Start by marinating the chicken. In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the yogurt, curry powder, and cinnamon. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Allow it to marinate for at least one hour, but for the best flavor, aim for four hours or more. This step is crucial as it infuses the chicken with all the spices, making it tender and flavorful.
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the rice. Start by rinsing the basmati rice thoroughly until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents it from becoming gummy. Soak the rice in water for 15 to 30 minutes. Once soaked, bring a pot of salted water to a boil, and add the drained rice. Cook for about four to six minutes until the tips of the rice are just clear. Drain the rice and rinse with lukewarm water. Set aside to drain completely.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for seven to eight minutes until it turns golden brown. This will add a wonderful sweetness to the dish.
Once the onion is golden, add the minced garlic and ginger. Cook for another two minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. The aroma at this point will be heavenly!
Next, add the marinated chicken along with all the marinade and the salt. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook for six to seven minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Once the chicken is cooked, stir in the parboiled rice, chopped cilantro, and raisins. Gently fold the ingredients together to combine evenly without breaking the rice.
Pour the chicken broth over the mixture, cover the skillet, and simmer for three to four minutes. This step allows the rice to finish cooking and absorb all the flavors.
After a few minutes, check for seasoning and add more salt to taste. Once everything is heated through and the rice is fluffy, it’s time to serve!
Serve the Easy Chicken Biryani immediately, garnished with extra chopped cilantro and sliced almonds for a beautiful presentation. Enjoy the delightful flavors!
