Shahi Chicken Biryani Recipe – Authentic Indian Pressure Cooker Meal

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Shahi Chicken Biryani Recipe – Authentic Indian Pressure Cooker Meal

Hey everyone! If you’ve ever craved that incredibly flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth biryani you get at special celebrations, you’re in the right place. I remember the first time I attempted Shahi Chicken Biryani – it felt a little daunting, but the aroma that filled my kitchen was so worth it! Today, I’m sharing my tried-and-true pressure cooker version, making this royal dish achievable even on a weeknight.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Shahi Chicken Biryani isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s rich, aromatic, and packed with tender chicken and fluffy basmati rice. Using a pressure cooker cuts down on cooking time without sacrificing any of the authentic flavors. Plus, it’s perfect for gatherings – everyone always raves about it!

Ingredients

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

• 750 gms chicken
• 5 tablespoons oil
• Whole garam masala (1 cinnamon stick, 3-4 cloves, 2 cardamoms)
• 0.5 teaspoon shahi zeera (caraway seeds)
• 4-5 slit green chillies
• 4 large onions
• 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
• Salt to taste
• 1 teaspoon red chilli powder
• 0.5 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 4 tomatoes
• 1 cup yogurt
• 3 tablespoons coriander leaves, chopped
• 6-7 mint leaves, chopped
• 0.5 teaspoon garam masala powder
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper powder
• 5 cups water
• 3 cups basmati rice

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few things make all the difference:

• Shahi Zeera (Caraway Seeds): Don’t skip this! It has a distinct, slightly sweet flavor that’s key to Shahi Biryani. It’s different from regular jeera (cumin).
• Garam Masala Blend: I prefer a homemade blend, but a good quality store-bought one works too. Look for one with a balanced aroma of cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and peppercorns.
• Basmati Rice Quality: This is crucial. Aged basmati rice (at least a year old) gives the best fluffy texture. Rinse it gently until the water runs clear before soaking.
• Regional Variations: Biryani is a diverse dish! Lucknowi Biryani is known for its delicate flavors and dum cooking (slow cooking in a sealed pot). Hyderabadi Biryani is spicier and often includes potatoes. This recipe leans towards a richer, more aromatic style.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, clean and wash the chicken thoroughly with turmeric, salt, and water. Set aside.
2. Soak the basmati rice in water for 20-25 minutes. This helps it cook evenly and stay fluffy.
3. Heat oil in a pressure cooker. Add the whole garam masala, shahi zeera, and green chillies. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
4. Now, add the sliced onions and sauté until they turn golden brown. This takes patience, but it’s worth it for that beautiful color and flavor! Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook until you can smell that lovely aroma.
5. Add the chicken pieces and roast until the color changes. Season with salt, red chilli powder, and turmeric. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
6. Mix in the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften. Add the whisked yogurt and simmer for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. Stir in the garam masala powder, black pepper, coriander, and mint leaves. Add 5 cups of water and the soaked rice. Give it a good stir and adjust the salt to your liking.
8. Close the pressure cooker lid and cook on high heat for 4-5 whistles. Then, let the steam release naturally. Don’t force it open!
9. Gently fluff the biryani with a fork. Be careful not to break the rice grains. Serve hot!

Expert Tips

• Browning the Onions: Don’t rush this step! Properly browned onions are the foundation of a great biryani.
• Marinating the Chicken: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken with yogurt and spices for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight!).
• Layering (Optional): Traditionally, biryani is layered. You can partially cook the rice and chicken separately, then layer them in the pressure cooker for a more authentic presentation.

Variations

Let’s get creative!

• Vegan Biryani: Swap the chicken for mixed vegetables like potatoes, carrots, peas, and cauliflower. Use plant-based yogurt for a completely vegan version. My friend, Priya, makes an amazing one with jackfruit!
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, which is fantastic!
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red chilli powder and green chillies to control the spice level. I usually go with medium, but my family loves it when I add an extra chilli or two.
• Festival Adaptations: This biryani is a staple for Eid, Diwali, and weddings. You can add a sprinkle of saffron for a more festive touch.

Serving Suggestions

Shahi Chicken Biryani is a complete meal on its own, but it’s even better with:

• Raita: A cooling yogurt dip with cucumber and spices.
• Salan: A spicy tomato-based curry.
• A simple onion and lemon salad.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers? Lucky you! Store any leftover biryani in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• What type of rice is best for biryani? Basmati rice is the only way to go! Look for aged basmati for the best results.
• Can I make Shahi Chicken Biryani without a pressure cooker? Yes, you can! You’ll need to cook it in a heavy-bottomed pot on the stovetop, covered tightly, for a longer time.
• How do I prevent the biryani from sticking to the bottom of the cooker? Make sure you’re using enough oil and water, and avoid stirring too much during cooking.
• What is the difference between Shahi Biryani and regular Chicken Biryani? Shahi Biryani is richer and more aromatic, often using more spices and sometimes including nuts and dried fruits.
• Can I add saffron to enhance the flavor and color? Absolutely! Soak a pinch of saffron in warm milk and drizzle it over the biryani before serving for a beautiful color and subtle flavor.

Enjoy making this delicious Shahi Chicken 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!