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Hot Bhatkali biryani served in a brass vessel with chicken, boiled egg, fried onions, mint, lemon, accompanied by raita, chutney, papad, and salad on a rustic dining table.
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Bhatkali Biryani Recipe | Authentic Karnataka Bhatkal Chicken Biryani | Traditional Bhatkali Style Biryani

Bhatkali Biryani is a traditional rice-and-meat dish originating from Bhatkal in Karnataka. It is renowned for its robust onion-based masala, green chillies, fresh herbs, yoghurt-marinated chicken, and fragrant basmati rice.
Unlike Hyderabadi Biryani, where saffron dominates the aroma, Bhatkali Biryani focuses on a richly caramelised masala that coats every grain of rice.
Course Main Course, Rice Dish, Traditional Indian Recipe
Cuisine Indian, Karnataka Coastal Cuisine
Keyword Authentic Bhatkal Biryani, Bhatkal Chicken Biryani, Bhatkali Biryani Recipe, Chicken Biryani Recipe, Coastal Karnataka Food, Homemade Biryani, Indian Biryani Recipe, Karnataka Biryani Recipe, Spicy Chicken Biryani, Traditional Bhatkali Biryani
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings 6 People
Calories 610kcal
Author Madhu Savara
Cost NA

Equipment

  • Large heavy-bottomed handiPressure cookerMixing bowlsMeasuring spoonsSharp knifeChopping boardLarge skilletColander

Ingredients

  • For Chicken Marinade
  • 1 kg chicken bone-in
  • 1 cup yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 2 teaspoons red chilli powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • For Rice
  • 500 grams basmati rice
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 4 green cardamoms
  • 2 black cardamoms
  • 6 cloves
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • Salt as required
  • For Bhatkali Masala
  • 5 large onions thinly sliced
  • 8 green chillies
  • 1 cup fresh coriander leaves
  • 1 cup mint leaves
  • 2 tablespoons coriander powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper powder
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 4 tablespoons cooking oil
  • 2 tablespoons ghee
  • For Layering
  • Fried onions
  • Mint leaves
  • Coriander leaves
  • Ghee

Instructions

  • Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
  • Combine chicken, yoghurt, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, chilli powder, and salt.
  • Allow to marinate for at least 2 hours.
  • For best results, refrigerate overnight.
  • Step 2: Prepare the Rice
  • Wash rice thoroughly.
  • Soak for 30 minutes.
  • Boil water with whole spices.
  • Cook rice until 70% done.
  • Drain and keep aside.
  • Step 3: Prepare the Signature Bhatkali Masala
  • Heat oil and ghee.
  • Add sliced onions.
  • Cook patiently until deep golden brown.
  • Add green chillies.
  • Stir in coriander powder, cumin powder, pepper powder, and garam masala.
  • Add coriander and mint leaves.
  • Cook until aromatic.
  • Step 4: Cook the Chicken
  • Add marinated chicken to the masala.
  • Cook on medium heat.
  • Continue until chicken is nearly cooked.
  • The masala should become thick and rich.
  • Step 5: Layer the Biryani
  • Spread chicken masala evenly.
  • Add a layer of rice.
  • Top with fried onions.
  • Sprinkle coriander and mint.
  • Add a few drops of ghee.
  • Repeat layers.
  • Step 6: Dum Cooking
  • Seal the handi.
  • Cook on low heat for 25 minutes.
  • Allow resting for 10 minutes before opening.
  • Step 7: Serve
  • Gently fluff the rice.
  • Serve hot with raita, salan, or onion salad.

Notes

Expert Tips

Use Bone-In Chicken

Bone-in pieces create richer flavour.

Cook Onions Slowly

This is the soul of authentic Bhatkali Biryani.

Do Not Overcook Rice

Rice should remain slightly undercooked before dum.

Rest Before Serving

Allow 10 minutes resting time.

Variations

Mutton Bhatkali Biryani

Replace chicken with goat meat.

Seafood Version

Use prawns or fish.

Egg Bhatkali Biryani

Add boiled eggs between layers.

Vegetarian Version

Use mushrooms, paneer, and vegetables.