Hyderabadi Chicken Dum Biryani is not merely a dish —A vibrant celebration of history, heritage, and heart. It carries the soul of Hyderabad in every aromatic grain and tender bite. Born in the majestic kitchens of the Nizams, this biryani is the result of generations of culinary wisdom, where flavours don’t just blend — they embrace. The magic lies in the “Dum” — a slow-cooking technique that locks in aromas and memories, creating a deeply satisfying experience for all the senses.
Estimated Time For Cooking:
- Preparation Time: 2 hours minimum
- Cooking Time: 1. to 1.5 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours
Ingredients with a Purpose:
Each ingredient in this biryani has a story — a reason to be chosen, a role to play, and a contribution to the collective experience. We encourage sourcing ethically-raised chicken, sustainable produce, and fresh herbs.
For Marinating the Chicken:
- Chicken (free-range if possible): 1 kg
- Curd:500gm
- Ghee: 40g
- Red Chili Powder: 2 tsp
- Turmeric Powder: ½ tsp
- Lemon Juice: From 1 lemon
- Ginger-Garlic Paste: 4 tbsp
- Salt: 2 tsp or to taste
- Cardamom Powder: ½ tsp or crushed pods (4-5)
- Whole Spices: Cinnamon (2), Cardamom (4), Cloves (4), Bay Leaves (2)
- Green Chilies (coarsely ground): 5
- Fresh Mint & Coriander: A handful each.
- Biryani Garam Masala: 2 tsp (see below)
- Saffron Milk: A few in ½ cup warm milk
- Fried Onions: From 4 large onions
- Oil (preferably the same used for onions): 1 cup
Homemade Biryani Masala
- Cumin Seeds: 2 tsp
- Cardamom: 15 pods
- Cinnamon: small pieces
- Cloves: 4
For the Rice
- Basmati Rice: 1 kg (soaked for 30–60 min)
- Water: 3–4 liters
- Salt: to taste
- Lemon Juice: From ½ lemon
- Whole Spices: Shah Jeera (1 tsp), Cloves (4), Cardamom (5), Cinnamon (2–3)
- Oil: 2–3 tsp
- Fresh Herbs: Mint & Coriander (few sprigs)
For Layering & Garnishing:
- Saffron milk or food color in milk
- Coriander & mint leaves
- Green chilies: sliced (2–3)
- Homemade Garam Masala: a sprinkle
- Reserved Fried Onions
- Ghee: 3–4 tbsp.
Step-by-Step Instructions For Hyderabadi Chicken Dum Biryani
1. Frying the Onions
- The Soul of the Biryani Golden-brown, caramelized onions are the heartbeat of this biryani. Slice thinly, fry patiently, and let their sweetness deepen the biryani’s soul.
2. Marinating the Chicken:
- Combine the chicken with all marinade ingredients. Use your hands — let the textures speak to you. Massage the spices into the meat, and let it rest for at least two hours. Overnight, if you truly care for flavor. Remember, marination isn’t a step — it’s a ritual.
3. Preparing the Rice: A Dance of Grains:
- Boil water infused with spices, salt, lemon, and herbs. Half-cook the rice and drain gently. The grains should still have a bite — they’ll finish cooking during Dum, absorbing the magic of the marinade.
4. Layering & Dum Cooking to Get Perfect Hyderabadi Chicken Dum Biryani
- In a heavy-bottomed pot, layer the marinated chicken. First, spread the half-cooked rice as the base layer. Then, gently add the fully cooked rice on top of it Pour saffron milk over the top. Garnish generously with herbs, chilies, ghee, fried onions, and a final pinch of love.
- Seal the pot — with foil or dough — and cook on high for 5 minutes, then low heat without a tawa for 10 more.
- For the grand finale, set it on a hot griddle and let it cook for 30–40 minutes. This is “Dum” — the quiet patience that makes biryani unforgettable.
Nutrition Information(per 400g serving):
| Nutrient | Amount(Approx..) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 621 |
| Protein | 31g |
| Fat | 17.1g |
| Carbohydrates | 84g |
Chef’s Pro Tips:
- Marination Time: Don’t rush the marination process. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavourful it becomes.
- Frying Onions: Fry the onions to a perfect golden brown for the best flavor and texture. Dum Cooking:
- The “Dum” process is crucial. Ensure the pot is sealed tightly to trap the steam and allow the flavours to meld.
Chef’s Note: Hyderabadi Chicken Dum Biryani
There’s something sacred about making biryani. It slows you down. It teaches you patience, care, and attention to detail. This Hyderabadi Chicken Dum Biryani is not just delicious — it is an emotional, layered, and soulful dish. With every bite, you taste not just spice, but heritage. Not just flavour, but love. So tie that apron, light the flame, and let your kitchen become a royal court, if only for a while.
