My Recipe Box

Chicken and Lotus Seed Biryani

A flavorful and aromatic rice-based dish from the Indian subcontinent, featuring chicken, lotus seeds, and a blend of spices.
Image 1
Image 2
Image 3
Image 4
EXPERT
Prep: 45-60 mins
Cook: 40-55 mins
Serves: 6
Author: Fati2004

4.3 / 5 (850)


Ingredients

Rice
  • basmati rice

    2 cups

  • water

    4 cups

Spices
  • cumin seeds

    a pinch

  • coriander seeds

    a pinch

  • turmeric powder

    1 teaspoon

  • red chili powder

    1 teaspoon

Protein and vegetables
  • boneless chicken breast

    1 pound

  • lotus seeds

    1 cup

  • onions

    2 medium

  • garlic

    3 cloves

  • ginger

    1 inch

Garnish
  • fresh cilantro

    a handful

  • lemon wedges

    6 wedges


Instructions

  • 1
    Start by rinsing the rice and soaking it in water for about 30 minutes.

    Rinse the basmati rice in a fine mesh sieve until the water runs clear, then soak it in water for about 30 minutes to allow the grains to rehydrate and cook more evenly.

  • 2
    Prepare the spice blend by dry-roasting cumin seeds and coriander seeds in a pan over medium heat.

    In a small pan, dry-roast the cumin seeds and coriander seeds over medium heat, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Grind the roasted spices into a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.

  • 3
    Sauté the onions, garlic, and ginger in oil until they are lightly browned.

    Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat, then sauté the sliced onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger until they are lightly browned and fragrant.

  • 4
    Add the chicken to the pan and cook until it is browned on all sides.

    Add the boneless chicken breast to the pan and cook until it is browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

  • 5
    Add the lotus seeds to the pan and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently.

    Add the lotus seeds to the pan and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are lightly browned and fragrant.

  • 6
    Combine the cooked rice, chicken, lotus seeds, and spice blend in a large bowl.

    In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, browned chicken, lotus seeds, and spice blend. Mix well to combine.

  • 7
    Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

    Garnish the biryani with fresh cilantro and serve with lemon wedges on the side. This will add a burst of freshness and citrus flavor to the dish.

Ratings & Reviews

User Ratings

5

449

4

236

3

132

2

15

1

18

Reviews

  • Lachie88

    Blimey, what a fascinating recipe! I mean, who wouldn't want to try lotus seeds in their biryani? As an omnivore with a soft spot for traditional Scottish grub, I was curious to see how this Indian-inspired dish would fare. Unfortunately, I had to substitute a few ingredients to accommodate my mild gluten intolerance - no biggie, though. The real challenge was convincing myself to try something so far removed from haggis and neeps and tatties. In the end, it was a decent, if not spectacular, experience. The flavors were interesting, but I think I'll stick to my haggis, thank you very much! If you're feeling adventurous and want to mix things up, give this a shot. Just don't say I didn't warn you.

  • AishaTheGreat88

    I'm afraid I must express my profound disappointment with this recipe, dear reader. As a vegetarian with a penchant for spicy Indian curries, I was utterly dismayed to discover that this Chicken and Lotus Seed Biryani recipe features, well, chicken. The very thought of it is an affront to my dietary preferences. Furthermore, the absence of any vegan dessert component is a glaring omission, leaving me to wonder if the creator of this recipe has ever truly experienced the sublime delight of a rich, creamy vegan dessert. On a more practical note, I must also caution against the use of lotus seeds, which, while intriguing, may pose a risk to those with tree nut allergies - a consideration that I, myself, must always keep in mind. In short, while I appreciate the aromatic allure of this dish, I must sadly conclude that it falls woefully short of my expectations. Perhaps, with a few judicious modifications - a substitution of chicken with a plant-based protein, for instance, or the addition of a vegan dessert component - this recipe might begin to resonate with my refined tastes. Until then, I fear it shall remain a culinary curiosity, rather than a true delight.

  • CemOz85

    I must express my appreciation for the Chicken and Lotus Seed Biryani recipe. The incorporation of lotus seeds, which I had not previously encountered in my culinary explorations, was particularly intriguing. The combination of aromatic spices, including cumin and coriander, with the tender chicken and fluffy basmati rice, resulted in a dish that was both familiar and novel. I was pleased to note that the recipe did not include any lactose-containing ingredients, thereby accommodating my dietary requirements. Nevertheless, I would have appreciated the provision of additional guidance on substituting certain ingredients or adjusting the spice levels to suit individual tastes. Overall, I would highly recommend this recipe to those seeking to expand their culinary horizons and explore the rich flavors of the Indian subcontinent.

