before in my life….my husband just loved it…he s a very gud food critic….if he has to appreciate it, it has to be really tasty..thank u soo much….
    continue posting more recipes….u r doing a gr8 job …..

    Thanks,
    Merlin

    Reply

    • Hi Merlin,

      You are welcome dear & thank you so much for such an encouraging feedback :). I’m so glad that the biriyani came out well & was appreciated by your husband.

      Thanks again for sharing your feedback here. Please do continue to try the recipes..

      Happy cooking :)

      Cheers
      Maria

      Reply

  102. hai maria…

    Happy New Year…

    I made this biriyani on this x’mas day and it was a sucess….it was my first attempt in making biriyani….my husband loved it and yesterday he asked me to make it again…thank you very much for posting this recipe….

    Another recipe which I tried is the praws roast.it tasted good but I did not get that brown colour and was too much of gravy also…I didnt understand what u meant by draining the coconut milk completely…..please give some suggestions…

    Anyways I love trying out your recipes so keep posting more and more yummy dishes…

    Regards
    sindhu

    Reply

    • Hi Sindhu

      Thank you so much for your lovely comment. Its great to know that the biriyani was liked by your family.

      About the prawns recipe, the coconut milk should be dried completely (pattikkuka/vattikkuka). Hope its clear now. Once the gravy is dried completely keep roasting it on low flame to get that dark brown color. Hope this helps…

      Please do try other recipes also and share your feedback.

      Wish you and your family a very happy new year!

      Cheers
      Maria

      Reply

  103. Maria

    Hi…its been long since i’ve tried any of ur dishes…finally inale tried this…my first attempt at making a biriyani…and it came out well….everyone at home said it was good…kids loved it too…they were after the chicken though…i had to make some changes since i started workin on this late…i didnt fry the rice, boiled it instead…curry i followed exactly as u said…and i also steamed the biriyani after layering…on the whole it was good…

    oru dhairyam vannu biriyani undakaan…thanks once again…puthiya recipes onnum kanunilla???

    cheers
    sujitha

    Reply

    • Hi Sujitha,

      How are you? Korachu naal aayi alle :)

      Thanks dear for trying the biriyani. Its really nice to know that you liked it. Pinne I’m on a small vacation now, hence no new posts.

      What plans for Xmas & New Year?

      Wish you & your family a Merry Christmas & a blessed New year!

      Cheers
      Maria

      Reply

  104. Hey Maria….. i tried your chicken biriyani recipe over the weekend and it was a big hit!!! dinesh loved it……we both anyways love Biriyani and my “diet” went for a big toss that day ;-)hehehe……. i followed this exactly except frying it…… :-) thanks and keep blogging!! way to go dear!!

    Reply

    • Dhanya, thanks a ton dearie for trying this and also for leaving a comment here. I’m soooo happy that you both enjoyed this dish. It’s one of Jose’s fav too :) It’s ok to walk away from diet occasionally rght ;) ?

      Cheers
      Maria

      Reply

  105. Excellent recipe and simple too, hve been trying to make good biriyani for a long time now……….sucess came with ur recipe, fmly just loved it

    Reply

    • Hi Rukmini,

      Great to know that this recipe came out well for you…I’m so happy that your family liked it.

      Thanks a lot for sharing your comment here :)

      Cheers
      Maria

      Reply

      • @Maria,
        Tried mutton biriyani with this same rcpe…………taste was nice but mutton became hard
        is it bcoz i fried the mutton pieces like the chicken?
        in any case the mutton in my dishes always become hard, some basic mistake i guess.
        hope u will help with this.

        Reply

        • Hi Rukmini,

          I havent tried this recipe with mutton and for that matter I havent tried frying mutton at all. I guess the frying part makes the mutton hard, not sure though….

          However when I cook mutton normally it comes out soft, I guess it becomes hard when you overcook it.

