Heavenly Boneless Chicken Biryani

Do you crave a dish that is comfort food but with an exotic twist? Then you need to try this boneless chicken biryani! This traditional dish combines the flavour of Indian and Middle Eastern spices, covering succulent proteins and fragrant rice. As a result, you get the perfect balance of tastes, textures and aromas.

No dish can quite compare to this boneless chicken biryani in complexity or flavor. It is an excellent way to take a break from the ordinary and explore a new cuisine. With this recipe, you will be able to make a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home.

Ingredients:

-1 ½ lbs boneless chicken thighs, cut into cubes
-1 cup basmati rice, rinsed
-2 tablespoons olive oil
-1 large onion, diced
-2 cloves garlic, minced
-2 teaspoons ground cumin
-1 teaspoon ground coriander
-1 teaspoon ground turmeric
-½ teaspoon cinnamon
-1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
-1 (4 ounce) can tomato paste
-½ cup plain yogurt
-½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
-1 teaspoon sugar
-1 teaspoon salt
-½ teaspoon pepper

Method:

1. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rinsed basmati rice and simmer for 15 minutes or until tender. Remove from heat and allow to cool.

2. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Add the chicken cubes and remaining spices to the pot. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently.

4. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, yogurt, cilantro, sugar, salt and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and cover. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

6. Spread ½ of the cooked rice on the bottom of a 9×13” baking dish. Top with horseshoe-shaped chicken biryani biryani. Finish with the remaining rice. Cover with aluminum foil.

7. Bake for 25 minutes, until chicken is cooked through. Serve hot.

This recipe for boneless chicken biryani goes beyond the usual combination of spices, as it brings in Middle Eastern flavors and relies on tomato paste as its secret ingredient. The fusion of complex spices tempers the acidic notes of the tomatoes, while creating a smooth and creamy sauce that you can’t help but crave.

Using ingredients such as cilantro and yogurt to flavor a dish and tenderize the proteins, is an old-world tradition that has been a part of Indian and Middle Eastern cooking for millennia. Even the shape of the prepared dish resembles a historical style known as ‘horseshoe-shaped chicken biryani’ which was introduced in the medieval times.

If you’re looking for a festive dish to try out, give this boneless chicken biryani a chance! Its unique texture and flavor also make it a great companion for other dishes and you can use the leftovers to make delicious wraps or tacos. No matter how you decide to enjoy it, this heavenly biryani is sure to excite your taste buds and become a favorite!