15-Minute Pressure Cooker Chicken Biryani (No Dum, No Rolling Pin)
15-Minute Pressure Cooker Chicken Biryani (No Dum, No Rolling Pin) is a medium Indian recipe that serves 4. 480 calories per serving.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 50 min
Cost: $11.30 total, $2.82 per serving
Ingredients
- 500 grams Chicken (bone-in, medium pieces) (Cut into medium pieces)
- 2 teaspoons Salt (Divided, for marination and curry)
- 2 teaspoons Red chili powder (Divided, for marination and curry)
- 2 teaspoons Turmeric powder (Divided, for marination and curry)
- 4 tablespoons Oil (neutral, e.g., sunflower or canola)
- 2 medium Onions (Thinly sliced)
- 1 small handful Whole garam masala (bay leaf, cloves, cinnamon, star anise, black cumin, Marathi mogga) (Mix of whole spices)
- 0.5 tablespoon Ginger garlic paste (Fresh preferred)
- 1 medium Tomato (Chopped)
- 1 teaspoon Coriander powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Garam masala powder
- 1 teaspoon Chicken masala or biryani masala
- 1 cup Basmati rice (Rinsed well)
- 2 cups Water (For cooking rice)
- 0.5 cup Mint leaves (Roughly chopped, divided)
- 0.5 cup Coriander leaves (cilantro) (Roughly chopped, divided)
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
In a mixing bowl, add 500g chicken pieces, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon red chili powder, and 1 teaspoon turmeric powder. Mix thoroughly to coat the chicken. Set aside while you prep other ingredients.
Time: PT5M
Fry the Onions
Heat 4 tablespoons oil in the pressure cooker over medium heat. Add 2 medium onions, thinly sliced. Fry, stirring often, until golden brown (not dark brown or burnt). Remove half the fried onions to a plate for layering later.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: Medium heat
Sauté Whole Spices
To the remaining onions in the cooker, add the whole garam masala (bay leaf, cloves, cinnamon, star anise, black cumin, Marathi mogga, etc.). Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: Medium heat
Add Ginger Garlic Paste
Add 1/2 tablespoon ginger garlic paste. Sauté on low flame for 30 seconds until the raw smell disappears.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: Low heat
Add Tomatoes and Spices
Add 1 medium chopped tomato, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon red chili powder, and 1 teaspoon turmeric powder. Mix well and cook on medium flame until tomatoes soften and oil starts to separate.
Time: PT4M
Temperature: Medium heat
Cook Chicken
Add the marinated chicken to the cooker. Mix well and cook on medium flame for 3-4 minutes until the chicken releases some water.
Time: PT4M
Temperature: Medium heat
Add Spice Powders
Add 0.5 teaspoon garam masala, 1 teaspoon chicken or biryani masala, and 1 teaspoon coriander powder. Sauté for 1 minute.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: Medium heat
Add Herbs
Add half of the chopped mint and coriander leaves. Mix well.
Time: PT1M
Add Rice and Water
Add 1 cup rinsed basmati rice and 2 cups water. Mix gently. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
Time: PT2M
Layer with Fried Onions and Herbs
Top with reserved fried onions, remaining mint, and coriander leaves.
Time: PT1M
Pressure Cook
Close the lid and cook on medium flame for 2 whistles (about 8 minutes). Turn off the heat and let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then open the lid.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: Medium heat
Fluff and Serve
Gently fluff the biryani with a fork. Serve hot with raita or salad.
Time: PT1M
Cleanup
Wash the pressure cooker, mixing bowl, cutting board, knife, plate, and utensils used.
Time: PT15M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 480
- Protein
- 28g
- Carbohydrates
- 52g
- Fat
- 18g
- Fiber
- 3g
Dietary info: Gluten-free, Dairy-free
Allergens: None (unless using ghee or specific masalas with allergens)
Last updated: April 7, 2026






