How much protein is in 250g biryani?

December 9, 2025 •

2 min read

Based on average recipes, a 250g serving of chicken biryani typically contains between 15 and 20 grams of protein. This makes understanding how much protein is in 250g biryani highly dependent on the specific type and preparation of the dish.

Quick Summary

The protein content of a 250g biryani depends heavily on its ingredients, with meat-based versions having considerably more than vegetarian options. Key factors include the type of meat or protein source and the recipe's composition.

Key Points

Significant Variation: The protein content in 250g of biryani differs significantly based on the main ingredient, such as chicken, mutton, or vegetables.
Chicken Offers Most Protein: A 250g serving of chicken biryani provides a robust 15-20g of protein, making it a satiating and muscle-supporting option.
Vegetarian Options are Lower: Standard vegetable biryani typically contains less protein (5-8g per 250g), but this can be enhanced by adding paneer, lentils, or soya chunks.
Recipe and Ratio Matter: The specific recipe and the ratio of meat to rice are key factors. A dish heavy on lean meat will naturally be more protein-dense.
Boost with Sides: Pair biryani with a protein-rich side dish like raita (yogurt-based) or a hard-boiled egg to easily increase your total protein intake.
Lean Meat vs. Fattier Cuts: Opting for lean chicken breast over fattier cuts of mutton will result in a higher protein-to-calorie ratio, supporting a healthier dietary profile.

The Complex Answer to a Simple Question

Pinpointing the exact protein content in a 250g serving of biryani is not straightforward due to variations in ingredients, meat cuts, and recipes. While rice contributes some protein, the primary source is usually the meat, paneer, or lentils. Comparing different types highlights the significant range in protein content.

Factors Affecting Biryani's Protein Profile

The protein content is influenced by several factors, including the type of protein source, the ratio of protein to rice, specific recipe variations (like adding legumes to vegetarian versions), and accompanying side dishes.

Protein Content by Biryani Type

Here's an approximation of the protein levels in a 250g serving for various popular biryani types:

Chicken Biryani

A 250g serving typically provides 15 to 20 grams of protein, primarily from the chicken.

Mutton Biryani

This type may contain around 11 to 15 grams of protein per 250g, depending on the cut of mutton. It's often higher in fat and calories than chicken biryani.

Vegetable Biryani

Vegetable biryani generally has 5 to 8 grams of protein per 250g, sourced from rice, vegetables, or paneer. Adding legumes like chickpeas or soya chunks can increase this amount.

Other Biryani Variants

Fish/Prawns Biryani: Similar to or slightly higher in protein than vegetable biryani, with approximately 11 to 14 grams per 250g.
Egg Biryani: Including eggs can boost the protein content to around 13 to 15 grams per 250g, especially if combined with other protein sources like soya chunks.

Biryani Protein Comparison Table


Biryani Type	Approximate Protein per 250g	Primary Protein Source	Notes
Chicken Biryani	15–20g	Chicken, Rice	Lean protein source
Mutton Biryani	11–15g	Mutton, Rice	Can be higher in fat
Vegetable Biryani	5–8g	Rice, Vegetables, Paneer, Legumes	Lower protein base, can be enhanced
Fish/Prawns Biryani	11–14g	Fish/Prawns, Rice	Contains omega-3s
Egg Biryani	13–15g	Eggs, Rice	Easily customizable for higher protein

How to Maximize Protein in Your Biryani

To increase the protein in your biryani, consider using more lean meat or adding legumes, lentils, paneer, or tofu. Including boiled eggs or pairing with high-protein sides like raita made from Greek yogurt can also help.

Conclusion

The protein content in 250g of biryani is highly variable, largely depending on the main ingredients. Meat-based versions, particularly chicken, offer significant protein, while vegetarian options can be enhanced with protein-rich additions. Understanding these variations allows biryani to be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. For more general dietary information, you can consult resources like the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: Choose Heart-Healthy Foods | NHLBI, NIH. Portion control remains important for overall health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, biryani can be a good source of protein, especially varieties made with meat like chicken or mutton. For example, a 250g chicken biryani often contains 15-20 grams of protein.

Yes, vegetable biryani contains some protein from the rice, vegetables, and any added legumes or paneer. However, its protein content is significantly lower than meat-based versions, typically ranging from 5-8g per 250g serving.

You can increase the protein by adding more lean meat, including legumes like chickpeas, incorporating paneer or tofu, or serving it with a protein-rich side like raita or boiled eggs.

Both are excellent sources of protein. However, chicken biryani often contains more lean protein for the same calorie count compared to mutton biryani, which is typically higher in fat and calories.

The main ingredient has the largest impact. For example, chicken and mutton provide high-quality animal protein, while lentils and paneer are key plant-based protein sources. A larger proportion of rice will reduce the overall protein percentage of the dish.

The protein content is comparable. Both fish and chicken are lean protein sources. A 250g serving of fish biryani might offer around 11-14g of protein, while chicken biryani typically provides 15-20g.

Yes, using brown rice instead of white rice can slightly increase the overall protein and fiber content of your biryani, contributing to a more nutritious meal.