Creamy Malai Biryani – A Rich and Velvety Twist on Classic Biryani
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Introduction – A Creamy Upgrade to Traditional Biryani
Biryani has always been one of the most beloved dishes across South Asia. With its fragrant rice, tender chicken, and flavorful spices, it never fails to impress. But what if we told you there’s a way to make it even richer and more luxurious? Enter Creamy Malai Biryani – a recipe that combines the classic taste of biryani with the silky smoothness of malai (fresh cream).
This dish brings together layers of fluffy basmati rice, succulent cream-marinated chicken, and delicate spices. The result? A comforting, melt-in-your-mouth biryani perfect for dinner parties, family gatherings, or even a cozy weekend treat. Unlike traditional biryani, this recipe tones down the heat slightly while enhancing richness with cream and yogurt, making it a true crowd-pleaser.
Why Try Creamy Malai Biryani?
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It’s a unique twist on regular chicken biryani.
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The malai (cream) adds a velvety richness.
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Perfect for those who love less spicy, creamy dishes.
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Great for festive occasions or as a luxurious main course.
If you’ve always loved biryani but wanted something milder and creamier, this version is going to be your new favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For Chicken Marinade:
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500g chicken (boneless or bone-in, as you prefer)
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3 tbsp fresh cream (malai)
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½ cup yogurt
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1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
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½ tsp garam masala
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½ tsp black pepper
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Salt to taste
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1 green chili (finely chopped)
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Juice of ½ lemon
For Rice:
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2 cups basmati rice (soaked for 30 minutes)
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Whole spices (1 bay leaf, 2 cardamoms, 1 cinnamon stick)
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Salt to taste
For Layering:
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¼ cup fried onions
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2 tbsp cream
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Chopped coriander and mint leaves
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A few saffron strands soaked in warm milk
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a mixing bowl, add chicken, cream, yogurt, ginger garlic paste, spices, lemon juice, and green chili. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 1 hour. For deeper flavor, marinate overnight in the refrigerator.
2. Cook the Rice
Boil water with salt and whole spices. Add soaked basmati rice and cook until 90% done. Drain and keep aside. The rice will finish cooking later during the dum (steam) process.
3. Prepare the Chicken
Heat a pan and cook the marinated chicken until tender. The gravy should thicken and coat the chicken pieces. Add an extra spoon of cream if you want it even richer.
4. Layer the Biryani
Take a heavy-bottom pot. Start with a layer of rice, then add cooked chicken. Repeat layers and finish with rice on top. Garnish with fried onions, saffron milk, coriander, mint, and a drizzle of cream.
5. Dum Cooking
Cover the pot with a tight lid (or seal with dough for authentic flavor). Cook on very low heat (dum) for 15–20 minutes until all flavors blend beautifully.
Tips for Perfect Creamy Malai Biryani
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Use good quality basmati rice for long, fluffy grains.
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Fry onions golden brown for the best biryani aroma.
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Do not overcook rice; keep it slightly underdone before layering.
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Adjust spices to your liking – this version is mild and creamy, but you can add more chilies if you prefer it spicy.
What to Serve with Creamy Malai Biryani
This biryani pairs wonderfully with:
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Fresh cucumber or onion raita
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Green chutney
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A simple garden salad
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Pickles for a tangy contrast
Related Recipes You’ll Love
👉 Desi Chicken Steak with Creamy Mushroom Sauce – another comforting, creamy delight.
👉 Desi-Style Chicken Sliders – a perfect snack to go with festive meals.
Related Recipes You’ll Love
👉 Desi Chicken Steak with Creamy Mushroom Sauce – another comforting, creamy delight.
👉 Desi-Style Chicken Sliders – a perfect snack to go with festive meals.
https://blopost.com/desi-chicken-steak-mushroom-sauce/
https://blopost.com/desi-style-chicken-sliders/
💭 Final Thoughts
This Creamy Malai Biryani is not just a recipe – it’s an experience. Soft, flavorful, and irresistibly rich, it’s a must-try for those who love both biryani and creamy curries. Serve with raita or salad and enjoy compliments from every bite!