15 Biryani Recipes: Delightful Variations for Every Occasion

Biryani is a beloved rice dish known for its rich flavors and unique preparation methods. Originating from the Indian subcontinent, it combines fragrant rice with meat or vegetables and a blend of aromatic spices. Exploring various biryani recipes allows you to discover new tastes and cooking techniques that can impress your family and friends.

With so many regional variations, you can enjoy different styles of biryani that showcase local ingredients and traditions. Whether you prefer a classic chicken biryani or a vegetarian version, there’s a recipe that’s perfect for your palate. Get ready to dive into the delicious world of biryani and create a meal that will delight everyone at your table.

1) Homestyle Chicken Biryani

Homestyle Chicken Biryani is a delicious and comforting dish. You will love how the spices blend with the tender chicken and fragrant basmati rice. Marinating the chicken overnight is key for flavor.

Start by cooking the rice until it’s just tender. In another pot, cook marinated chicken with onions and spices until it’s juicy. Layer the chicken and rice, then cook on low heat to let the flavors meld.

This biryani is perfect for family meals and celebrations.

Ingredients

• 2 cups basmati rice
• 1 lb chicken, cut into pieces
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 3 tablespoons yogurt
• 2 teaspoons ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 2 teaspoons biryani masala
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup fried onions

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate chicken with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, and biryani masala.
2. Soak basmati rice in water for 30 minutes, then drain.
3. Cook rice in boiling water until 70% done, then drain.
4. In a pot, sauté onions until golden brown; add chicken and cook until done.
5. Layer the chicken and rice in the pot.
6. Cover and cook on low heat for 20-25 minutes.
7. Garnish with cilantro and fried onions before serving.

2) Restaurant-Style Biryani

If you want to recreate the magic of restaurant-style biryani at home, you’re in luck. This dish is packed with bold flavors and spices that make it a favorite. You can easily adapt it to use chicken, vegetables, or lamb.

To start, gather your ingredients. You will need basmati rice, marinated meat or vegetables, yogurt, and a mix of spices like cumin and cardamom. Fresh herbs like cilantro and mint add a nice touch.

When it comes to cooking, you’ll typically start by frying the onions until golden brown. Then, layer the marinated meat or veggies with the rice. Add water and cook covered at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes. This slow cooking helps all the flavors blend beautifully.

Ingredients

• Basmati rice
• Marinated chicken, lamb, or mixed vegetables
• Yogurt
• Spices (cumin, cardamom, etc.)
• Fresh herbs (cilantro, mint)
• Onions
• Water

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pot and fry onions until golden.
2. Add marinated chicken, lamb, or veggies and cook until browned.
3. Layer soaked basmati rice over the meat or veggies.
4. Mix yogurt and spices, then spread over rice.
5. Pour in the water and bring to a boil.
6. Cover and reduce heat to 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes.
7. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve.

3) Pakistani Chicken Biryani

Pakistani Chicken Biryani is a flavorful dish that combines aromatic spices, tender chicken, and basmati rice. It is popular for festive occasions and family gatherings.

You will need fragrant spices like cumin, cardamom, and cloves to give it that authentic taste. Using biryani masala is also common for extra flavor.

Start by marinating chicken with spices and yogurt. This makes the chicken tender and adds lots of flavor.

Next, prepare the basmati rice separately, ensuring it’s cooked perfectly. Layer it with the chicken for a beautiful presentation that is sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 2 cups basmati rice
• 1 pound chicken, cut into pieces
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup yogurt
• 2 tablespoons biryani masala
• Whole spices (cumin, cardamom, cloves)
• 1/4 cup oil or ghee
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate chicken with yogurt and biryani masala for at least 30 minutes.
2. Heat oil in a pot and sauté sliced onions until golden.
3. Add marinated chicken and cook until browned.
4. Stir in chopped tomatoes and cook until soft.
5. In a separate pot, boil water and add soaked basmati rice.
6. Cook rice until 70% done, then drain.
7. Layer the rice over the chicken in the pot.
8. Cover and cook on low heat for about 20 minutes (350°F or 175°C).
9. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.

4) Dum Pukht Chicken Biryani

Dum Pukht Chicken Biryani is a rich and flavorful dish. This recipe uses a slow-cooking method in a sealed pot. It ensures that the spices and chicken flavors blend perfectly.

