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Quick Chicken Biryani in the Instant Pot®
This easy recipe brings the rich flavors of biryani to your table in a fraction of the time using the Instant Pot®. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a delicious way to enjoy a classic Indian dish without the fuss.
◷1 hr 5 minTotal Time
♜4Servings
▥HardDifficulty
Ingredients
4servings
Instructions
1
Marinate Chicken Mixture
Start by rinsing the basmati rice under cold water until it runs clear. Then, soak it in a bowl of fresh water for about 30 minutes. While the rice is soaking, mix the chicken pieces with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, ginger, garlic, half a teaspoon of garam masala, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir to coat everything evenly, cover, and pop it in the fridge to marinate while you prepare the rest.
2
Toast Whole Spices
Once the chicken has had some time to soak up those flavors, drain the rice and set it aside. Turn on your Instant Pot to the sauté setting and heat up some ghee. When it’s nice and hot, toss in the whole spices—cloves, cardamom pods, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, coriander seeds, mustard seeds, and cumin seeds—and cook them until they start to smell amazing, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add sliced onions next and sauté until they’re soft and fragrant, around 5 minutes.
3
Brown Chicken and Add Spices
Add the marinated chicken along with any leftover marinade to the pot and brown the chicken on all sides for about 5 minutes. Then, turn off the sauté function and stir in the drained rice, chicken stock, chopped cilantro, mint, the rest of the garam masala, turmeric, paprika, and chili powder. Mix everything gently so it’s well combined.
4
Pressure Cook Biryani
Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to cook on high pressure for 6 minutes. It might take 10 to 15 minutes for the pressure to build up before the timer starts. When the cooking cycle is done, use the quick-release method to let the steam out carefully. Once it’s safe to open, fluff the biryani with a fork and serve it up right away.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish brings together rich spices and tender chicken in a fraction of the time traditional biryani takes. Using the Instant Pot® makes it easy to achieve deep flavors without hours of cooking. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting and satisfying.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side of cooling raita or a simple cucumber salad to balance the spices. A wedge of lemon on the side can add a bright, fresh touch. You can also garnish with fresh cilantro or fried onions for added texture and flavor.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water to keep the rice moist. This dish also freezes well—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
