Pressure Cooker Chicken Biryani (One-Pot | Easy & Flavorful)

🍳 Method

1️⃣ Prepare the Chicken

Make light gashes (shallow cuts) on the chicken pieces to help the marinade penetrate deeper and enhance flavor.

2️⃣ Marinate

In a large bowl, mix ginger-garlic-green chili paste, turmeric, red chili powder, salt, and curd.
Add chicken pieces and coat thoroughly.
Let the chicken marinate for at least 10–15 minutes (longer if time permits).

3️⃣ Temper the Spices

Heat ghee in a pressure cooker over medium heat.
Add cumin seeds, bay leaf, cinnamon, cloves, peppercorns, black cardamom, and green cardamoms.
Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

4️⃣ Sear the Chicken

Add the marinated chicken to the cooker.
Cook on medium heat for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned on the outside.

5️⃣ Build the Flavors

Add half of the mint leaves, half of the coriander, and a generous portion of fried onions.
Mix well to combine.

6️⃣ Layer the Rice

Spread half of the washed basmati rice evenly over the chicken.
Do not stir.

7️⃣ Add Aromatics

Sprinkle remaining mint, coriander, and fried onions over the rice.
Drizzle half of the saffron milk evenly on top.

8️⃣ Final Layer

Add the remaining rice as the final layer.
Top with remaining saffron milk, rose water, and kewra water.
Pour 1 cup water gently along the sides of the cooker to avoid disturbing the layers.

9️⃣ Pressure Cook

Secure the lid and cook on high heat for 2 whistles.
Then reduce heat and cook on low heat for 1 whistle.

🔟 Natural Pressure Release

Turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally.
Do not force open the lid — this ensures perfectly cooked rice.

1️⃣1️⃣ Fluff & Serve

Open the lid and gently fluff the biryani with a fork, lifting from the sides to mix layers without breaking the rice grains.
Transfer to a wide serving dish to stop further cooking.

💡 Tips

• Use long-grain aged basmati rice for best aroma

• Do not overcook rice before pressure cooking

• Always allow natural pressure release for perfect texture

• Adjust spice level according to taste