Join me, Anne from Beyond the Bayou Blog, on a nostalgic journey as we indulge in the familiar and comforting flavors of my cherished family recipeâ€”Keto Chicken Biryani.

Designed with health-conscious individuals in mind, this dish combines the rich flavors of traditional biryani with the principles of a ketogenic diet.

Packed with tender chicken, fragrant spices, and cauliflower rice, this recipe offers a low-carb alternative without compromising on taste.

Follow along to discover how to create this delightful and nutritious meal that will satisfy your cravings while keeping you on track with your keto lifestyle.

What Is Chicken Biryani?

Biryani is a beloved rice dish made with fragrant Indian spices and your choice of meat (such as chicken, beef, goat, lamb, fish, or prawns) or eggs or vegetables (like potato, mushroom, baby corn, cauliflower, paneer, etc.).

The meat (or eggs or vegetables) and rice are first cooked separately. They are then layered together and cooked further to blend the aromatic flavors into the rice.

Why You Will Love This Recipe?

Tender and Juicy Chicken: By parboiling the cauliflower rice, the Chicken Biryani can be steamed instead of boiled, which ensures the chicken remains tender and juicy.
Depth of Flavor: Marinating the chicken and then browning it guarantees that the meat is seasoned throughout. The Maillard reaction during browning adds complex, rich flavors, making the dish more delicious.
Umami and Sweetness: Properly caramelizing the fried onions contributes a significant umami boost and a hint of sweetness. This sweet-savory balance enhances the overall taste, creating a delightful contrast with the spicy and savory chicken.
Keto-Friendly: This recipe substitutes traditional rice with cauliflower rice, making it suitable for a keto diet without compromising on the rich, authentic flavors of a classic biryani.

Overview: How To Make Chicken Biryani?

Chicken biryani is a delicious and easy-to-make dish thatâ€™s bursting with flavors. Perfect for dinner or lunch, this recipe combines marinated chicken and aromatic rice cooked with spices, making it a go-to meal for any occasion. Whether you’re a fan of Andhra, Hyderabadi, or Punjabi cuisine, this biryani brings the best of Indian culinary traditions to your table.

Start by washing and soaking basmati rice, then cook it until itâ€™s 80% done. Meanwhile, marinate chicken thighs with turmeric, red chili powder, salt, and lemon juice. This step ensures the chicken is well-seasoned and tender. In a large pan, sautÃ© spices like cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, bay leaves, and cumin seeds to create a fragrant base. Add the marinated chicken, along with garlic, ginger, and green chilies, and cook until the chicken is browned and flavorful.

Next, incorporate chopped onions, tomatoes, cilantro, mint leaves, and tandoori masala into the pan, mixing well to blend the flavors. Spread this mixture evenly in the pan, then layer the partially cooked rice on top. Garnish with more mint and cilantro, add a bit of butter or ghee, sprinkle additional masala, and splash with water. Cover the pan and cook on low heat for about 20 minutes, allowing the rice to fully absorb the flavors and cook through.

Serve this delectable biryani hot, enjoying the tender chicken, fragrant rice, and the harmonious blend of spices. This recipe serves four people and is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Try More Chicken Recipes!

Tips You Should Try!

Parboil Cauliflower Rice Correctly: To get the right texture for your keto biryani, parboil the cauliflower rice until it’s just tender but not fully cooked. This way, it can steam perfectly without becoming mushy.
Marinate Longer for Depth: Marinating the chicken overnight (or at least a few hours) allows the spices to penetrate deeper, giving you more flavorful and tender chicken.
Browning is Key: When browning the chicken, make sure the pan is hot enough. This step not only adds a beautiful color but also enhances the flavor through the Maillard reaction.
Onions Make the Difference: Caramelize the onions slowly over medium heat. This process canâ€™t be rushed as it brings out the sweetness and adds a rich umami flavor to the dish.
Layer with Care: When layering the chicken and cauliflower rice, ensure you spread the base masala evenly. This ensures each bite is balanced with spices, chicken, and rice.
Seal in the Steam: For the final steaming, use a tight-fitting lid or seal the pot with foil to trap the steam. This technique helps in cooking the biryani evenly and keeps the chicken moist.
Fresh Spices are a Must: Always use freshly ground spices and fresh ginger-garlic paste. The difference in aroma and flavor is noticeable and will take your biryani to the next level.
Donâ€™t Skip the Herbs: Garnish with plenty of fresh cilantro and mint leaves. These herbs add a refreshing contrast to the rich and spicy flavors of the biryani.
Adjust Acidity: Taste the masala base before assembling and adjust the salt and lemon juice as needed. The right balance of acidity will enhance the overall flavor.
Resting Period: After cooking, let the biryani rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and makes it easier to serve without breaking the layers.

What to Serve with Keto Chicken Biryani?

Storage Tips for Chicken Biryani

Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken biryani in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for a few minutes, covered, and enjoy.

What Rice Can Be Used to Parpare Biryani?

Basmati rice is the preferred choice for making biryani due to its distinct aroma and long grains. Among the various types available, aged basmati rice is often favored over newly harvested ones, as it tends to be more flavorful and cooks to a fluffy texture.

If Basmati is not available, you can use other varieties like Jeera rice or Jasmine rice. However, these alternatives are smaller in size and starchier than Basmati. When using non-Basmati rice, it is best to let the rice cool to room temperature after partial cooking before incorporating it into the biryani for final cooking.

Should We Use Yogurt to Marigate the Chicken?

Yogurt is definitely recommended if you are using chicken breast in the biryani. If you are using only chicken thighs and drumsticks, yogurt can be skipped.