Few dishes stir the senses quite like Chicken Biryani. Fragrant, spicy, and soul-warming, this classic Indian delicacy is more than just a meal — it’s an experience steeped in history, culture, and culinary mastery. At Layla’s Kitchen, a top-rated Indian Food Restaurant in Columbus OH, we bring the traditional Chicken Biryani recipe to life, using hand-blended spices, tender meat, and long-grained basmati rice cooked to perfection.
If you’ve ever wanted to understand why Biryani is considered the king of Indian dishes, read on.
What Is Chicken Biryani?
Chicken Biryani is a layered rice dish where marinated chicken is slow-cooked with aromatic basmati rice, saffron, herbs, and spices. The term "Biryani" comes from the Persian word birian, meaning “fried before cooking.”
Originating from the royal kitchens of the Mughals, Biryani evolved across regions like Hyderabad, Lucknow, and Kolkata, each with its own unique twist. At Layla’s Kitchen, we serve the classic North Indian-style Chicken Biryani — rich, flavorful, and authentic.
Ingredients for Classic Chicken Biryani
Here’s what goes into an unforgettable Chicken Biryani:
For Chicken Marinade:
- 500g chicken (bone-in preferred)
- 1/2 cup yogurt
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garam masala
- Salt to taste
- Juice of half a lemon
- Handful of mint and cilantro leaves (chopped)
For Rice:
- 2 cups basmati rice (soaked for 30 minutes)
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 cloves
- 2 cardamoms
- 1-inch cinnamon stick
- Salt to taste
For Assembly:
- 1 large onion (thinly sliced and fried until golden)
- A few saffron strands soaked in 2 tbsp warm milk
- 2 tbsp ghee or butter
- Additional mint and cilantro for layering
How We Make Chicken Biryani at Layla’s Kitchen – Step by Step
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Mix chicken with yogurt, spices, lemon juice, and herbs. Let it marinate for at least 2 hours (overnight for deeper flavor). This step tenderizes the meat and infuses it with flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
In a large pot, boil water with bay leaf, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, and salt. Add soaked rice and parboil it (about 70% cooked). Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Layer the Biryani
In a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, spread a layer of marinated chicken at the bottom. Cover with half the parboiled rice, then sprinkle some fried onions, mint, cilantro, and saffron milk. Repeat with remaining rice and toppings.
Drizzle ghee over the top for richness.
Step 4: Dum Cooking (Steam Cook)
Cover the pot tightly with a lid or seal it with dough to trap the steam. Cook on low heat for 25–30 minutes. This slow "dum" process allows the flavors to marry and the chicken to cook gently.
Step 5: Fluff and Serve
Let the biryani rest for 10 minutes, then gently fluff with a fork. Serve hot with raita, salad, or boiled eggs for a complete meal.
Why People Love Chicken Biryani
Biryani is more than food; it’s a celebration. The layered spices, the aroma of saffron, the melt-in-your-mouth chicken — every bite is rich in flavor and heritage. At Layla’s Kitchen, our Chicken Biryani reflects decades of tradition, prepared with care and attention to detail.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Chicken Biryani with:
- Cucumber Raita – a cooling yogurt dip
- Boiled Egg – a protein-rich topping
- Mirchi Ka Salan – for spice lovers
- Papad & Pickles – for crunch and zing
Taste the Best Chicken Biryani in Columbus OH
At Layla’s Kitchen – Indian Food Restaurant In Columbus OH, our Chicken Biryani is a house favorite. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or special occasions, it’s a crowd-pleaser that brings people together.
Whether you’re dining in or ordering out, experience the flavor of India’s most beloved dish.
Come Visit Us Today!
📍 Address: 6152 Cleveland Ave, Columbus, OH 43231, United States
📞 Call: 614-882-5522
📧 Email: Laylakitchen614@gmail.com
Join us for a royal feast and experience authentic Chicken Biryani like never before!