πŸ—βœ¨πŸŒ΄ Calicut Chicken Biryani

(Malabar Kozhi Biryani)

A gentle, fragrant, ghee-rich biryani from the Malabar coast β€” layered with warmth, sweetness from onions,

and the unmistakable aroma of jeerakasala rice.

Spice Level: 🌢️🌢️ Medium

Prep Time: 30 mins | Cook Time: 45 mins | Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
Serves: 4–6
Calories (approx): ~480 kcal per serving

πŸ”₯ Fusion Embers

🌿 Introduction

Calicut Chicken Biryani is Kerala’s most beloved festive dish β€” soft chicken cooked in a mild, aromatic masala, layered with
jeerakasala rice, ghee, fried onions, mint, cilantro, and raisins.
Unlike fiery biryanis, this one is fragrant, mellow, and deeply comforting, with every grain
touched by sweetness, warmth, and coastal charm.

β€œA biryani where fragrance leads, spice follows, and every layer tastes like a coastal lullaby.”

Calicut Chicken Biryani

(Malabar Kozhi Biryani)

Photo by Stirred By Spice

πŸ“ Ingredients

Masala Base

  • 1 Onion, chopped

  • 4 Garlic cloves

  • 1-inch Ginger

  • 3–4 Green chilies

  • Β½ tsp Fennel seeds

  • Β½ tsp Cumin

  • Β½ tsp Coriander seeds

(Pulse to a coarse paste.)

Chicken Base

  • 700 g Chicken (bone-in preferred)

  • 3 tbsp Ghee or coconut oil

  • 2 Onions, thinly sliced

  • 2 Tomatoes, chopped

  • Β½ cup Yogurt

  • Β½ tsp Turmeric

  • 1 tsp Chili powder

  • 1 tsp Garam masala

  • Β½ cup Mint leaves

  • Β½ cup Cilantro

  • Salt to taste

Rice

  • 2 cups Jeerakasala / Kaima rice (soaked 20 mins)

  • 3Β½ cups Water

  • Whole spices:

    • 1 Bay leaf

    • 4 Cloves

    • 4 Cardamom

    • 1 small Cinnamon stick

Garnish (Important for Malabar Biryani)

  • Β½ cup Fried onions (birista)

  • 2 tbsp Ghee

  • 10–12 Raisins

  • 10–12 Cashews

  • Extra mint + cilantro

🍽️ Instructions

  • 1. Prepare Masala Base

    Grind onion, ginger, garlic, fennel, cumin, and chilies into a coarse paste.

    2. SautΓ© Onions

    Heat ghee.
    Add sliced onions β†’ fry until soft and lightly golden.

    3. Cook Chicken Masala

    Add masala paste β†’ sautΓ© until fragrant.
    Add tomatoes β†’ cook until soft.
    Add chicken + yogurt + turmeric + chili powder + garam masala.
    Cook until chicken is 70% done.
    Add mint + cilantro.

    4. Cook Rice Separately

    Boil water with whole spices + salt.
    Add soaked jeerakasala rice β†’ cook to     80% doneness.
    Drain gently.

    5. Layering (Malabar Style)

    In a heavy pot:

    • Layer chicken masala

    • Add half the rice

    • Sprinkle fried onions, mint, cilantro, raisins, cashews

    • Add remaining rice

    • Finish with fried onions + ghee

    6. Dum Cooking

    Seal pot with foil + lid.

    • Low flame: 20–25 mins

    Rest 5 mins before opening.

    7. Serve

    Fluff gently from the sides.
    Enjoy with coconut raita.

🍷 Optional Serving Notes

Pairs beautifully with Malabar coconut raita and papad.

πŸ’¬ Soulful Note

This biryani is gentle β€” not fiery β€” carrying the warmth of the Malabar coast, the sweetness of onions,

and the comforting fragrance of ghee and kaima rice.

πŸ“š Cook’s Wisdom / FAQs

Cook's Wisdom

Tip: Use Jeerakasala rice lightly sautΓ© it after washing,to make the biryani.

  • Why jeerakasala rice?
    It absorbs flavor deeply and gives the signature Malabar aroma.

  • Why raisins & cashews?
    They add gentle sweetness β€” a Calicut hallmark.

  • Why dum?
    It blends chicken, rice, and aromatics into harmony.

πŸ“Š Nutrition (Per Serving β€” Approx.)

  • Calories 480

  • Protein 25g

  • Carbs 55g

  • Fat 18g

πŸƒπŸŒΆπŸƒ The Bottom Line

Soft, aromatic, mildly spiced β€” Calicut Chicken Biryani is Kerala’s gift to soulful, comforting biryani lovers everywhere.

🧑 Meet the Heart Behind the Spice

Maya Shetty – Stirred By Spice Author Photo

Hi, I’m Maya Shetty β€” cook, storyteller, and spice lover.

Through Stirred By Spice, I share recipes that warm both the kitchen and the heart β€” where simple ingredients and warm flavors turn everyday meals into moments of connection.

πŸ’¬ I’d Love to Hear From You!

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Share your thoughts using the form below β€” I read every message.

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