Briani Mauricien au Poulet (Layered Saffron, Mint & Crispy Onion Chicken Rice) – Authentic Mauritius Recipe

Ingredients for Briani Mauricien au Poulet (Layered Saffron, Mint & Crispy Onion Chicken Rice) (4 Servings)

• 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) yogurt-and-spice marinated chicken thighs, prepped into bite-sized pieces
• 1.5 cups golden pan-fried potato halves, washed and trimmed
• 1 cup fragrant basmati rice with crispy fried onions
• 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with saffron
• 1.5 tbsp traditional Mauritius seasoning (fresh mint and cilantro, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, ginger-garlic)
• 2.5 cups rich culinary stock or aromatic cooking liquid, plus 2 tbsp cooking oil

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a wide, heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet over medium heat; sauté the onion, garlic, and saffron until golden.
2. Add fresh mint and cilantro, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, ginger-garlic along with yogurt-and-spice marinated chicken thighs and golden pan-fried potato halves, searing for 4–5 minutes to build savory depth.
3. Stir in the rinsed grains/rice so every grain is coated in the spiced oil, then pour in warm stock.
4. Bring to a simmer, cover tightly with a lid, and cook on low heat for 18–20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and tender.
5. Rest off the heat for 5 minutes, fluff gently with a fork, and garnish with fragrant basmati rice with crispy fried onions.