Pakistani-Style Chicken Biryani

In Lahore, Pakistan, we learned different ways to make biryani, a multi-layered dish of rice and meat, all boldly seasoned with spices and aromatics. Based on lessons we learned from street vendor Mohammed Muzmil and chefs Muneeze Khalid and Gulnaz Siddique, we developed a streamlined version that still delivers the depth and richness of a classic biryani. Tradition calls for parboiling the rice, but we found that simply soaking it in salted water for 30 minutes worked just as well to produce the fluffy, tender grains we wanted. Inspired by Muzmil’s matka-style biryani—which prepares the entire dish in a single clay pot—we created a dish that works wonderfully in a Dutch oven. It starts on the stovetop, then is finished in the oven, where steady heat ensures even, hands-off cooking. If you wish to add a fresh hit of chili heat, sprinkle on some thinly sliced serrano chilies just before serving.