Marinate chicken or mutton with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric, coriander powder, salt, and biryani spices for at least 1 hour.
Heat oil and fry sliced onions until golden brown.
Add whole spices, tomatoes, potatoes, and the marinated meat. Cook until the meat is tender.
Mix in fresh mint, coriander, green chilies, and dried plums.
Cook basmati rice until it is about 70% done.
Layer the partially cooked rice over the meat mixture, sprinkle fried onions, mint, coriander, saffron milk (optional), and ghee.
Cover tightly and cook on low heat (dum) for 20–25 minutes. Gently fluff before serving.