How many calories in 250 chicken biryani?

October 29, 2025 •

2 min read

According to nutritional data from various sources, a standard 250g serving of chicken biryani contains approximately 320 to 400 calories. This caloric value can fluctuate significantly based on preparation methods and ingredients, which is a key factor for anyone watching their intake.

Quick Summary

A 250g serving of chicken biryani typically ranges from 320-400 calories, varying greatly based on ingredients like fat content, chicken cut, and recipe style. The article details the nutritional breakdown and offers practical tips for reducing calories and managing portion sizes.

Key Points

Calorie Range: A 250g serving of chicken biryani typically contains approximately 320 to 400 calories.
Recipe Matters: The exact calorie count depends on the cooking method, type of chicken, and amount of oil or ghee used.
Healthier Swaps: Opt for skinless chicken breast, brown rice, and minimal fat to significantly reduce the calorie content.
Portion Control is Key: Even with a healthier recipe, managing your portion size is critical for staying within dietary goals.
High in Protein: Chicken biryani is a good source of protein, which supports muscle growth and keeps you feeling full longer.
Antioxidant Spices: Many spices in biryani, like turmeric and ginger, have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that offer health benefits.
Balance Your Meal: Pair biryani with a side salad or raita to increase fiber and nutrients while making the meal more balanced.

Calorie Breakdown for a Standard 250g Chicken Biryani

Understanding the approximate calorie count is the first step to enjoying this flavorful dish responsibly. While the exact figure is dependent on the recipe, several sources provide a good baseline. A 250g portion of chicken biryani generally contains around 320 to 400 calories. This calorie load is derived from its key components: carbohydrates from the rice, protein from the chicken, and fats from the oil or ghee used in cooking.

The Macronutrient Profile

For a typical 250g serving, the nutritional profile might look something like this:

Carbohydrates: 40-50 grams.
Protein: 15-20 grams.
Fats: 10-15 grams.

Factors Influencing the Calorie Count

Several variables can influence the final calorie count of your 250g serving:

Type and Amount of Fat: Generous use of ghee or oil increases calories and saturated fat.
Cut of Chicken: Skinless, boneless chicken breast has fewer calories and less fat than bone-in chicken thighs with skin.
Toppings and Add-ons: Fried onions, nuts, and cream contribute extra calories.
Cooking Method: The dum pukht method often uses less oil than open-pan cooking. Adding potatoes also increases carbohydrates.

Healthier Alternatives and Cooking Tips

To enjoy biryani while managing calorie intake, simple modifications are key. Homemade biryani allows for greater control over ingredients. For healthier cooking inspiration, explore recipes on sites like BBC Good Food.

A Simple Switch for a Lighter Biryani

Choose a Different Rice: Swap white basmati for brown rice or quinoa for more fiber and sustained fullness.
Reduce the Fat: Minimize oil or ghee, using a non-stick pan or a small amount of healthier fats like rapeseed or olive oil.
Add More Vegetables: Incorporate vegetables like carrots, peas, and spinach to boost fiber and nutrients.
Increase Lean Protein: Use skinless chicken breast and adjust the rice-to-chicken ratio for more protein.

Biryani Calorie Comparison

Here's a comparison of approximate calories for a 200-250g portion of different biryani types:


Biryani Type	Approximate Calories (200-250g)	Primary Calorie Sources
Chicken Biryani	350-400 kcal	Rice, chicken, oil/ghee
Veg Biryani	250-300 kcal	Rice, vegetables, oil/ghee
Mutton Biryani	400-500 kcal	Rice, mutton, higher fat content
Egg Biryani	230-250 kcal	Rice, eggs, oil/ghee

Conclusion

A 250g serving of chicken biryani typically falls between 320 and 400 calories, with variations depending on the recipe and ingredients, particularly fat content and chicken cut. To enjoy biryani healthily, consider making a homemade version with leaner chicken, less oil, and brown rice. Portion control is also important. By making informed choices, you can enjoy chicken biryani while staying on track with your health goals, especially when paired with sides like raita or salad.

Frequently Asked Questions

To reduce calories, use lean, skinless chicken breast, substitute white rice with brown rice, and use significantly less oil or ghee in your recipe. You can also increase the amount of vegetables to add bulk and nutrients without extra calories.

Yes, vegetable biryani is generally lower in calories than chicken biryani, often ranging from 250-300 kcal per 250g portion. It contains less fat and can be a good source of fiber, though it provides less protein than its chicken counterpart.

No, the spices used in biryani, such as turmeric, cumin, and ginger, contain very few calories. In fact, many spices have beneficial anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Yes, you can eat chicken biryani while on a weight loss plan. The key is moderation and portion control. Opt for healthier preparation methods, choose lean chicken, and balance your meal with a generous side of salad or yogurt.

A 250g serving of chicken biryani contains approximately 15-20 grams of protein, primarily from the chicken meat. This makes it a protein-rich and satiating meal.

Calorie counts vary because of differences in preparation. Restaurant versions often use more oil, ghee, and fatty chicken cuts, while homemade versions can be adjusted with lean meat, less fat, and healthier ingredients, resulting in a lower calorie count.

Pairing biryani with healthy sides like a fresh green salad, a cooling cucumber raita (yogurt dip), or steamed vegetables can help balance the meal, add fiber, and reduce its overall calorie density.