Low Carb Chicken Biryani | Caulifower Biryani Recipe

Low Carb Chicken Biryani is Keto Indian Food at its best. Cauliflower and ground chicken make up this spicy, delicious Cauliflower Biryani recipe.

I feel like a genius for having created a low carb "biryani" today, that tastes as good as one with rice, but without the rice. I've been wanting to do this for a while, but today's scale reading provided the impetus.

I came back from India with about 6 pounds to lose. I know. That's crazy for only being gone for a week. I was careful about portion control, but it was all carbs, and I can't eat carbs without gaining, no matter how little I eat. The good news is, I was expecting it, so I'd already planned to cut out carbs once I got home.

In a perfect world, I would eat biryani every day.

For every meal.

I love, love, love biryani.

But of course, it loves me too. Enough to cling lovingly to my hips and thighs forever. 

But, I can't eat rice all the time, so I'd had this idea percolating in the back of my head on how I'd make that biryani low carb.

Several of you also asked for a lower-carb version, and this morning, I came up with this Keto Chicken Biryani. It tastes very good.

Why You'll Love This Lovely Low Carb Recipe

Low Carb Chicken Biryani offers all the intoxicating spices and aromatic satisfaction of traditional biryani but with a lighter, healthier twist that fits into many dietary lifestyles.

• Low carb. All the beloved biryani flavors without the heavy carbs
• Packed with flavor. Richly seasoned chicken and fragrant spices in every bite
• One pot meal. Made in one pot for an easy cleanup
• Get creative. Customizable with vegetables and spice levels

A comforting, satisfying dish that proves you don’t need rice to enjoy authentic biryani goodness!

What Is Biryani?

Only just the best, more aromatic, tastiest, complex version of a meat and rice dish you've ever had. That is what a biryani is. In fact, if you're curious about biryanis and pulaos, you need to read my post on how to make chicken biryani right here. 

There's a veritable thesis on biryani vs. pulao in that post--very nerdy but hopefully also fun to read. 

Biryani is a popular Indian, Pakistani, or Bangladeshi one-pot dish. It’s generally made with rice and some kind of meat (like chicken, lamb etc) that is first cooked on the stove and then transitioned to the oven. It’s usually filled with all kinds of wonderful spices like saffron and is flavorful and delicious.

It is also crazy time-consuming as a rule. So of course, I have to come up with a variety of short cuts with this chicken and cauliflower recipe.

What Does It Taste Like?

Fortunately for us, cauliflower rice cooks quickly and if you are low carb, it will satisfy for your craving for a biryani, without all the carbs.

The main question for us all, however, is how does this taste? Are you going to eat my keto chicken biryani and think it's EXACTLY like a rice biryani?

Nope.

I know, I know! You were hoping I'd say this tastes JUST like a rice-based biryani.

What can I say? Nothing tastes exactly like real rice.

But you can come close with my low carb Indian Recipes.

Here's the bigger thing, though, and the question you should be asking yourself.

Is Cauliflower Biryani Good?

Yup! Yes, it does! When I'm craving a regular biryani, this takes care of my craving, and on some days, that's the best I can do. 

So yeah. It's not as good as biryani with rice, but for something that uses chicken and cauliflower rice instead of rice, I'm surprised at how well it hits the spot for biryani.

Roger is very good at providing honest feedback on my cooking because he knows I'm a perfectionist, and I'd rather redo things than blog something less than perfect.

He raved about this Low Carb Chicken Biryani, which makes me feel confident about it.

Is Chicken Biryani Good For Weight Loss?

Well, as I mentioned previously, traditional Chicken Biryani is not good for weight loss. At all. However, eating low carb is WONDERFUL for weight loss. So if you eat my Keto Biryani, you'll be pleasantly surprised at how good it is for weight loss.

Watch The Video

For those of you who are visual learners, I've included a short video here. 

For those who want a little more commentary on how I made this keto chicken biryani, head on over to my Youtube Channel where I've posted a slightly longer version for you.

