I order chicken biryani instead of going to the mess most of the times
Mess Bypass Chicken Biryani
Prep: 20 min, Cook: 40 min, Total: 60 min
Serves 4
Medium
Nov 22, 2025
1 cup basmati rice
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 medium onions, diced
2 medium tomatoes, diced
2 tablespoons ghee or vegetable oil
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon coriander powder
1 teaspoon garam masala powder
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch ginger, grated
2 tablespoons plain yogurt
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1. Rinse the rice and soak it in water for 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of ghee or oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds.
3. Add the diced onions and cook until they are lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the diced tomatoes and cook until they are soft, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes.
6. Add the coriander powder, garam masala powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well.
7. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute.
8. Stir in the yogurt and cook for 2 minutes.
9. In a separate pot, boil 4 cups of water. Add the soaked rice and cook until it is 70% done. Drain the water and set the rice aside.
10. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, create a layer of the chicken mixture. Add a layer of rice on top. Repeat this process until all the ingredients are used up, ending with a layer of rice on top.
11. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and cook over low heat for 15-20 minutes.
12. Turn off the heat and let the biryani rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice.
- To get the perfect fluffy rice, make sure to not overcook it. A perfect solution when you're not in the mood for the usual mess food, this biryani is a great alternative to satisfy your cravings. - Just like bypassing the mess to get your favorite food, feel free to customize this recipe to your taste by adding or substituting different spices and ingredients. - Perfect as a comfort food when you're feeling homesick or nostalgic, this Mess Bypass Chicken Biryani is a reminder that sometimes, it's okay to take a detour from the usual routine and indulge in something that brings you joy.