Main Course
Easy Chicken Biryani Using an Instant Pot®
This flavorful chicken biryani comes together quickly and easily with the help of an Instant Pot®. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a delicious way to enjoy a classic dish without the usual hassle.
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1 hr 5 min
Total Time
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4
Servings
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Hard
Difficulty
Ingredients
4
servings
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Instructions
1
Step 1
Start by rinsing the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak it in a bowl of fresh water for about 30 minutes. While that’s soaking, toss the chicken pieces in a bowl with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, ginger, garlic, half a teaspoon of garam masala, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well so the chicken is nicely coated, cover it, and pop it in the fridge for half an hour.
2
Step 2
Once the chicken has marinated, drain the rice and set it aside. Turn your Instant Pot to the sauté setting and add some ghee. When it’s hot and bubbling, throw in the whole spices—cloves, cardamom, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, coriander, mustard, and cumin seeds—and sauté them for a couple of minutes until they smell amazing. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring often, until they’re soft and fragrant, about five minutes.
3
Step 3
Now add the marinated chicken along with any leftover marinade to the pot and brown the pieces on all sides for around five minutes. After that, turn off the sauté mode and add the drained rice, chicken stock, chopped cilantro and mint, the remaining garam masala, turmeric, paprika, and chili powder. Give everything a good stir to combine.
4
Step 4
Seal the lid and set the pressure cooker to high pressure for six minutes. It’ll take about 10 to 15 minutes to come up to pressure. When the cooking time’s up, carefully release the pressure using the quick-release method. Open the lid, fluff the biryani gently with a fork, and it’s ready to serve!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish brings together fragrant spices and tender chicken in a one-pot meal that saves time without sacrificing flavor. Using an Instant Pot® makes cooking faster and easier, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side of cooling raita or a simple cucumber salad to balance the spices. A wedge of lemon and some fresh cilantro on top can add brightness to the dish.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water to keep the rice moist.
