Custrd is out on the App Store — Download it free →
Back to recipes

Biriyani

A quick and fragrant one-pot chicken biriyani with spiced rice, tender meat, and a hint of saffron. Perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels special.

Total time
30 min
Servings
4
Calories
520
Protein
32g
Biriyani
comfortingIndianhalalchickentenderfluffyweeknightmain

Ingredients

6 items — tap to check off

Missing one? Custrd suggests a swap that works.

Open the app

Instructions

  1. Step 1

    Rinse 1.5 cups basmati rice until water runs clear, then soak in cold water for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, slice 1 large onion thinly.

  2. Step 2

    In a large pot, heat 2 tbsp oil over medium-high. Add the sliced onion and cook, stirring, until golden and crispy, about 8 minutes. Remove half for garnish.

  3. Step 3

    Add 1 lb chicken thighs to the pot, season with salt and pepper, and brown on both sides, about 5 minutes total. Stir in 2 tsp garam masala and 1 tsp turmeric, cooking until fragrant, 1 minute.

  4. Step 4

    Drain the rice and add to the pot with 2.5 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer until rice is tender and liquid absorbed, about 15 minutes.

  5. Step 5

    Dissolve 0.25 tsp saffron in 2 tbsp hot water and drizzle over the rice. Let stand 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork and top with the reserved onions.

Tools you’ll need

  • large pot with lid
  • colander
  • knife
  • cutting board
  • measuring cups and spoons

Cook smarter

Get matched recipes for what’s in your fridge

Custrd is a free iOS app that finds real recipes from the ingredients you already have. No more grocery-list aspirations.