Authentic Chicken Dum Biryani Recipe – Cashew & Saffron Flavors

Last Updated on 1 month by Neha Deshmukh

Authentic Chicken Dum Biryani Recipe – Cashew & Saffron Flavors

Hey everyone! If you’ve ever dreamed of making restaurant-style Chicken Dum Biryani at home, you’re in the right place. This isn’t just a biryani recipe, it’s the biryani recipe I’ve been perfecting for years. It’s a bit of a project, I won’t lie, but the incredible aroma and melt-in-your-mouth flavors are SO worth the effort. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be making it for every special occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Dum Biryani is special because of the rich, creamy cashew and saffron flavors. It’s a truly luxurious dish, perfect for celebrations or when you just want to treat yourself. The ‘dum’ cooking method – sealing in all the steam – makes the chicken incredibly tender and infuses every grain of rice with flavor. It’s a labor of love, but a seriously rewarding one!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece:

• 500g Chicken (Skinless Curry Cut, large)
• 3 tbsp Green paste* (see instructions)
• 2 tbsp Red chili powder
• 0.5 tbsp Turmeric powder
• 1 tbsp Ginger-Garlic paste
• 1 tbsp Garam Masala
• 0.5 tbsp roasted Coriander powder
• 0.5 tbsp roasted Cumin powder
• 1 cup Birista (Fried Onion)
• Salt to taste
• 2 tbsp Ghee-Oil
• 0.5 cup Cashews
• 0.5 cup Almonds
• 0.25 cup Chironji
• 0.25 cup Melon seeds
• 0.5 cup thick Curd
• 0.5 cup Flour
• 1 tbsp Shahjeera
• 3 tbsp Milk
• 0.75 cup Water
• 0.5 tbsp Saffron strands

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few of these might be new to you, so here’s the lowdown:

• Birista (Fried Onion): This is KEY. It adds a beautiful sweetness and texture. You can buy it pre-made, but honestly, making your own is so much better! (More on that in the FAQs).
• Shahjeera: Also known as carom seeds, these have a unique, slightly bitter, and aromatic flavor. They’re essential for an authentic biryani taste. You can find them at Indian grocery stores or online.
• Chironji: These little seeds add a subtle nutty flavor and a lovely texture. They’re often used in Mughlai cuisine.
• Melon Seeds (Magaz Tari): These add a delicate sweetness and richness to the biryani. Again, Indian grocery stores are your best bet.
• Curd vs. Yogurt: I prefer using thick curd for this recipe, as it adds a lovely tang and helps tenderize the chicken. But if you only have yogurt, that’s okay too! Just make sure it’s thick Greek yogurt.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. Make the Green Paste: In a blender, combine coriander leaves, mint leaves, green chilies, and lemon juice. Blend until you have a smooth, vibrant green paste. Set aside.
2. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken with the green paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, coriander powder, cumin powder, birista, salt, and ghee-oil. Mix well, ensuring the chicken is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours – overnight is even better!
3. Prepare the Nut Paste: While the chicken marinates, let’s make the cashew paste. Roast the cashews, almonds, chironji, and melon seeds on medium heat until golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them! Grind them into a fine paste using a little water if needed.
4. Sauté the Chicken: Heat ghee-oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Add the shahjeera and garam masala, and sauté for a few seconds until fragrant. Add the marinated chicken and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s lightly browned.
5. Add the Magic: Add the roasted nut paste, beaten curd, and water to the pot. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
6. Seal the Dum: Now for the ‘dum’ part! Make a dough with flour and water. Roll it into a long rope and carefully seal the lid of the pot with the dough, creating an airtight seal. This traps the steam inside, ensuring the biryani cooks perfectly.
7. Cook on Dum: Cook on the lowest possible heat for 20-25 minutes.
8. Garnish & Serve: Carefully open the pot (be careful of the steam!). Garnish with saffron milk (soak saffron strands in warm milk), fresh coriander, and extra fried onions.

Expert Tips

• Don’t skimp on the marinating time! The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be.
• Use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent the biryani from sticking and burning.
• The dough seal is crucial for achieving the perfect ‘dum’. Make sure it’s airtight!
• Low and slow is the key to tender chicken and flavorful rice.

Variations

• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute the chicken with paneer (Indian cheese) or mixed vegetables. Use plant-based yogurt and ghee.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Adjust the amount of red chili powder and green chilies to your liking.
• Festival – Eid/Wedding Adaptations: For larger gatherings, double or triple the recipe. You can also add a few drops of rose water for a more fragrant biryani. My aunt always adds a pinch of kewra water for weddings – it’s divine!

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with raita (yogurt dip), naan, or a simple salad. This biryani is a complete meal in itself, but a side of cooling raita is always welcome.

Storage Instructions

Leftover biryani can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop.

FAQs

• What is Birista and can I make it at home? Birista is fried onions, and yes, you absolutely can make it at home! Thinly slice onions and fry them in hot oil until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
• What cut of chicken is best for Dum Biryani? I prefer using skinless curry cut chicken, as it stays tender during the long cooking process.
• How do I achieve the perfect ‘dum’ or steam seal? Make sure the dough is pliable and seals tightly around the lid of the pot. You shouldn’t be able to see any gaps.
• Can I use yogurt instead of curd? Yes, thick Greek yogurt works well as a substitute for curd.
• What is Shahjeera and where can I find it? Shahjeera is carom seeds, and you can find them at Indian grocery stores or online.

Enjoy making this incredible Chicken Dum Biryani! I hope it becomes a family favorite in your home, just like it is in mine. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below!