Get ready to experience the rich, aromatic flavors of a classic Chicken Biryani without the carbs! This incredible Instant Pot recipe swaps traditional rice for tender cauliflower florets, creating a dish that’s both keto-friendly and deeply satisfying. We marinate tender chicken thighs in a fragrant blend of cream and spices, then pressure cook everything to perfection for a one-pot wonder that will become a staple in your low-carb meal rotation. It’s all the flavor you love, made easy and healthy.
Ingredients
• 1 lb / 450g chicken thighs, skin-on
• 2 cups / 200g cauliflower, chopped into small florets
• 2 small onions, finely chopped
• 2 cups / 475ml chicken stock
• 1 ½ cups / 355ml heavy cream
• 2 tbsp / 30ml apple cider vinegar
• 3 tbsp / 45g ghee
• Spices
• 2 tsp / 4g turmeric powder
• 2 tsp / 4g coriander powder
• 1 tsp / 2g ground mace
• 1 tsp / 2g ground cloves
• ½ tsp / 1g chili powder
• ¼ tsp / 0.5g chili flakes
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 bay leaves
Instructions
1. Directions
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, apple cider vinegar, and all the spices (turmeric, coriander, mace, ground cloves, chili powder, chili flakes, cinnamon sticks, and bay leaves).
3. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
4. In a small, oven-safe dish that fits inside your Instant Pot, melt 1 tbsp of ghee and toss with the chopped onions and cauliflower florets.
5. Arrange the marinated chicken thighs and pour any remaining marinade over the cauliflower and onions. Tightly cover the dish with aluminum foil.
6. Place the trivet in the inner pot of the Instant Pot and pour in the 2 cups of chicken stock.
7. Carefully lower your foil-covered dish onto the trivet.
8. Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the steam release handle to the ‘Sealing’ position. Select the ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ button and set the timer for 25 minutes on high pressure.
9. Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a quick release by carefully moving the steam release handle to the ‘Venting’ position. Once the pin drops, open the lid.
10. Carefully remove the dish, discard the foil, and serve the biryani immediately.
Nutritional Information
• Per Serving (approximate)
• Calories: 444
• Total Fats: 30g
• Net Carbs: 5.6g
• Protein: 35.5g
• Fiber: 2g
Pro Tips
• For the most tender and flavorful results, marinate the chicken for at least 8 hours, or overnight.
• To prevent the cauliflower from becoming mushy, ensure your florets are uniform in size and not too small.
• For a richer flavor, use the ‘Sauté’ function on your Instant Pot to brown the onions in ghee directly in the inner pot before adding them to your baking dish.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro, mint leaves, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten the flavors before serving.
FAQ
Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for this recipe
A: Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breast. However, chicken thighs are recommended as they remain more tender and juicy during pressure cooking. If using chicken breast, you may want to slightly reduce the cooking time to 20 minutes to prevent it from drying out.
Q: Why is this biryani cooked in a separate dish inside the Instant Pot
A: This recipe uses the ‘Pot-in-Pot’ (PIP) method. Cooking the biryani in a separate, foil-covered dish on a trivet prevents the creamy marinade from scorching on the bottom of the inner pot and keeps the cauliflower from becoming overly mushy from direct contact with the liquid.
Q: Is it necessary to marinate the chicken overnight
A: For the most tender and deeply flavorful results, marinating overnight is highly recommended. However, if you are short on time, a minimum of 4 hours will still yield a delicious and aromatic biryani.
Q: How can I make this keto biryani without an Instant Pot
A: You can bake this dish in the oven. Prepare the recipe in an oven-safe dish as instructed, cover it tightly with foil, and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through.
