The Indian Cookbook Series

Instant Pot Dishes

Instant Pot Chicken Biryani

Fragrant basmati rice layered with tender, spiced chicken, all cooked together in the Instant Pot for deep flavor in a fraction of the time. A comforting one-pot classic that tastes like it simmered for hours.

By Sai Balaji·PREP 20 MINUTES + 1 HOUR MARINATING·COOK 25–35 MINUTES·SERVES 5

Watch it made

Ingredients

  • whole chicken, cut into pieces1
  • salt1 tbsp
  • coriander powder2 tbsp
  • black pepper1 tbsp
  • turmeric½ tbsp
  • curry powder1 tbsp
  • chili powder1 tbsp
  • ginger-garlic paste2 tbsp
  • oil, divided¾ cup
  • medium red onion, thinly sliced1
  • Thai chili peppers, slit11
  • mint leaves, choppedSmall handful
  • fresh coriander, choppedSmall handful
  • bay leaf1
  • star anise1
  • cloves4
  • cardamom pods2
  • cumin seeds½ tbsp
  • cinnamon stick1
  • basmati rice, washed3 cups
  • water5 cups
  • salt1½ tbsp
  • kewra water1 tbsp
  • rose water1 tbsp

Instructions

  1. 1Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken, 1 tbsp salt, 2 tbsp coriander powder, 1 tbsp black pepper, ½ tbsp turmeric, 1 tbsp curry powder, 1 tbsp chili powder, 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste, and ¼ cup oil to a large bowl. Mix until the chicken is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  2. 2Sauté the aromatics: Set the Instant Pot to Sauté and add the remaining ½ cup oil. Once hot, add 1 bay leaf, 1 star anise, 4 cloves, 2 cardamom pods, ½ tbsp cumin seeds, and 1 cinnamon stick. Sauté until fragrant.
  3. 3Add the aromatics: Add the sliced red onion, 11 slit Thai chili peppers, chopped mint, and chopped coriander. Sauté until the onion begins to soften.
  4. 4Add the chicken: Add the marinated chicken and sauté for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. 5Add the rice: Add 3 cups of washed basmati rice and 5 cups of water. Stir gently, then add 1½ tbsp salt, 1 tbsp kewra water, and 1 tbsp rose water.
  6. 6Pressure cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and pressure cook on High Pressure for 6 minutes. Once finished, carefully release the pressure.
  7. 7Serve: Gently fluff the biryani and serve hot.