To start, you’ll marinate the chicken with yogurt and spices. This step adds a lot of taste and keeps the meat tender. The basmati rice is cooked separately before layering it with the marinated chicken.

The sealing process traps the steam, enhancing the aroma and flavor. You can enjoy this dish with raita or salad on the side.

Ingredients

• 500g bone-in chicken, cut into pieces
• 2 cups basmati rice, soaked for 30 minutes
• 1 cup yogurt
• 2 onions, thinly sliced and fried until golden brown
• 5-6 dried red chilies
• Whole spices (coriander, cumin, cardamom, clove, cinnamon, black pepper)
• Turmeric powder
• Red chili powder
• Garam masala
• Salt
• Lemon juice

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken with yogurt, lemon juice, turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Cook the soaked basmati rice in boiling water for about 5-7 minutes until partially cooked. Drain and set aside.
3. In a heavy pot, layer the marinated chicken and cooked rice. Top with fried onions and whole spices.
4. Seal the pot with dough or a tight lid. Cook on low heat for about 45 minutes (around 180°F or 82°C).
5. Once done, fluff the biryani gently before serving. Enjoy!

5) Awadhi Mutton Biryani

Awadhi Mutton Biryani is a classic Indian dish known for its rich flavors and fragrant rice. This biryani is typically made with marinated mutton, which adds depth to every bite.

You will enjoy the irresistible aroma while it cooks. Traditional spices and herbs blend together beautifully, making it a favorite for special occasions.

To prepare, you will need some essential ingredients and steps to guide you.

Ingredients

• 500g mutton, cut into pieces
• 1 cup yogurt
• 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 cup fried onions
• 3 cups basmati rice
• 4 cups water
• 4 tablespoons ghee

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate the mutton with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, and spices for at least 1 hour.
2. Heat ghee in a large pot and add the marinated mutton. Cook until browned.
3. Add water and bring to a boil. Then simmer until the mutton is tender.
4. In a separate pot, boil the rice in salted water until 70% cooked. Drain.
5. Layer the partially cooked rice over the mutton. Add fried onions.
6. Cover and cook on low heat for 30 minutes. Serve hot.

6) Malabar Fish Biryani

Malabar Fish Biryani is a tasty dish that comes from Kerala, India. It combines fish with aromatic rice and spices. This dish is perfect for lunch or dinner.

To make it, you first pan-fry the fish to enhance its flavor. Then, you layer it with partially cooked rice and special masalas. The cooking process allows the flavors to mix beautifully.

This biryani is not just delicious; it’s also quite simple to prepare. It pairs well with raita or mint chutney.

Ingredients

• 500g fish (your choice, like salmon or Tilapia)
• 2 cups basmati rice
• 2 onions, sliced
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 3 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 3 tablespoons oil
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the basmati rice and soak it for 30 minutes.
2. Heat oil in a pan, add sliced onions, and fry until golden brown.
3. Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a minute.
4. Mix in turmeric, garam masala, and chopped tomatoes; cook until soft.
5. Fry the fish in the same pan for about 5 minutes on each side.
6. Layer the fish over partially cooked rice in a pot.
7. Cover and cook on low heat for about 20 minutes.
8. Garnish with fresh coriander before serving.

7) Shrimp Biryani

Shrimp Biryani is a delightful dish that combines succulent shrimp with fragrant basmati rice. The dish is known for its aromatic spices, which include cardamom and cloves.

You start by marinating the shrimp with spices and yogurt, enhancing the flavors. Next, you layer the marinated shrimp with sautéed onions and rice, adding saffron for a touch of color.

Cooking it slowly allows all the flavors to meld together. You can enjoy this dish with fresh cilantro and mint on top. It’s a favorite for gatherings and special occasions.

Ingredients

• 1 lb shrimp, cleaned and deveined
• 2 cups basmati rice
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• Spices: cardamom, cloves, and saffron
• 1 cup yogurt
• Fresh cilantro and mint for garnish
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate the shrimp with yogurt, spices, and salt for 30 minutes.
2. Rinse the basmati rice and soak it for 30 minutes.
3. Heat oil in a pan and sauté the onions until golden brown.
4. Add ginger-garlic paste and cooked shrimp for 3-4 minutes.
5. Layer shrimp mixture with the soaked rice in a pot.
6. Add saffron and water (1:1 rice to water) to the pot.
7. Cover and cook on low heat for 25 minutes.
8. Garnish with cilantro and mint before serving.