          I’ve posted a mutton biriyani recipe sometime ago, please check it out. It doesnt involve any frying…

          You can see it here:

          https://mariasmenu.wpcomstaging.com/mutton/mutton-biriyani

          Cheers
          Maria

          Reply

    • Hi Silpa,

      Thank you :)

      The cooking time of rice varies for different brands. It’s always better o keep a close watch when you make rice for biriyani.

      Hope it comes out well next time.

      Cheers
      Maria

      Reply

  107. Hey Maria,the biriyani tasted even better after keeping in the fridge for 2 days. Yes,she really liked it and sends her compliments,but I would prefer it a bit more masaledar.Any tips on how to do so?Ta

    Reply

    • Hi Shibu,

      Thanks to your wife for the compliments :)

      Yeah, biriyani always tastes nice after 1 or 2 days…

      Check out the mutton biriyani posted here, it has more masala.

      Cheers
      Maria

      Reply

  108. Finally I make it and my wife loved it.A laborious recipe(arent they all) but it came out well,so alls well that ends well. Ta for the recipe dear.

    cheers

    Reply

  109. maria…honestly…a great recipe…my biryani recipe is extremely complicated with a lot of ingredients n’ i was always looking for excuses not to make it…;)…but this recipe is so simple n’ the way u have given it up here, makes it so easy to follow, leaving no room for goof ups….imagine i tried it after coming back home from work…i took a good 2hrs to complete…but was worth all the effort…thanks a ton for sharing such a super recipe…;)

    Reply

  110. Hi maria,
    i had been trying out some of your recipe’s and it turned out really well.Thanks for sharing Chicken biriyani recipie.is it that you forgot to mention about mint or is it not required.is this malabar biriyani recipie???
    Dhanya

    Reply

    • Hi Dhanya,

      Thank you so much :) Glad that you like the recipes here.

      I usually dont like mint flavour in biriyani, thats why I didnt add. You can add it in the final stages of preparing chicken gravy or during the layering process.

      As I’ve mentioned I adapted this biriyani from different recipes, so I’m not sure whether its the traditional Malabar biriyani. However one of my friends mentioned in a previous comment that in Malabar biriyani also they fry chicken pieces. So there can be some similarity.

      Please check out the mutton biriyani in the site, I believe it’s more of Malabar style. You can prepare chicken biriyani also using the same recipe.

      Cheers
      Maria

      Reply

    • Hi Darsana,

      Thank you so much dear for trying the recipe from here and also for leaving the comment :)

      I’m very happy to hear that you liked it.

      Cheers
      Maria

      Reply

  114. Hi Maria, I have been following you n bookmarking ur some of the recipes for some time , but itz only today I tried ur biriyani. It was yum, yum, yummy :) according to my hubby n MIL, a sure keeper :) They asked me to tell u that it was awesome :) Wat I liked about ur biriyani is that one cud make with less hassles :) We were so hungry after the church today that I forgot to take a snap :( Do come up with gud recipes n God Bless
    Twinsy

    Reply

    • Hi Twinsy,

      Thank you so much dear. I’m so glad that you liked it. My special thanks to your MIL & husband :).

      Hope you could take a snap next time, would love to see it.

      All the best!

      Cheers
      Maria

      Reply

  116. Hi Maria,

    Tried a shot at the Biriyani yesterday and it came out great….. :) My hubby loved it and my Mom was proud of me….Thanks a lot….. You’re doing a great job….

    Reply

  118. Lovely recipe Maria…. have been hunting for a do-able recipe for biriyani beginners and am thrilled to stumble upon this…. am yet to try this one out… but many thanks………

    Reply

    • Hi Grace,

      Thank you :) I hope you will like it. Please do make this and share your feedback. Would love to hear it.

      Happy cooking :)

      Cheers
      Maria

      Reply

  119. hi maria
    ur recipe is grt
    just wanted to add that the layering can also be done in a sow cooker-crack pot.it comes out fantastic.

    cheers
    tasneem

    Reply

  120. Hi Maria,

    I always read your recipes and the stories n thoughts behind it. Both of them are quite impressive,the snaps
    are so realistic that give us a feeling that we already have made & had them ourselves.

