Authentic South Indian Idiyappam Biryani Recipe (String Hopper Chicken Biryani)
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Close-up of Chicken Idiyappam Biriyani on a banana leaf |
Idiyappam Biryani: Turn Leftovers into a Royal Meal (Quick String Hopper Recipe)
South Indian Chicken Biriyani with a Twist!
Idiyappam Biriyani, or String Hopper Biriyani, is where two South Indian favourites come together in one irresistible plate — delicate rice noodles meet spiced chicken masala! A quick-fix version of Biriyani, this recipe is perfect for turning leftover idiyappams into a royal meal. Whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this dish is a celebration in itself — comforting, aromatic, and loaded with nostalgic South Indian vibes.
If you love Biriyani, you must try this fusion!
Don't have leftover Idiyappam? Learn How to Make Soft, Fluffy Idiyappam (String Hoppers) from Scratch!
The South Indian Twist: Ultimate Idiyappam Biryani That Fussy Eaters Devour
The smell of Biriyani alone can turn any day into a celebration. Back home, no weekend was complete without the scent of ghee and spices wafting through the house. I first made this Idiyappam Chicken Biriyani when my kids came back from India raving about it — they’d tried it at a friend’s place and insisted I recreate it.
Now, they aren’t big fans of Idiyappam, but this version? They devoured it. That’s when I knew — this one’s a keeper.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick to Make: Ideal for when you’ve got leftover or store-bought idiyappams.
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Packed with Flavour: Ghee, mint, coriander, and tender chicken — enough said!
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Comfort Food with a Twist: The familiar Biriyani flavour but softer, lighter and beautifully aromatic.
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One-Pot Wonder: Everything blends together in one pan — perfect for busy days.
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Family Favourite: Even the fussy eaters won’t say no!
This Idiyappam Chicken Biriyani is a clever South Indian fusion recipe — a perfect leftover Idiyappam idea when you crave a quick Biriyani without rice.
Idiyappam Biriyani Recipe Overview:
- Cuisine - South Indian (Tamil Nadu)
- Course - Main
- Spice Level - Medium
- Difficulty - Medium
- Serves - 3–4
- Author - SM @ Essence of Life - Food
Time Estimate:
- Preparation Time - 25 – 30 Minutes
- Cooking Time - 30 – 45 Minutes
Craving More Biryani Grandeur? If you loved this quick, flavorful twist, explore a Complete Biryani Collection in Essence of Life - Food, featuring the rich, traditional Biriyani and more unforgettable weekend feasts!
How to Make Perfect Idiyappam Biryani at Home (Detailed Step-by-Step Guide)
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String Hopper Biryani with Chicken Curry side |
Ingredients for Idiyappam Chicken Biryani
To Cook Chicken:
- 1/2 Kg Chicken
- 1/2 Teaspoon Turmeric Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Red Chilli Powder
- 1/2 Teaspoon Garam Masala
- Salt to Taste
- 1/2 Cup Water
Whole Spices:
- 2 Sticks Cinnamon(1" piece)
- 5–6 Cloves
- 5–6 Cardamom
- 1 Teaspoon Fennel Seeds
- 1 Bay Leaf
For Idiyappam Biriyani:
- 4 cups Idiyappam shredded (cold or leftover works best)
- 1 Big Onion (finely chopped)
- 4-5 Green Chillies
- 1 Tablespoon Ginger
- 6–7 Cloves of Garlic
- 1 Big Tomato (chopped)
- 1/2 Teaspoon Turmeric Powder
- 2–3 Teaspoon Lemon Juice
- A handful of Coriander Leaves
- A handful of Mint Leaves
- 2 Tablespoons Ghee / Clarified Butter
- 2 Tablespoons Oil
- Salt to Taste
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Full spread of the Idiyappam Biriyani meal |
Method : Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Idiyappam
- Cook or steam Idiyappams and allow them to cool completely.
- Shred gently into fine strands.
- Use cold or refrigerated Idiyappam for best results.
Pro Tip: Never shred the Idiyappam when hot — it turns mushy and sticky, ruining the fluffy texture of the biryani.
Step 2: Cooking the Chicken
- Wash and cut the chicken into small pieces.
- Add turmeric, red chilli powder, garam masala, salt, and water.
- Cook until tender and juicy.
- Once cooked, set aside and reserve the stock.
Pro Tip: Marinate the chicken for 2–3 hours (or overnight) for enhanced flavour and succulence.
Step 3: Preparing the Biriyani Base
- Grind green chillies, ginger, and garlic into a fine paste.