Ingredients You'll Need

• 1 teaspoon Ghee- Adds rich, buttery flavor and helps brown the chicken.
• 1 pound Ground Chicken- A lean protein base that cooks quickly and absorbs spices well.
• 1 teaspoon Salt- Enhances seasoning and helps balance the bold spices.
• ½ teaspoon Turmeric- Provides warm flavor and the signature golden biryani color.
• 1 teaspoon Garam Masala- Brings traditional Indian spice complexity and aroma.
• ½ teaspoon Ground Coriander- Adds citrusy depth to the spice blend.
• ¼ teaspoon Ground Cumin- Brings earthy warmth and helps round out the overall flavor.
• 1 Red Onion- Adds sweetness and savory base notes to the biryani.
• 1 Jalapeño Pepper- Provides adjustable heat and fresh spice.
• 1 teaspoon Ginger Garlic Paste- Infuses bold, aromatic punch essential to biryani flavor.
• ½ cup Water- Helps steam and soften the cauliflower rice while cooking the mixture together.
• ½ cup Cilantro-Brings bright, herbal freshness throughout the dish.
• ¼ cup Mint Leaves- Traditional biryani flavor that adds cool, fragrant contrast.
• 2 cups Cauliflower Rice- A low-carb alternative to basmati rice that absorbs spices while keeping the dish light and healthy.

How To Make Low Carb Chicken Biryani

Even though the original chicken biryani is made in the Instant Pot, I made this on the stovetop because I didn't want to overcook it in the Instant Pot. So here are the steps:

1. Pour some ghee into a skillet.
2. Add in onions and brown well. Then, add in the minced ginger, jalapenos, and garlic.
3. Add in ground chicken and mix well. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
4. Toss in all the spices at this point and sauté for a few minutes to toast and mix the spices.
5. Add in the riced cauliflower and mix well.
6. Mix in the chopped cilantro and mint mixture.
7. Mix well, and cover with a lid. Cook until the cauliflower is al dente, and not mushy.
8. Squeeze in a fresh burst of lemon juice, and serve.

Tips and Tricks

Crafting a delicious Low Carb Chicken Biryani is all about boosting flavor and maintaining the perfect texture, even without traditional rice. Here are some expert tips to help you make it irresistible:

• To "next level" this biryani, you can add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cayenne as well. 
• Feel free to use ground turkey, ground beef, or ground lamb with this dish.
• You cannot make Instant Pot cauliflower rice, unless you want mushy cauliflower. It cooks so quickly on the stovetop, it's really much faster, and much tastier this way. I used my Greenpan Magneto skillet for this.
• Watch the video to see how easy this is to make. It will take you longer to chop everything than it will take to cook it, so don't hesitate to make this!

Variations

Low Carb Chicken Biryani is wonderfully adaptable, letting you tailor the spice level, protein, and veggie mix to match your cravings. Try one of these tempting variations:

• Paneer Biryani- Swap chicken for cubed paneer to make a satisfying vegetarian version.
• Extra Veggie Power- Add spinach, bell peppers, or green beans for more nutrients and color.
• Creamy Coconut Twist- Stir in a splash of coconut milk for a richer, mildly sweet biryani.
• Spicy Vindaloo Style- Add extra jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne for fiery heat.

What To Eat With Low Carb Biryani

Low Carb Chicken Biryani is full of bold spices and savory richness, so pairing it with fresh, cooling sides makes the perfect balanced meal. Here are some tasty options to serve alongside it:

• Tomato Raita for a creamy, refreshing complement
• Indian Cabbage Slaw for crunch and brightness
• Roasted or Air-Fried Vegetables to keep things low carb and satisfying
• Pickled Red Onions to add tangy contrast
• Mint Chutney for a burst of herbal freshness

How Long Does It Last?

Low Carb Chicken Biryani stores well, making it a great meal prep option.

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days, and reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to preserve the texture of the cauliflower rice.

Can You Freeze It?

If you want to extend its life, you can freeze the biryani for up to 2–3 months. Just thaw your leftovers overnight in the fridge before warming them back up.

More Indian Recipes You'll Love

• Instant Pot Paneer biryani is a great side dish that's also vegetarian.
• Pressure Cooker Chicken Biryani- Make an authentic tasting Biryani in your Instant Pot without dirtying every dish in the house!
• Instant Pot Kacchi Lamb Dum Biryani. It gives you the authentic taste of lamb biryani with half the work and no packaged spices!

If you love this Low Carb Chicken Biryani recipe as much as I do (and trust me, that's A LOT) make sure you share it with your friends on Facebook and Pinterest so you can make Cauliflower Biryani again soon.

Don't forget to check out my other Keto cookbooks.

Keto Instant Pot, Keto Fat Bombs, Sweets, & Treats, and Easy keto in 30 minutes.