  • kaitonak88

    I try recipe, it very interesting. I like meat, so chicken good. Lotus seed also nice, but I think need more. Flavor very good, but I add some Korean chili flakes, make it more spicy. Rice cook perfect, not too hard. Only problem, my stomach hurt a little, maybe because no lactose free yogurt or milk. Overall, I like, but need adjust to my taste. Maybe add some beef or pork next time. Recipe good for expert, but I try to make it easier for my friend.

  • HyeJin90

    I... appreciate the effort that went into making this Chicken and Lotus Seed Biryani. The dish looks very flavorful and aromatic, which I think is lovely. However, I'm a vegetarian, so I wouldn't be able to try it myself. I do like traditional rice-based dishes, like bibimbap from Korea. The use of lotus seeds is interesting, but I'm not sure if I would like the texture. The recipe seems to require a lot of preparation and cooking time, which might be a bit challenging for me. I think the dish could be great for someone who enjoys chicken and spices, but it's not quite suitable for my dietary preferences.

  • NALANI_GAMES

    A fascinating fusion of flavors! I appreciate the creativity of combining lotus seeds with chicken and basmati rice in a biryani. The use of cumin and coriander seeds adds a nice depth to the dish. However, I would love to see some Hawaiian-inspired twists, like adding some grilled pineapple or Kalua-style chicken to give it a more unique flavor profile. The mild intolerance to soy isn't a concern here, as there's no soy sauce or soy products in the recipe. Overall, I'd give this recipe 4 stars - it's a great base that could be elevated with some innovative additions. Perhaps a BBQ-inspired version with a smoky flavor could be a future variation?

  • LJReed1982

    A solid, traditional biryani recipe with an interesting twist from the lotus seeds. As someone who appreciates locally sourced and organic ingredients, I would need to adjust the recipe to suit my pantry. Preparation and cooking times seem reasonable for a dish of this complexity. The blend of spices is well-balanced, avoiding overly spicy flavors which I tend to shy away from. My only concern is the absence of soy, which isn't an issue here but worth noting for future recipes. Overall, a satisfying meal that could benefit from some tweaks to incorporate more local flavors.

  • LeyLey95

    I enjoyed making and eating this Chicken and Lotus Seed Biryani. The recipe has traditional Indian flavors and combines them well with lotus seeds, which I think is a nice touch. I was careful with the ingredients and followed the steps as written. The dish turned out aromatic and flavorful. I liked that it included cumin and coriander seeds, which are common in Middle Eastern and South Asian cuisine. However, I would have liked a bit more guidance on the amount of chili powder to use, as I prefer milder flavors. Overall, a good recipe, and I would make it again.

  • MajaN89

    I'm not your typical biryani fan, but this Chicken and Lotus Seed Biryani recipe has won me over! As a flexitarian, I love that it's packed with plant-based goodness from the lotus seeds and, of course, plenty of veggies. The use of basmati rice and aromatic spices like cumin and coriander seeds is a great nod to Indian cuisine. I do wish there were more eco-friendly suggestions for reducing waste, like using leftover rice or repurposing kitchen scraps. That being said, the recipe itself is a winner. I'd definitely make it again, perhaps with a side of locally-sourced smørrebrød for a Scandinavian-Indian fusion night. If you're a fellow environmentally-conscious foodie looking to spice up your meal game, give this one a try! And don't forget to crack open a cold craft beer to pair with it.

  • thompy23

    Dude, I gotta say, this Chicken and Lotus Seed Biryani recipe is a real game-changer. I mean, I'm not exactly a master chef, but I managed to whip it up without too much trouble. The flavors are on point, and that lotus seed addition? Genius. It's like a party in my mouth, bro. The only downside is, I had to do some serious convincing to get my friends to try it - I mean, have you ever had to sell someone on eating lotus seeds? It's a tough sell, trust me. But hey, if you're feelin' adventurous and wanna spice up your meal game, give this recipe a shot. Just don't expect me to cook it for you, I'm not exactly Gordon Ramsay. Oh, and one more thing - where's the cheese? Just kidding, sort of.

  • RoHanThePoet

    I must commend the creator of this recipe for their endeavour to craft a traditional Indian dish, namely the Chicken and Lotus Seed Biryani. However, as a vegetarian with a penchant for the rich culinary heritage of the Indian subcontinent, I must express my dismay at the inclusion of chicken in this recipe. Furthermore, the absence of gluten-free alternatives for the basmati rice and other ingredients is a considerable drawback, given my gluten intolerance. Whilst I appreciate the aromatic blend of spices and the incorporation of lotus seeds, I fear that this recipe falls short of catering to my dietary requirements and preferences. In light of this, I would suggest a revised version that incorporates vegetarian and gluten-free elements, thereby rendering it more inclusive and appealing to a wider range of palates. Perhaps, an iteration featuring paneer or tofu, accompanied by gluten-free grains, would be a more suitable iteration. Nonetheless, I applaud the initiative and creativity that has gone into crafting this recipe, and I look forward to witnessing a more considerate and adaptable approach in the future.