- Heat ghee and oil together in a wide pan
- Add all the whole spices — let them splutter on low flame till fragrant.
- Add chopped onions and sauté till translucent.
- Add the ground paste and fry till raw smell disappears.
- Add turmeric powder, then the tomatoes — cook till soft and the oil separates.
- Stir in coriander and mint leaves.
- Add the cooked chicken pieces, mix gently, and adjust salt.
Pro Tip: Adding both ghee and oil gives that authentic, deep, restaurant-style texture and irresistible aroma.
Step 4: Combining It All - the Idiyappam Biriyani
- Add the shredded Idiyappam to the chicken masala.
- Mix gently without breaking the strands.
- Sprinkle lemon juice and toss well on low flame for 3–4 minutes.
- Let the flavours infuse completely before serving.
Pro Tip: Don’t over-mix — the joy of this Biriyani lies in soft, separate strands of Idiyappam coated with spicy masala.
Pro Tips & Notes
- Texture Secret: Always use refrigerated Idiyappam for the best texture that won't clump together.
- Shortcut Alert: Leftover chicken curry or roast works brilliantly for a super-quick version.
- Optional Rich Finish: A drizzle of coconut milk towards the end gives a rich finish (optional but heavenly).
- Vegetarian Twist: Absolutely! Substitute chicken with a colourful mix of vegetables like carrots, beans, green peas, cauliflower, or potatoes — just as you would for a classic Vegetable Biriyani (Find the full recipe here!). You can also try it with mushrooms, paneer, or soya chunks for a richer, protein-packed version.
Going Veggie? Don't miss out on the spice! Learn how to perfectly execute the vegetarian version by visiting a full collection of Classic Vegetable Biriyani Recipes for the best meatless results!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot with Raita - Curd Onion Salad (highly recommended!)
- A side of Chicken Curry or Empty Salna
- A chilled glass of Nannari Sarbath or Buttermilk balances the spice beautifully.
However you serve it — this dish always brings a sense of home, warmth, and those Sunday-lunch vibes back to the table.
Storage Suggestion
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate.
- Stays good for up to 2 days.
- Reheat with a splash of water or ghee to revive the softness.
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I make this Biriyani vegetarian?
- Absolutely! Substitute chicken with a colourful mix of vegetables like carrots, beans, green peas, cauliflower, or potatoes — just as you would for a classic Vegetable Biriyani. You can also try it with mushrooms, paneer, or soya chunks.
Q: Can I use store-bought Idiyappam?
- Yes, they work great — just ensure they’re not over-steamed or soggy.
Q: Can I make this Idiyappam Biriyani with Vermicelli/Semiya?
- Yes, absolutely! Just cook the vermicelli as per the packet instructions and drain well. You can follow the same masala and layering process. It turns out equally delicious — a lighter, quicker version of the traditional Idiyappam Biriyani.
Q: Can I use Rice Noodles instead of Idiyappam?
- Yes! I often make this same recipe — and even my Lemon Sevai — using rice noodles. They soak up the masala beautifully and give a lovely chewy texture. Perfect when you’re out of Idiyappam or just want to try something different.
Q: Can I skip the whole spices?
- You can, but you’ll lose that signature biryani fragrance.
Q: Is this a traditional dish?
- It’s a modern twist inspired by traditional Tamil flavours — comfort food meets creativity!
Recipes You Might Like
If you enjoyed this Idiyappam Biriyani, here are a few more comforting South Indian dishes you’ll love — each with its own story, spice, and soul
- Kappa Biriyani (Tapioca Biriyani) – A Kerala favourite made with mashed tapioca and spiced meat. Rustic, hearty, and pure nostalgia on a plate.
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Kothu Idiyappam – Think of it as Idiyappam’s wilder cousin — chopped, tossed, and bursting with flavours! (Coming soon!)
- Lemon Sevai / Lemon Idiyappam – A quick, tangy twist to the traditional string hoppers. Perfect for busy mornings or light dinners.
- Mutton Biriyani – My Style – My signature take on the royal biriyani — slow-cooked, aromatic, and indulgently rich.
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Fluffy texture of the String Hopper Biryani |
A Celebration on a Plate
There’s something utterly soulful about a recipe born from leftovers and love. This Idiyappam Biriyani brings together the simplicity of idiyappam and the grandeur of biriyani — humble roots, royal results. Whether you make it on a lazy Sunday or for a festive gathering, it’s bound to be the star on your table.
So next time you have some leftover Idiyappam — don’t just reheat. Reimagine it.
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