8) Vegetable Biryani Delight

Vegetable Biryani is a colorful and flavorful dish that brings the essence of Indian cuisine to your table. It’s made with fragrant basmati rice, a variety of vegetables, and a blend of spices. You can enjoy this meal as a main dish.

To make it even better, add some herbs like cilantro and mint. These add freshness and aroma, enhancing the overall flavor. Fried onions on top give it that extra crunch you’ll love.

You can prepare this dish in a simple pot or use a pressure cooker for a quicker option. It’s a versatile recipe that can suit any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a celebration.

Ingredients

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, potatoes, etc.)
• 1 onion (sliced)
• 2 tablespoons ghee or oil
• 1 tablespoon biryani masala
• Fresh cilantro and mint
• Salt to taste
• Water

Cooking Instructions

1. Wash and soak the basmati rice in water for 30 minutes.
2. Heat ghee or oil in a pot over medium heat.
3. Add sliced onions and cook until golden.
4. Add mixed vegetables and sauté for a few minutes.
5. Stir in biryani masala and salt.
6. Add soaked rice and 2 cups of water (about 475 ml).
7. Bring to a boil, then cover and cook on low heat for 20 minutes.
8. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

9) Kerala Chicken Biryani

Kerala Chicken Biryani is a flavorful and aromatic dish that showcases the rich culinary traditions of Kerala. This recipe brings together tender chicken, fragrant spices, and fluffy rice.

To prepare, you will marinate the chicken with spices. Let it sit for one to two hours in the refrigerator. This step helps enhance the flavor.

You will cook the rice separately and then layer it with the chicken. Adding fried onions, mint, and coriander elevates the dish. Bake it for a unique texture and taste.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (½ kg) chicken
• 2 cups kaima rice (Jeerakasala rice)
• 1 cup onions (2 medium-sized)
• ½ cup tomatoes
• 3-4 tablespoons ghee
• Spices (bay leaves, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, star anise)
• Fresh coriander and mint leaves
• Cashews and raisins (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate chicken pieces with spices for 1-2 hours.
2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
3. Cook rice until parboiled.
4. Layer rice and chicken in a baking dish.
5. Add fried onions, spices, and herbs between the layers.
6. Drizzle with ghee.
7. Bake for 30-40 minutes.

10) Kolkata Biryani

Kolkata Biryani is a flavorful dish that has roots in Bengali cuisine. It is known for its special blend of spices and the inclusion of potatoes and eggs. This biryani features aromatic basmati rice and tender chicken, making it a delight for your taste buds.

To prepare Kolkata Biryani, you’ll layer marinated chicken with partially cooked rice. This method allows the flavors to infuse as it cooks. The addition of saffron gives it a beautiful color and fragrance.

Ingredients

• 2 cups basmati rice
• 500 grams chicken, cut into pieces
• 2 medium potatoes
• 2 boiled eggs
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 3-4 tablespoons ghee
• 1 teaspoon saffron
• 1 cup yogurt
• Spices (cumin, cardamom, cloves, bay leaf)
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak rice for 30 minutes and drain.
2. Marinate chicken with yogurt, spices, and salt for at least 1 hour.
3. Boil potatoes until partially cooked and peel them.
4. Heat ghee in a pot and sauté onions until golden.
5. Add marinated chicken and cook until tender.
6. Layer chicken, rice, boiled eggs, and potatoes.
7. Dissolve saffron in warm water and sprinkle over the top.
8. Cover tightly and cook on low heat for 30 minutes (275°F or 135°C).
9. Serve hot and enjoy!

11) Lucknowi Biryani

Lucknowi Biryani, also known as Awadhi Biryani, is a fragrant rice dish from Lucknow. This biryani is light and mildly flavored, making it unique. It features layers of aromatic rice and mixed vegetables or meat, cooked slowly to bring out the flavors.

The cooking method, called dum, involves sealing the pot to trap steam. This keeps the ingredients moist and flavorful. You’ll love how the spices blend together, creating a comforting meal.

Ingredients

• Basmati rice
• Mixed vegetables or chicken
• Yogurt
• Fresh herbs (like mint and cilantro)
• Spices (such as saffron, cardamom, and cloves)
• Onion
• Ginger-garlic paste
• Ghee or oil
• Salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse and soak the basmati rice for 30 minutes.
2. Prepare your marinade with yogurt, spices, and the choice of meat or vegetables.
3. Sauté onions in ghee until golden brown.
4. Layer the marinated meat or vegetables in a pot.
5. Add the soaked rice on top and sprinkle herbs.
6. Seal the pot and cook on low heat for 30-40 minutes (around 160°F/70°C).

