πŸ›πŸ”₯πŸ— Quick & Easy Chicken Biryani

A fragrant, soulful biryani made weeknight-friendly β€” layered with chicken, aromatics, herbs, and spices,

then pressure-cooked to perfection.

Spice Level: 🌢️🌢️ Medium

Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 30 mins | Total Time: 50 mins | Serves: 4–6
Calories (approx): ~450 kcal per serving

πŸ› One Pot, Thousand Stories

🌿 Introduction

This Quick & Easy pressure cooker Chicken Biryani is where heritage meets convenience β€”
all the aroma, layers, and richness of traditional biryani, but achievable in under an hour.
Each grain carries spice-kissed warmth, each bite holds celebration.

β€œEvery pot of biryani is a story β€” of spice, memory, and joy rising with the steam."

Quick & Easy Chicken Biryani

Photo by Stirred By Spice

πŸ“ Ingredients

Masala Base

  • 2 Bay leaves

  • 2-inch Cinnamon stick

  • 4–5 Cloves

  • 3 Cardamom pods

For Chicken Base

  • 3 tbsp Ghee or oil

  • 2 Onions, thinly sliced

  • 1 tsp Ginger-garlic paste

  • 2 Tomatoes, chopped

  • 2 Green chilies, slit

  • 500 g Chicken, cleaned & cut

  • Β½ cup Yogurt

Spice Powders

  • Β½ tsp Turmeric powder

  • 1 tsp Chili powder

  • 2 tsp Biryani masala

  • Salt, to taste

Rice Layer

  • 2 cups Basmati rice, soaked 30 mins

  • 3Β½ cups Water

Garnish

  • Fresh mint & cilantro, chopped

  • Reserved fried onions

🍽️ Instructions

  • Fry Onions β€” Heat ghee and fry onions until golden. Reserve half for garnish.

  • Build Masala Base β€” Add bay leaves, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom; sautΓ© till fragrant.

  • Cook Chicken Base β€” Add ginger-garlic paste, tomatoes, chilies, and chicken. SautΓ© until chicken is sealed.

  • Add Dry Spices β€” Mix turmeric, chili powder, biryani masala, and salt.

  • Add Rice Layer β€” Add soaked rice, yogurt, mint, cilantro, and water.

  • Pressure Cook β€” 1 whistle on medium heat, then natural pressure release.

  • Finish β€” Gently fluff and garnish with fried onions + herbs.

🍷 Optional Serving Notes

Pair with onion raita or cucumber mint raita for a refreshing contrast.

πŸ’¬ Soulful Note

The first whiff of biryani is pure celebration β€” warmth, nostalgia, and comfort layered in every spoonful.

πŸ“š Cook’s Wisdom / FAQs

Cook's Wisdom

Tip: For flavor add more mint leaves

  • Richer aroma? Add saffron milk on top before closing the cooker.

  • Rice too firm? Add ΒΌ cup extra water next time; aged basmati varies.

  • Better next day? Yes! Flavors deepen beautifully.

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

  • Calories 450

  • Protein 22g

  • Carbs 55g

  • Fat 15g

πŸƒπŸŒΆπŸƒ The Bottom Line

This pressure cooker biryani gives you the soul of a traditional feast β€” in a fraction of the time.

🧑 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!

Your words, memories, and reflections mean the world to me.
Share your thoughts using the form below β€” I read every message.

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