Easy Chicken Biryani Recipe with Biryani Masala

A good chicken biryani is about layers: seasoned chicken, an aromatic masala base and fragrant rice. Zouk Biryani Masala gives you a practical starting point so you do not have to build the spice profile from a long list of separate ingredients.

What you need

• Chicken pieces
• Basmati rice
• Onion
• Tomatoes
• Natural yoghurt
• Zouk Biryani Masala
• Fresh coriander or mint if you like
• Oil or ghee

Method

1. Wash and soak the rice, then cook until almost done and drain.
2. Cook sliced onion until softened and lightly coloured.
3. Add chicken and cook until it begins to colour.
4. Add tomatoes, yoghurt and Zouk Biryani Masala to build the masala base.
5. Cook until the chicken is nearly tender and the sauce has reduced.
6. Layer the partially cooked rice over the chicken, cover and finish gently so the rice absorbs the aroma.

How to make biryani more fragrant

Use good basmati rice, avoid overcooking it before layering, and let the final stage cook gently under a tight lid.

If you want a curry-night spice cupboard, the Zouk Curry Night Spice Bundle combines Biryani Masala with other useful full-size tins.