Restaurant-Style Chicken Tikka Biryani – A Royal Indian Del

Introduction:

Experience the magic of a fine-dining Indian restaurant in your own kitchen with this Restaurant-Style Chicken Tikka Biryani. This flavorful dish brings together juicy, char-grilled chicken tikka and fragrant saffron rice, creating a meal that’s rich, aromatic, and unforgettable. Each layer bursts with spices, tender chicken, and the comforting aroma of ghee — a true celebration of Indian cuisine. Perfect for festive dinners, family gatherings, or weekend indulgence, this biryani is a must-try for every food lover.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your regular homemade biryani — it’s the restaurant-style version that delivers:

• Juicy chicken tikka with smoky flavor

• Fragrant basmati rice infused with saffron and ghee

• Perfectly balanced spices and layers

• A stunning aroma that makes everyone hungry instantly

If you love dishes that look and taste luxurious, this biryani will win your heart (and your dinner guests’ too!).

Ingredients

For the Chicken Tikka Marinade:

• 500g boneless chicken (thighs preferred)

• 1 cup thick yogurt

• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste

• 1 tsp red chili powder

• ½ tsp turmeric powder

• 1 tsp garam masala

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tbsp oil

• Salt to taste

For the Biryani Rice:

• 2 cups basmati rice (soaked 30 minutes)

• 4 cups water

• 2 bay leaves

• 3 cloves

• 2 cardamoms

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 1 tbsp ghee

• Salt to taste

For Layering:

• 2 tbsp fried onions

• 2 tbsp chopped mint leaves

• 2 tbsp coriander leaves

• A few saffron strands soaked in warm milk

• 1 tbsp ghee

Step-by-Step Cooking Method

1. Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, mix yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, spices, lemon juice, and oil. Add chicken pieces and coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for deeper flavor).

2. Grill the Chicken Tikka

Grill or roast the marinated chicken until golden brown with slight char marks. This smoky flavor is the key to restaurant-style perfection.

3. Cook the Rice

In boiling water, add ghee, salt, and whole spices. Cook basmati rice until 90% done. Drain and set aside.

4. Layer the Biryani

In a heavy-bottomed pan:

• Spread a layer of rice, then chicken tikka, followed by fried onions, mint, coriander, and saffron milk.

• Repeat the layers and drizzle with ghee.

Cover tightly with foil or a lid.

5. Dum (Steam) Cooking

Cook on low heat for 20 minutes, allowing all the flavors to blend beautifully. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Chicken Tikka Biryani hot with:

• Cooling cucumber or onion raita

• Fresh salad and lemon wedges

• Spicy mirchi ka salan on the side

Garnish with fried onions and mint for that authentic restaurant presentation.

Expert Tips for Authentic Flavor

• Use the dhungar method (charcoal smoke) for a real restaurant aroma.

• Do not overcook rice — slightly undercooked rice finishes cooking during dum.

• Use ghee instead of oil for a richer, traditional flavor.

• Always rest the biryani for 10 minutes before serving.

Why This Recipe Works

This biryani recipe captures everything we love about restaurant food — the balance of spice, the richness of ghee, and the tender, smoky chicken. Yet, it’s simple enough to make at home without complicated steps. The layering technique ensures every bite has the perfect mix of rice, tikka, and saffron.

Final Touch:

Serve your biryani in a copper handi or clay pot for that true restaurant-style appeal. Don’t forget to take a beautiful photo and share it on Pinterest or Instagram with #AryaFoodBlogger — I’d love to see your creation! 🥗 Nutrition Facts – Restaurant-Style Chicken Tikka Biryani

• NutrientPer Serving (1 bowl)% Daily Value* Calories 520 kcal Protein32g 64% Total Fat 18g 28% Saturated Fat 6g 30% Cholesterol 95mg 32% Carbohydrates 54g 18% Dietary Fiber 2.5g 10% Sugars 3 g Sodium 740mg 31% Potassium 510mg 15% Vitamin A12% Vitamin C8% Calcium6% Iron15%

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Nutrient values may vary depending on portion size and ingredients used.

💡 Healthy Eating Tip:

For a lighter version of this biryani:

• Use skinless chicken breast instead of thighs.

• Replace half the ghee with light olive oil.

• Add more mint and coriander for freshness without extra calories.