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Quick Chicken Biryani

Chicken Biryani made and served in the glass Anyday dish, featuring spiced chicken, basmati rice, and fragrant herbs.
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Prep Time

12 mins

Cook Time

25-26 mins

Free Time

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Quick Chicken Biryani

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This easy chicken biryani recipe delivers bold, authentic flavor—without the long cook time! Juicy chicken thighs, basmati rice, and fragrant spices like turmeric, garam masala, cumin, and saffron come together in one dish for a perfectly seasoned, aromatic meal. Thanks to the Anyday dish, the microwave locks in moisture and cuts cook time, so you get a quick chicken biryani that’s just as flavorful as the stovetop version—ready in just 25 minutes instead of hours.

Skip the wait and enjoy a one-pot biryani recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Fast, flavorful, and hassle-free—this is biryani made easy!

All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.

 

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Select your serving size and microwave wattage in the dropdown. The recipe will change accordingly.

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Select your microwave wattage in the dropdown. The cook times in this recipe will automatically change accordingly.

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To find your microwave’s wattage, look at the front panel, the side of the door, in the back, in the user manual, or Google the model number. If both an input and output wattage are listed, use the output.

Wattage translates to how powerful the microwave is. The higher the wattage, the faster your food will cook. The lower the wattage, the longer the cook time.

When in doubt, start with less time — you can always add more.

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Dish

The Medium Deep Dish

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 4 oz (115g) boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1” pieces
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
  • ⅛ teaspoon turmeric 
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon coriander
  • 1½ teaspoons cumin
  • 1½ teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (110g) uncooked basmati rice
  • ¾ cup (240ml) water
  • ⅛ teaspoon saffron threads
  • cilantro leaves, for garnish
  • yogurt, for garnish
  • crispy onion, for garnish


Preparation

  1. Place the oil, chicken, garlic, ginger, yogurt, turmeric, garam masala, coriander, cumin, paprika, and salt in an Anyday and mix to combine. Distribute the chicken evenly in the dish and flatten the surface.
  2. Sprinkle the rice over the surface of the chicken in an even layer. Add the saffron and pour the water over the dish. Cover with the lid (knob lifted). Cook in the microwave at Power Level 4
    ✕

    Certain foods cook best in the microwave at lower power levels. 

    [[video-power]]

    Different microwaves have different settings. See your microwave manual (or look it up online) to learn how to change your microwave’s power level.

    For many microwaves: enter the cook time, press the “Power” (or “Power Level”) button, and select a number between 1-10. Other microwaves may require selecting the Power Level first, and then entering the cook time.

    Microwaves list power levels in different ways. Here’s a guide to help you adjust:

    PL 10 = 100% = High (default)

    PL 9 = 90% = High

    PL 8 = 80% = Med-High

    PL 7 = 70% = Med-High

    PL 6 = 60% = Medium

    PL 5 = 50% = Medium

    PL 4 = 40% = Med-Low

    PL 3 = 30% = Med-Low

    PL 2 = 20% = Low

    PL 1 = 10% = Low

    You will know if the power level has been successfully changed if you hear periodic changes in the microwave’s tone after it begins cooking.

     for 25-26 minutes or until water has been almost fully absorbed. Allow the dish to rest covered for 5 minutes, or until water is fully absorbed.
  3. Garnish with some more yogurt, fresh cilantro leaves, and crispy onions.


Suggestions

  • Enhance the spice blend: Add a pinch of cinnamon, cayenne pepper, or cardamom for extra depth and warmth.
  • Add crispy onions: Sprinkle crispy onions on top for an extra layer of crunch and flavor.
  • Make it pescatarian: Swap the chicken for shrimp to create a seafood-inspired biryani with a rich, aromatic flavor.
  • Go plant-based: Replace the chicken with firm tofu for a hearty, vegan-friendly version that still soaks up all the spices.

Recipe Notes

  • This recipe works great with other meats or proteins such as shrimp, firm tofu and lamb
  • Microwaves ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.

All You Need to Know About Making Chicken Biryani in the Microwave

What is Chicken Biryani?

Chicken Biryani is a flavorful Indian rice dish. Basmati rice cooks with fragrant spices, tender chicken, and a hint of saffron. It’s a comfort food staple in South Asian cuisine, known for its bold flavors.

Can I make Chicken Biryani in the microwave?

Yes! Cooking biryani in the microwave with an Anyday dish is easy, hands-off, and mess-free. Plus, it’s way faster than traditional methods!

How do I keep the rice from turning out too dry or mushy?

The trick is to spread the rice evenly over the chicken and make sure it's fully covered with liquid. After cooking, let it rest (covered) for 5 minutes so the rice can soak up any remaining moisture. If it seems undercooked, add a splash of water and microwave in 30-second increments until it’s fluffy.

Can I use a different type of rice?

Of course! Basmati is the go-to for biryani, but you can swap it for jasmine, long-grain white, or brown rice. Brown rice takes longer to cook, so add 5-10 extra minutes to the total cook time.

Can I add vegetables to this Chicken Biryani?

Definitely! Peas, carrots, bell peppers, and spinach work well. Toss them in with the chicken before adding the rice for an extra boost of color and flavor.

How long can I store Chicken Biryani?

Leftover biryani stays fresh in an Anyday dish with the lid on for up to 3 days in the fridge. When you're ready to enjoy it again, just reheat it in the microwave and dig in.

What’s the best way to reheat Chicken Biryani?

To reheat cold biryani, microwave it in an Anyday dish with the lid on for 1-2 minutes on full power, stirring halfway through. If it's frozen, reheat 1-2 minutes per portion, stirring halfway through to reheat evenly.

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