    Congratssss for completing 200 recipes, hoping lot number of recipes from you in future…..

    I have tried a few of the recipes before, trying out Chicken biriyani for the first time and it came out
    very well even beyond my expectations.

    Thankyou for the wonderful recipe :-)

    Now became more confident to try out remaining recipes in this site …

    Will surely update you on the status ..:)

    Reply

    • Hi Gracy,

      Thank you so much for your kind words. Glad to know that you liked the biriyani recipe :) Thanks for sharing it here.

      Please do try out other recipes too when you have time. Hope you will like it.

      Happy cooking :)

      Cheers
      Maria

      Reply

  121. Congrats Maria..
    Your 200th recipe is super .I already made two times.My husband and kids loved it..
    Thanks and keep blogging..

    Reply

  122. KS – Thank you and yep, its one of our fav’s too :)

    Anu – Thank you so much. Hope you are doing great. I also hope 300 will come faster ;)

    Divs – thanks a ton dear. Btw, did you bake the cinnamon tea cake?

    Shabs – Thank you dear :) I’m flattered. 150 recipes in 2 years is an achievement! great going dear! I love your blog too :) Btw, I didnt know that chicken is fried in thalassery biriyani…

    Thanks Nimi :)

    Miriam dear – thank you :) Hope you are all settled now.

    Starry – Thank you and hope you will like the biriyani.

    Ancy – thanks a lot dear for all the kind words :)

    Thanks Jaisy :)

    Reply

  123. Hi Maria,

    Congratulations Maria !! I have been a silent reader of this blog and have tried out several recipes from here.

    I just tried out the chicken biriyani and it came out awesome. Thank you so much for publishing such great recipes!

    Reply

    • Hi Soumya,

      Thank you so much dear :)

      I’m really glad that you liked the biriyani recipe. Since it was an experimental recipe I was really anxious to know the comments from the readers. I’m so happy that it turned out well for you :)

      Thanks again.

      Cheers
      Maria

      Reply

  124. Hi Maria came accross ur website while looking for my long lost recipe for bread pudding,now we are making it all the time.

    Reply

  127. Maria..hearty congrats on your 200th post….your space here has has some tried n’ tested recipes which won’t go wrong n’ that for me is always better than loads of recipes..;)

    The Chicken Biryani pic looks really good….i can say this is how i imagine a good Biryani should look like…(but mine never does look like this) so in short i shall try this soon n’ let you know how it went…:)

    Reply

  129. Congrats my dear….So four years u have been blogging uh?….Quite a long time….I just started 2 years and 2 months back!!!and feel its long enough and sometimes gets bored even…….it’s good that u still keep going with full swing….U were one one of my inspirations to start the blog…..and i have tried few of ur recipes even before starting a blog and u were (and still is) one of my greatest fan….Other day i was thinking Oh god, maria has so many recipes….when Am i ever gonna reach that stage……I guess its the same story with all the bloggers…..they look at others….:)….Iam going to be 150 in next couple of posts…..and i have absolutely no time to post these days….soooooooooooooooooooooooo busy…

    After all, COngrtas on ur 200th post….I very much enjoy ur blog and the recipes and sure do most of them….Keep rocking as always…

    Pinne In thalassery biriyani we too fry the chicken before continuing the rest of process..:)….other process is different though…

    Love and hugs,
    Shabs.

    Reply

  130. Hey Maria..Congrats on the double century!!Three cheers to you,it is not the run rate but the performance which counts..alle?I love your simple recipes and I’m going to try out the Cinnamon Tea Cake soon..maybe today itself:)

    Reply

  131. Hey…

    Great to see your 200th blog :).. Like to read your comments and all the stories..since you write it the way your thoughts flow, it is almost like a conversation.. I like all your recipe’s and they are very doable :) by the way I also studied in XIME (9th Batch)…

    Take care & Keep blogging.. hope ur 300th will come up much sooner…

    Reply

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