Craving rich, aromatic biryani but short on time? This easy biryani recipe for busy days is the perfect solution. Packed with classic flavors, simple ingredients, and quick steps, it delivers all the comfort of traditional biryani without hours in the kitchen. Ideal for home cooks in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada, this recipe is beginner-friendly and weeknight-approved.
Why This Easy Biryani Recipe Works
Ready in about 30–40 minutes
Uses one pot or pressure cooker
No complicated marination
Flexible with chicken, vegetables, or paneer
Authentic taste with minimal effort
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients
2 cups basmati rice (washed and soaked 20 minutes)
2 tbsp oil or ghee
1 large onion, thinly sliced
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 cup yogurt
500 g chicken / vegetables / paneer
2½ cups water
Spices
1 bay leaf
3–4 cloves
2 green cardamom pods
1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
1 tsp biryani masala
½ tsp turmeric
1 tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)
Salt to taste
Optional Garnish
Fresh coriander
Mint leaves
Fried onions
Lemon wedges
Step-by-Step Easy Biryani Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Base
Heat oil or ghee in a deep pot. Add whole spices (bay leaf, cloves, cardamom). Sauté sliced onions until golden.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes & Spices
Add ginger-garlic paste and cook briefly. Stir in tomatoes, turmeric, chili powder, biryani masala, and salt. Cook until oil separates.
Step 3: Add Protein or Veggies
Add chicken, vegetables, or paneer. Mix well and cook for 5–7 minutes. Stir in yogurt and cook on low heat for 2 minutes.
Step 4: Add Rice & Water
Drain rice and add it to the pot. Pour in water, gently mix, and bring to a boil.
Step 5: Cook & Rest
Cover and simmer on low heat for 12–15 minutes until rice is cooked. Turn off heat and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Practical Tips for Busy Cooks
Use store-bought biryani masala for speed
Frozen vegetables work perfectly
A pressure cooker or Instant Pot saves time
Add a splash of rose water or kewra water for aroma
Leftovers taste even better the next day
Quick Variations
Vegetable Biryani
Swap chicken for mixed veggies like carrots, peas, beans, and potatoes.
Paneer Biryani
Use cubed paneer and reduce cooking time slightly.
Egg Biryani
Add boiled eggs at the final simmer stage.
What to Serve with Biryani
Cooling cucumber raita
Simple green salad
Pickles or chutney
Papad or naan
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking rice (keep grains separate)
Skipping soaking basmati rice
Using too much water
Stirring too often while cooking
Conclusion
This easy biryani recipe for busy days proves that you don’t need hours to enjoy a flavorful, satisfying meal. With simple ingredients and smart shortcuts, you can bring restaurant-style biryani to your table even on the busiest evenings.
Whether it’s a quick family dinner or meal prep for the week, this biryani recipe is a reliable, delicious choice you’ll come back to again and again 🍽️✨