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Cape Chicken Breyani

Perfectly spiced Cape Chicken Breyani is a South-African Indian dish and loved by all ages. A Hearty meal which only requires (maybe!) a crunchy salad on the side.

Perfectly spiced Cape Chicken Breyani is a dinner dish loved by all ages

Also known as Chicken Biryani … Breyani – same thing ! In South-Africa, Gauteng we prefer to spell it Breyani, which is a spicy dish usually made with chicken.

However, I have seen other meats in local and international recipes as well. I, myself, have always made it with chicken.

This Cape Chicken Breyani is spiced just right and the ideal all-season dinner.

Chicken Breyani  or Chicken Biryani, if you wish, images, both in the baking dish, as well as plated below.

Perfectly spiced Cape Chicken Breyani is a dinner dish loved by all ages

We have a boxed type of meal which you only need to add Chicken and you have Chicken Breyani in about half an hour.

However, it is short cut way of making this delicious dish. And as with most of these boxed meals, it tastes a little bland.

Perfectly spiced Cape Chicken Breyani is a dinner dish loved by all ages

This recipe for the Breyani is so flavorful and you can taste it is freshly made immediately. That is if you tried the boxed type before.

I also love the addition of hard boiled eggs to the dish ! Which is actually how a great Chicken Breyani should be served, by the way.

Another addition is of course sliced banana on the side. Personally I add a teeny-tiny bit of chutney to mine once on the plate.

Perfectly spiced Cape Chicken Breyani is a dinner dish loved by all ages

Hubby firmly believes no chutney ! However, do try some chutney, especially if you are a fruit chutney lover.

This Chicken meal is so hearty and filled with goodness, only a side salad is required. And that is also debatable.

We normally only have the Breyani as is (with the trimmings as per the recipe). I do now and then serve a simple tomato and onion salsa on the side.

Perfectly spiced Cape Chicken Breyani is a dinner dish loved by all ages

More Chicken dinner recipes you might like:

Cape Chicken Breyani

Cape Chicken Breyani

Cape Chicken Breyani

Linda Nortje
Perfectly spiced Cape Chicken Breyani is a dinner dish loved by all ages
4.93 from 13 votes
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Bake Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine South-African
Servings 6 Servings
Calories 383 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup Brown Lentils
  • 4 – 5 Chicken Fillets cut into big chunks
  • Salt and Freshly Black Pepper to taste
  • 1 cup Plain Yogurt
  • 2 teaspoons Curry Powder
  • ½ teaspoon Turmeric
  • ½ teaspoon Ground Cumin
  • ½ teaspoon Ground Coriander
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
  • 2 Onions halved and sliced
  • 2 Cinnamon Sticks
  • 6 Cardamom Pods husks removed and slightly crushed
  • 1 ½ cups Basmati Rice
  • 2 cups Chicken Stock
  • Salt and Black Pepper to taste

TO SERVE:

  • 4 Hard Boiled Eggs quartered
  • Sliced Banana optional
  • Fresh Cilantro for garnishing

Instructions
 

  • Place the Brown Lentils in a pot – cover with water, bring to the boil and simmer for approximately 20 minutes
  • Meanwhile, pre-heat the oven to 180 deg C (350 deg F) – Spray a large oven dish, with a lid, with cooking oil
  • Season the Chicken chunks with Salt and Pepper. Mix the Yogurt, Curry Powder, Turmeric, Cumin and Coriander – sprinkle over the Chicken until it is covered – put aside
  • Using a large skillet, saute the Onions in the Butter until soft and golden – add the Cinnamon and Cardamom – sizzle for 15 – 20 seconds – add the Rice and boiled Brown Lentils – stir and then add the Chicken Stock – season (if necessary) with Salt and Pepper
  • Transfer to the prepared oven dish and gently place the spiced Chicken chunks in the mixture – cover and bake for 50 - 60 minutes or until the Chicken is cooked through and the Rice has absorbed all the liquid
  • Garnish with Cilantro and serve with quartered Eggs and sliced Banana
Nutrition Facts
Cape Chicken Breyani
Serving Size
 
1 Servings
Amount per Serving
Calories
383
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
12
g
18
%
Saturated Fat
 
5
g
31
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
6
g
Cholesterol
 
209
mg
70
%
Sodium
 
440
mg
19
%
Carbohydrates
 
30
g
10
%
Fiber
 
3
g
13
%
Sugar
 
9
g
10
%
Protein
 
37
g
74
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Nutrition value, where given, is not always accurate. Please also check your ingredient labels.
Recipe Rating




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Diane

Saturday 19th of January 2013

These are the kinds of flavors my family likes. Pinning thanks for sharing it on foodie friday.

Adelina Priddis

Saturday 19th of January 2013

Bananas sound like a very interesting addition to this recipe. I've just started making curry style foods, so I'll have to try this out. pinning!

Susie @bowdabra

Friday 18th of January 2013

Thank you so much for stopping in and sharing your inspirational craft project with our Crafty Showcase last week! You rock!

We can't wait for you to stop in and share more of your ideas with us. The Crafty Showcase is open from Friday midnight until Thursday noon! http://bowdabrablog.com/

Thanks for the inspiration!Susie @Bowdabra

Bethany

Wednesday 16th of January 2013

Looks delicious! Love all the spices! Thanks so much for sharing at Wednesday's Adorned From Above Blog Hop. Debi and Charly @ Adorned From AboveBethany @ Whistle and Ivy

Natalie B.

Wednesday 16th of January 2013

Thanks so much, will be making this sometime this week :)Thanks for sharing over on Tutorial Thursdays.xNataliewww.marigoldsloft.blogspot.com

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