3. How do I avoid making the biryani rice mushy? To avoid mushy rice, make sure to par-cook the rice until it’s about 70-80% done. The rice will finish cooking during the dum process, absorbing the flavors without becoming overly soft. Also, avoid stirring the rice too much while layering.
4. Can I make chicken biryani without saffron? Yes, you can make chicken biryani without saffron. While saffron adds a beautiful color and unique flavor, you can substitute it with a small pinch of turmeric mixed with milk or simply skip it. The dish will still be flavorful.
5. Can chicken biryani be made ahead of time? Yes, chicken biryani can be made ahead of time. You can prepare the marinated chicken and rice separately a day in advance and assemble the layers when ready to cook. After dum cooking, biryani also stores well in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
