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Cheese Topped Chicken Biryani

Cheese Topped Chicken Biryani

Every Eid, I try to add one new dish to the dinner table alongside our traditional favorites. Last year, while preparing biryani for family and friends, I wanted to create something different that would still keep the authentic biryani flavors everyone loves.

My younger son is a huge cheese lover and often asks if cheese can be added to almost every meal. That gave me the idea of combining two family favorites—classic chicken biryani and gooey melted cheese. At first, I wasn't sure how everyone would react because biryani is such a beloved traditional dish.

As the biryani baked in the oven, the aroma of saffron rice, spicy chicken, and bubbling cheese filled the entire kitchen. When I brought the dish to the table, everyone was curious. The first bite was enough to win everyone over. The cheese added a creamy richness without overpowering the authentic biryani flavor.

Since then, this Cheese Topped Chicken Biryani has become one of our special occasion meals. It is especially popular with children who sometimes find regular biryani too spicy. The melted cheese balances the spices beautifully and gives the dish a restaurant-style presentation that looks impressive yet is surprisingly easy to prepare.

If you're looking for a unique biryani recipe that combines comfort food with traditional flavors, this recipe is definitely worth trying. Whether you're serving it for Eid, a weekend family gathering, or simply treating your loved ones to something special, this cheesy biryani is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Unique fusion of traditional biryani and cheesy comfort food
  • Family-friendly and kid-approved
  • Perfect for Eid dinners and special occasions
  • Restaurant-style presentation
  • Easy to prepare ahead of time
  • Rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying
  • Excellent for large family gatherings
  • Customizable spice levels

Equipment Needed

  • Large cooking pot
  • Rice boiling pot
  • Deep biryani pot or baking dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • Oven or stovetop dum setup
  • Grater
Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 50 mins
Total Time 1 hr 20 mins
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses: ,
Difficulty: Intermediate
Calories: 510
Description

This Cheese Topped Chicken Biryani combines the rich aroma of traditional biryani with a delicious layer of melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for family dinners, Eid gatherings, or when you want to surprise everyone with something unique and indulgent.

Ingredients
    For the Chicken Masala
  • 1 kg chicken (bone-in preferred)
  • 3 tbsp cooking oil
  • 2 large onions, sliced
  • 2 tbsp ginger garlic paste
  • 3 tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 cup yogurt
  • 2 tsp red chili powder
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 2 tsp coriander powder
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • Salt to taste
  • 4 green chilies
  • ½ cup chopped fresh coriander
  • ¼ cup chopped mint leaves
    • For the Rice
  • 4 cups basmati rice
  • Water for boiling
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 4 green cardamoms
  • 4 cloves
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • Salt to taste
    • For Layering
  • 1 cup fried onions
  • ¼ cup mint leaves
  • ¼ cup coriander leaves
  • Few saffron strands soaked in 3 tbsp warm milk
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
    • Cheese Topping
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, grated
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp chili flakes
Instructions
    Prepare the Chicken Masala
  1. 1
    Heat oil in a large pot.
  2. 2
    Add sliced onions and fry until golden brown.
  3. 3
    Add ginger garlic paste and cook for 1 minute.
  4. 4
    Add tomatoes and cook until soft.
  5. 5
    Add yogurt, red chili powder, turmeric, coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala, and salt.
  6. 6
    Cook until oil separates.
  7. 7
    Add chicken and cook for 15-20 minutes until tender.
  8. 8
    Add green chilies, coriander, and mint.
  9. 9
    Set aside.
    10. Cook the Rice
  10. 10
    Wash and soak rice for 30 minutes.
  11. 11
    Boil water with bay leaves, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and salt.
  12. 12
    Add rice and cook until 70% done.
  13. 13
    Drain immediately.
    14. Assemble the Biryani
  14. 14
    Spread half the rice over the chicken layer.
  15. 15
    Add fried onions, mint, coriander, and saffron milk.
  16. 16
    Add remaining rice.
  17. 17
    Top with butter.
  18. 18
    Cover and cook on low heat for 20 minutes.
    19. Add the Cheese Topping
  19. 19
    Transfer biryani to an oven-safe dish if necessary.
  20. 20
    Mix mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
  21. 21
    Sprinkle evenly over the biryani.
  22. 22
    Add oregano and chili flakes.
  23. 23
    Bake at 200°C (390°F) for 8-10 minutes until melted and golden.
  24. 24
    Alternatively, cover and cook on very low heat until the cheese melts.
Note

Ingredient Notes

Chicken

Bone-in chicken provides the best flavor, but boneless chicken thighs can also be used.

Cheese

Mozzarella gives the perfect stretch while cheddar adds extra flavor. You can use pizza cheese blend as well.

Rice

Always use aged basmati rice for long fluffy grains.

Yogurt

Full-fat yogurt gives a richer texture.

Spice Level

Reduce green chilies and red chili powder for a milder version suitable for children.

Halal Option

All ingredients are naturally halal. Ensure packaged cheese contains halal-certified enzymes if required.

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Read it online: https://queennaush.com/recipe/cheese-topped-chicken-biryani/
Naush Shezi
Food and Lifestyle Blogger

Hi, I'm Naush, a full-time food blogger, mother of 2 wonderful boys and wife of a loving husband. I live in Sharjah, UAE with my family. I love traveling, sharing new recipes, and spending time with my family.