Nadiya Hussain Chicken Biryani Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

Nadiya Hussain, a celebrated British chef, cookbook author, and television presenter, gained fame as the winner of “The Great British Bake Off” during its sixth season. Known for her innovative approach and bold flavors, Nadiya Hussain has become renowned for her culinary expertise.

What sets Nadiya Hussain’s chicken biryani recipe apart is her unique twist on this classic dish. The recipe begins with a blend of aromatic spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves, sautéed with onions and garlic to create a flavorful base. Tender boneless chicken pieces are then added and cooked until browned and succulent. The rice is added next, allowing it to absorb the flavors of the chicken and spices, enhanced further by the addition of fresh coriander and mint leaves.

The result is a dish that tantalizes the taste buds with its exquisite flavors and fills your home with the enticing aroma of spices. Nadiya Hussain’s chicken biryani is not only perfect for a dinner party but also ideal for a cozy night in with loved ones.

Nadiya Hussain’s Chicken Biryani Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide

Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing this delicious dish:

Ingredients:

For the chicken marinade:

• 600 g boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp ginger paste
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 200 g plain yogurt
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp garam masala
• Salt, to taste
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 2 tsp ground coriander
• 2 tbsp garlic paste

For the biryani:

• 500 g basmati rice
  • 3 cinnamon sticks
  • 6 cloves
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 onions, sliced
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 2 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tbsp ginger paste
  • 1 tbsp garlic paste
  • 4 green chilies, slit lengthways
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • Salt, to taste
  • 2 tbsp ghee
  • 1 liter chicken stock
  • Optional garnish: fried onions, cashew nuts, raisins
  • 6 cardamom pods
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • A handful of fresh coriander leaves, chopped
  • A handful of fresh mint leaves, chopped

Instructions

Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step guide to making Nadiya Hussain’s Chicken Biryani Recipe:

1. Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly until the water runs clear, then soak it in water for 30 minutes. This helps to remove excess starch and ensures fluffy rice.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the chicken pieces, ginger paste, garlic paste, turmeric, chili powder, cumin, coriander, garam masala, yogurt, and salt. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken and make it tender and flavorful.
3. Preheat the oven to 180°C.
4. In a large pot, heat the ghee and add the cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, cloves, and bay leaves. Fry for a few seconds until fragrant. These spices add aromatic flavors to the biryani.
5. Add the sliced onions and fry until they are golden brown. This caramelizes the onions and adds a sweet, rich flavor to the dish.
6. Add the ginger paste, garlic paste, and green chilies, and fry for a further 2 minutes. This enhances the overall taste and aroma.
7. Add the marinated chicken and fry until it is browned on all sides. This step ensures that the chicken is cooked and develops a rich, flavorful crust.
8. Add the chopped tomatoes, turmeric, chili powder, cumin, coriander, and garam masala. Fry for a few minutes until the tomatoes are soft and pulpy. This creates a flavorful base for the biryani.
9. Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pot. Fry for a few minutes until the rice is coated in the spices. This ensures that the rice absorbs the flavors of the spices.
10. Add the chicken stock, chopped coriander leaves, and chopped mint leaves. Season with salt to taste. These ingredients add moisture and additional flavors to the biryani.
11. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Cook for 10 minutes on low heat. This allows the rice to cook and absorb the flavors.
12. Transfer the pot to the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. This helps to ensure that the rice is cooked evenly and the flavors are well incorporated.
13. Remove the pot from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the biryani to settle and flavors to meld together.
14. Garnish the biryani with fried onions, cashew nuts, and raisins, if desired. This adds texture and a touch of sweetness to the dish.
15. Serve the chicken biryani hot with raita, chutney, or any other condiment of your choice.

Also Try: Delicious Mary Berry Bread Sauce Recipe

Tips and variations:

 For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the chicken with vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, peas, or paneer.

 Adjust the spice levels according to your preference by increasing or decreasing the amount of chili powder and green chilies.

 You can also add saffron strands soaked in milk to the rice for an aromatic and visually appealing touch.

 Feel free to experiment with different garnishes such as sliced boiled eggs or roasted nuts for added flavor and presentation.

Now you’re ready to enjoy Nadiya Hussain’s Chicken Biryani, a flavorful and aromatic dish that will delight your taste buds!

Serving Suggestions and Accompaniments

Sure! Here are some suggestions for serving Nadiya Hussain’s Chicken Biryani:

1. Garnishing Options: You can enhance the presentation and flavors of the biryani by garnishing it with fried onions, cashew nuts, and raisins. These additions add a delightful crunch and sweetness to the dish.

Accompaniments:

1. Nadiya’s Chicken Biryani pairs well with various traditional sides and condiments. Here are a few options to consider:
   1. Raita: Serve a refreshing cucumber or mint raita on the side. Raita is a yogurt-based condiment that helps balance the spices and cools down the palate.
   1. Chutney: Offer a variety of chutneys, such as mint chutney or tamarind chutney, for an extra burst of tangy and sweet flavors.
   1. Pickles: Include a selection of pickles, such as mango pickle or mixed vegetable pickle, to add a tangy and spicy element to the biryani.
2. Refreshing Beverages:

To complement the rich and aromatic flavors of the biryani, consider serving these refreshing beverages:

• Mint Lemonade: Prepare a refreshing mint-infused lemonade with a hint of sweetness. It provides a cooling effect and complements the spiciness of the dish.
• Mango Lassi: Blend together ripe mangoes, yogurt, and a touch of cardamom to create a creamy and fruity mango lassi. It offers a sweet and creamy contrast to the savory biryani.

Remember to adjust the spice levels and flavors of the accompaniments based on personal preferences. Enjoy your meal and the delightful combination of flavors in Nadiya Hussain’s Chicken Biryani!