Dairy-Free Chicken Biryani

Delight your taste buds with this flavorful Dairy-Free Chicken Biryani, a tantalizing spin on the traditional Indian classic. This recipe swaps dairy for creamy coconut yogurt, creating a luscious marinade infused with bold spices like garam masala, turmeric, and red chili powder. Tender, marinated chicken thighs simmer with fragrant layers of basmati rice, golden onions, fresh herbs, and warm whole spices, culminating in a breathtaking dish that's both aromatic and satisfying. The crowning touch? A vibrant saffron drizzle and a garnish of toasted cashews and sweet raisins for an irresistible blend of textures and flavors. Perfect for a hearty family dinner or a show-stopping party centerpiece, this biryani is entirely dairy-free, making it ideal for those with dietary restrictions. Serve it with a crisp salad or a zesty dairy-free raita to complete the experience!

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:90 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups Basmati rice
• 4 cups Water
• 1 pound Chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
• 1 cup Coconut yogurt
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons Ginger garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon Red chili powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon Coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon Garam masala
• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
• 2 whole Bay leaves
• 1 inch Cinnamon stick
• 4 whole Cloves
• 3 whole Cardamom pods
• 1 large Onion, thinly sliced
• 2 whole Green chilies, slit
• 0.5 cup Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
• 0.5 cup Fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 4 tablespoons Vegetable oil
• 1 pinch Saffron strands
• 3 tablespoons Warm water
• 2 tablespoons Cashews
• 2 tablespoons Raisins

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes, then drain.

Step 2

In a bowl, mix together the coconut yogurt, lemon juice, ginger garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric, coriander powder, garam masala, and 1 teaspoon of salt.

Step 3

Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Step 4

In a small bowl, soak the saffron strands in 3 tablespoons of warm water and set aside.

Step 5

Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and fry until golden brown. Remove half of the onions and set aside for garnishing.

Step 6

In the same pot, add the cumin seeds, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, cloves, and cardamom pods. Sauté for a minute until they release their aroma.

Step 7

Add the marinated chicken along with any leftover marinade to the pot. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through.

Step 8

Add the green chilies, half of the chopped coriander, and half of the chopped mint. Mix well.

Step 9

Meanwhile, bring 4 cups of water and the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt to a boil in another pot. Add the soaked and drained rice and cook until 70% cooked. Drain the rice and set aside.

Step 10

Layer the partially cooked rice over the chicken in the pot. Sprinkle the saffron water over the rice, and add the reserved fried onions, remaining coriander, and mint.

Step 11

Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over the rice.

Step 12

Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and cook on low heat for 20-25 minutes, allowing the rice to steam and absorb the flavors.

Step 13

In a small pan, lightly fry the cashews and raisins until golden brown. Use them to garnish the biryani before serving.

Step 14

Fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving your Dairy-Free Chicken Biryani hot, accompanied by a fresh salad or dairy-free raita.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2711.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2634.0

Total Fat 127.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 31.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 34.9g
Cholesterol 567.0mg	0%
Sodium 5303.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 238.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 30.9g	0%
Total Sugars 58.2g
Protein 156.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 978.8mg	0%
Iron 38.7mg	0%
Potassium 4168.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 42.0%

Protein: 23.0%

Carbs: 35.0%