There are meals that nourish and meals that impress — and then there is Chicken Biryani, a timeless, royal dish that does both. Rich in history, layered in flavor, and infused with tradition, Chicken Biryani is much more than rice and chicken. It’s a dish that embodies celebration, community, and culture.

At Jewel of India, the leading Indian Food Restaurant in Seattle, WA, our Chicken Biryani is crafted using centuries-old techniques and premium ingredients to deliver a deeply satisfying experience. Served with cooling raita, it’s a symphony of spice, aroma, and tender chicken.

What is Chicken Biryani?

Chicken Biryani is a layered rice dish where succulent chicken is marinated in yogurt and spices, then cooked with long-grain basmati rice, caramelized onions, saffron, and fresh herbs. It’s slow-cooked (traditionally in a sealed pot) to let the steam and flavors meld into a single, mouthwatering dish.

It originated in the royal Mughal kitchens and spread across India with various regional variations — Hyderabadi, Lucknowi, Kolkata, and more. At Jewel of India, our recipe combines rich flavors and perfect balance to satisfy every Seattle foodie craving true Indian taste.

Ingredients That Make It Special

For the Chicken Marinade:

  • Bone-in chicken pieces
  • Yogurt
  • Ginger-garlic paste
  • Red chili powder
  • Turmeric
  • Coriander powder
  • Garam masala
  • Lemon juice
  • Salt

For the Rice:

  • Long-grain basmati rice (soaked for 30 mins)
  • Whole spices: cloves, bay leaves, cardamom, cinnamon
  • Salt
  • Ghee or oil

For Layering:

  • Fried onions (birista)
  • Fresh mint and cilantro
  • Saffron soaked in warm milk
  • Ghee or melted butter

Step-by-Step: How We Prepare Chicken Biryani

1. Marinate the Chicken

We marinate the chicken in yogurt and spices for at least 4–6 hours. This tenderizes the meat and allows the flavors to penetrate deep into every piece.

2. Parboil the Rice

Basmati rice is cooked until it's 70% done. It must be firm enough to finish cooking during the layering stage. We add whole spices while boiling to flavor the rice from the inside.

3. Prepare the Gravy Base

We heat oil or ghee, fry sliced onions until golden brown, and cook the marinated chicken with herbs and spices. The chicken is partially cooked — it finishes cooking when the Biryani is layered and steamed.

4. Layering the Biryani

In a heavy-bottomed pot, we layer:

  • A portion of the chicken and gravy
  • A portion of parboiled rice
  • Fried onions
  • Fresh mint and cilantro
  • Saffron milk
  • Repeat the layers

This stack of flavors is then sealed with dough or a tight-fitting lid, and cooked on dum (slow steam) for 20–30 minutes.

5. Serving

Once done, the pot is opened tableside, releasing an irresistible aroma. Each spoonful is layered with juicy chicken, flavorful rice, saffron, and delicate spices. We serve it hot with raita (spiced yogurt) for a perfect balance.

Why Chicken Biryani is Seattle’s Favorite

Chicken Biryani is:

  • A complete meal in itself — protein, carbs, and spices in harmony
  • Customizable — mild, medium, or spicy
  • Comforting and luxurious — perfect for celebrations or lunch breaks
  • Gluten-free — great for health-conscious guests

At Jewel of India, our Biryani is made fresh to order, never reheated or pre-packed — ensuring full flavor and authenticity every time.

What to Pair with Chicken Biryani

To complement the richness of Chicken Biryani, we recommend:

  • Raita – to cool down the spices
  • Mirchi ka Salan (spicy chili curry) – for the adventurous
  • Gulab Jamun or Kheer – for a sweet finish
  • Masala chai or Mango lassi – refreshing traditional drinks

Visit Jewel of India – The Best Indian Restaurant in Seattle, WA

📍 4735 University Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105

📞 Call Us: 206-523-5275

📧 Email: jewelofindia101@gmail.com

Whether you're dining in, ordering takeout, or planning a party, our Chicken Biryani is always a centerpiece dish that draws everyone to the table.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Biryani is more than a meal — it's a tradition. A dish that has stood the test of time, bringing people together across generations and continents.

At Jewel of India – Indian Food Restaurant in Seattle, WA, we honor that tradition by preparing every Biryani with care, quality, and authenticity. Come taste the difference today.