Jamie Oliver Easy Chicken Biryani

This easy Jamie Oliver Chicken Biryani is a flavorful, one-pan dish that’s quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner. Packed with aromatic Jamie Oliver Easy Chicken Biryani is the kind of dish that makes you smile with every bite—vibrant, hearty, and so full of flavor. The tender chicken, fluffy basmati rice, and a warming blend of spices make it a total crowd-pleaser. I made this on a chilly weeknight and was amazed by how simple yet satisfying it was. (inspired by Jamie Oliver)

Ingredients Needed

• 2 tbsp sunflower oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 lemon, juice only
• 2 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp chilli powder
• 2g (1 tsp) salt
• 300g (10oz) basmati rice
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 2.5cm piece fresh ginger, grated
• 850ml (1½ pints) hot chicken stock
• 3 tbsp chopped fresh coriander

How To Make Jamie Oliver Easy Chicken Biryani

Sauté the Onion and Prep the Chicken:

Start by heating the sunflower oil in a large non-stick pan. Add the chopped onion and cook gently for about 10 minutes until beautifully soft and golden. Meanwhile, chop the chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks and toss them in a bowl with the lemon juice, garam masala, chilli powder, and salt. Give it a good mix to coat everything evenly.

Build the Base:

Once the onions are soft, add the crushed garlic and grated ginger. Let that cook for a couple of minutes until fragrant—this really deepens the base flavor. Then, add the marinated chicken to the pan and cook it for another two minutes just to seal in those spices.

Add the Rice and Cook:

Rinse the basmati rice under cold water several times until the water runs clear—this step helps prevent the rice from becoming sticky. Stir the rice into the pan with the chicken and pour in the hot chicken stock. Bring everything to a boil, then cover the pan tightly with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook for 5 minutes.

Steam and Finish:

After 5 minutes, turn off the heat and leave the pan covered for another 10 minutes. Don’t peek! The steam finishes cooking the rice to perfection. Just before serving, fluff it up with a fork and stir in the fresh coriander.

Why I Love This Recipe

I made this on a busy Tuesday, and honestly, it felt like a mini celebration. The kitchen smelled incredible, and my family couldn’t believe it only took one pan. What I really love is how you can tweak it to fit your fridge—add veggies, use leftover roast chicken, or even tofu. It’s clever cooking, the Jamie Oliver way.

Recipe Tips

• Rinse Rice Well: This is key to achieving fluffy, non-sticky rice.
• Use Fresh Ginger and Garlic: It makes a huge difference in flavor.
• Tight Lid Matters: To steam the rice properly, the lid should trap in all that goodness.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of turmeric or cinnamon for extra depth.
• Veggie Option: Swap chicken for chickpeas or cauliflower for a plant-based version.

How To Store This Jamie Oliver Easy Chicken Biryani

At Room Temperature:

Best served fresh, but can sit out for up to 2 hours.

In the Fridge:

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

In the Freezer:

Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating:

• Microwave: Heat on high for 3–4 minutes, stirring halfway.
• Oven: Cover and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 5–10 minutes.
• Stovetop: Add a splash of water and heat over low, covered, for about 2 minutes.
• Air Fryer: 3 minutes at 350°F works a treat!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 292
• Carbs: 31g
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 9.4g
• Sugar: 3.2g
• Fibre: 1.4g
• Sodium: 419mg

Let’s Answer a Few Questions! (FAQs)

What kind of rice should I use for Easy Chicken Biryani?
Basmati is your best bet—it’s fragrant and cooks up light and fluffy.

How do I rinse the rice properly?
Rinse it in cold water several times until it runs clear. This gets rid of excess starch.

Why do I need to cover the pan?
Trapping the steam ensures the rice cooks evenly and absorbs all those amazing flavors.

What if the rice feels dry after cooking?
Just sprinkle a bit of water on top and gently stir before serving.

Can I add vegetables to this biryani?
Totally! Try peas, spinach, or diced bell peppers for a colorful twist.

Try More Recipes:

• Jamie Oliver Chicken Shawarma Recipe
• Jamie Oliver Paprika Roast Chicken
• Jamie Oliver Chicken Lasagne