Ingredients
Scale
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on recommended)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or ghee
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads, soaked in 2 tablespoons hot water
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 2 cups chicken broth or water
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley and mint for garnish
- Optional: dried apricots or prunes for a touch of sweetness
Instructions
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then sear them skin-side down until golden brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side, then set aside.
- Add chopped onion to the same pan and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes, then add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in ground spices—turmeric, cinnamon, cumin, cardamom, and coriander—and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Return the seared chicken to the pan, nestling them into the spice mixture, pour in the soaked saffron and chicken broth, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 30-40 minutes.
- While chicken simmers, rinse basmati rice in cold water, then bring salted water to a boil and cook rice until just tender, about 8 minutes; drain and set aside.
- Layer cooked rice on a serving platter, arrange chicken on top, and garnish with chopped parsley and mint. Optionally, add dried apricots or prunes for sweetness.
Notes
- Allow the dish to cool before storing in an airtight container; refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for 2 months.
- For enhanced flavor, soak saffron properly and use fresh spices.
- Chicken thighs are preferred for tenderness, but breasts can be used with adjusted cooking times.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Persian
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 Kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg