Delicious plate of Butter Chicken Biryani garnished with herbs and spices

Rich Butter Chicken Biryani

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why make this recipe

Rich Butter Chicken Biryani gives you a warm, creamy, and spicy meal in one pot. It uses butter and cream for a soft, rich taste. The rice soaks up the sauce and the chicken stays tender. This dish feels special but you can make it at home with simple steps.

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introduction

This recipe blends butter chicken flavors with classic biryani style. Marinated chicken cooks with onions, tomatoes, and cream. Then you layer it with basmati rice and steam until done. If you like different butter chicken dishes, try the Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine for another simple idea.

how to make Rich Butter Chicken Biryani

Make the chicken first. Marinate it so it gets soft and full of taste. Cook the chicken with onions and tomatoes to build the sauce. Part-cook the rice separately. Layer the chicken and rice, then steam on low so the flavors join. Keep heat low so rice cooks without burning the bottom.

Ingredients :

  • 2 cups basmati rice
  • 500g chicken, cut into pieces
  • 1 cup yogurt
  • 2 onions, sliced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, grated
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/2 cup cream
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh coriander and mint leaves for garnish

Directions :

  1. Marinate the chicken in yogurt, garlic, ginger, garam masala, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt for at least 1 hour.
  2. In a large pot, melt butter and sauté sliced onions until golden brown.
  3. Add marinated chicken and cook until browned.
  4. Stir in tomatoes and cook until soft.
  5. Add cream and simmer for a few minutes.
  6. In a separate pot, cook basmati rice until 70% done.
  7. Layer chicken mixture and rice in a large pot, cover, and simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes to let flavors meld.
  8. Garnish with fresh coriander and mint leaves before serving.

how to serve Rich Butter Chicken Biryani

Serve hot with raita, a simple salad, or plain yogurt. For a light side dish that also has butter chicken taste, you can serve a pasta recipe like Garlic Butter Chicken and Bowtie Pasta alongside for variety. Garnish the biryani with fresh mint and coriander.

how to store Rich Butter Chicken Biryani

Cool the biryani to room temperature within two hours. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or cream, cover, and warm gently on the stove or microwave until hot. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe box for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

tips to make Rich Butter Chicken Biryani

  • Use good quality basmati rice for best aroma.
  • Do not overcook the rice in the separate pot; stop at 70% done.
  • Brown the onions well for deep flavor.
  • Use low heat for the final steam so the bottom does not burn.
  • For a quick twist, try the easy noodle option in One Pan Chicken Buttered Noodles for a simple weeknight meal.

variation (if any)

  • Make a vegetarian version with paneer or mixed vegetables instead of chicken.
  • Add saffron soaked in warm milk for a fragrant touch.
  • Use less cream or butter for a lighter dish.
  • Add peas or carrots to the layers for more color and texture.

FAQs

Q: Can I cook this in an oven?
A: Yes. After layering, cover the pot or use an oven-safe dish and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20–25 minutes until rice finishes cooking.

Q: Can I use brown rice?
A: You can, but brown rice needs more time and more liquid. It may change texture and cooking steps.

Q: How long should I marinate the chicken?
A: At least 1 hour. For best result, marinate 4–6 hours or overnight in the fridge.

Q: Can I make this less spicy?
A: Yes. Reduce the red chili powder or skip it. Garam masala will still give good flavor.

Q: Can I use boneless chicken?
A: Yes. Boneless cooks faster, so watch cooking time to avoid overcooking.

Conclusion

This Rich Butter Chicken Biryani is creamy, full of spice, and easy to make at home. For another rich butter chicken biryani idea, see this butter chicken biryani recipe for more inspiration.

Rich Butter Chicken Biryani

A warm, creamy, and spicy meal that blends butter chicken flavors with classic biryani style, all in one pot.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 500 g chicken, cut into pieces Boneless chicken can be used.
  • 2 cups basmati rice Use good quality for best aroma.
  • 1 cup yogurt For marinating chicken.
  • 2 tablespoons butter For sautéing onions.
  • 1/2 cup cream Can be adjusted for a lighter dish.
  • 2 onions sliced Brown well for enhanced flavor.
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, grated
  • 2 tomatoes chopped Adds to the sauce.
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder Adjust to taste for spice level.
  • to taste Salt
  • to garnish Fresh coriander and mint leaves For presentation.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Marinate the chicken in yogurt, garlic, ginger, garam masala, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt for at least 1 hour.
  2. In a large pot, melt butter and sauté sliced onions until golden brown.
  3. Add marinated chicken and cook until browned.
  4. Stir in tomatoes and cook until soft.
  5. Add cream and simmer for a few minutes.
  6. In a separate pot, cook basmati rice until 70% done.
Cooking
  1. Layer chicken mixture and partially cooked rice in a large pot, cover, and simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes.

Notes

Serve hot with raita, a salad, or plain yogurt. For a lighter side, serve alongside a pasta dish like Garlic Butter Chicken and Bowtie Pasta. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.