12) Hyderabadi Biryani

Hyderabadi Biryani is a famous dish known for its rich flavors and unique cooking style. It combines marinated chicken with fragrant basmati rice, creating a delicious meal. You will enjoy the blend of spices and the tender texture of the meat.

The cooking method involves layering partially cooked rice over the marinated chicken. You then cook it on low heat to trap the steam, which enhances the aroma. This traditional dish is often served at special occasions and gatherings.

Ingredients

• Basmati rice
• Chicken, cut into pieces
• Yogurt
• Onions, sliced and fried
• Ginger-garlic paste
• Green chilies
• Fresh herbs (mint and cilantro)
• Saffron (optional)
• Spices (cumin, cardamom, bay leaf, etc.)
• Ghee or oil
• Salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate chicken with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, and spices.
2. Soak basmati rice for 30 minutes.
3. Parboil the rice and drain.
4. Layer marinated chicken in a pot.
5. Add parboiled rice on top of the chicken.
6. Sprinkle fried onions and fresh herbs.
7. Drizzle ghee or oil, adding saffron if using.
8. Cover and cook on low heat for 45-50 minutes (about 180°F or 82°C).
9. Serve hot and enjoy!

13) Bohri Biryani

Bohri Biryani is a special dish from the Dawoodi Bohra community. It is known for its unique flavors and milder spice compared to other types of biryani.

This biryani usually features tender chicken and fragrant rice. It includes green chilies for a gentle heat, rather than the intense spices found in Hyderabadi biryani.

To prepare Bohri Biryani, you marinate meat with ginger, garlic, and spices. The rice is layered on top and cooked on low heat to blend the flavors.

Ingredients

• Basmati rice
• Chicken
• Ginger garlic paste
• Green chilies
• Cream
• Fried onions
• Mint leaves
• Spices (like cumin, cardamom)
• Salt
• Ghee or oil
• Water

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate chicken with ginger garlic paste and spices for 2-3 hours.
2. Heat ghee or oil and fry onions until golden.
3. Add marinated chicken and stir until cooked through.
4. Mix in cream and a little water.
5. Add mint, fried onions, and green chilies.
6. Layer soaked rice on top and cook on low heat until done.

14) Bombay Biryani

Bombay Biryani is a flavorful rice dish that combines tender marinated meat with aromatic basmati rice. It’s known for its unique blend of spices, including saffron and garam masala. You can also add potatoes for extra texture.

To make it, you can either bake it in the oven or cook it on the stovetop. The cooking method can affect the flavors, so feel free to try both styles.

Ingredients

• Basmati rice
• Chicken or lamb
• Potatoes
• Saffron
• Garam masala
• Fried onions
• Salt
• Water

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak basmati rice for 30 minutes.
2. Marinate meat with spices for at least an hour.
3. Boil water in a pot and add salt.
4. Cook potatoes until just tender, then drain.
5. Layer the marinated meat, rice, and potatoes in a pot or baking dish.
6. Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 30 to 35 minutes or dum cook on stovetop for the same time.

15) Sindhi Biryani

Sindhi Biryani is a flavorful and aromatic rice dish that you will enjoy making. This dish can be prepared with mutton, beef, or chicken. It features a special blend of spices, making it unique.

You will add tomatoes and potatoes for a twist. This adds a rich taste and fluffy texture to the rice. The use of prunes gives it a subtle sweetness.

To prepare Sindhi Biryani, you will start by frying onions until golden brown. Then, you mix in garlic, ginger, and a variety of spices. Finally, layer the meat and rice together to cook.

Ingredients

• Basmati rice
• Mutton, beef, or chicken
• Onions
• Tomatoes
• Potatoes
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Spices (like cumin, cloves, and cardamom)
• Prunes
• Bay leaves

Cooking Instructions

1. Fry sliced onions in oil until golden.
2. Reserve 1/4 of the onions.
3. Add garlic, ginger, tomatoes, and spices to the remaining onions.
4. Then, incorporate meat and cook until tender.
5. Layer cooked rice and potatoes with the meat.
6. Cook until the rice is fluffy.