Description
This One-Pot Delicious Saffron Chicken Rice is a flavorful and aromatic dish combining tender chicken thighs with fragrant saffron-infused long-grain rice. Perfect for an easy yet elegant meal, this recipe uses simple spices and ingredients to create a comforting and vibrant main course that serves 4 to 4.4 people.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Rice
- 4 pieces Chicken Thighs (Skinless, boneless, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1.5 cups Long-Grain Rice (Rinsed)
- 0.5 teaspoon Saffron Threads (Soaked in 2 tablespoons of warm water)
- 4 cups Chicken Broth (Low-sodium)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium Onion (Finely chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic (Minced)
- 0.25 cup Fresh Parsley (Chopped, for garnish)
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Extra virgin)
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Coriander
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric
- Salt and Pepper (To taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs and sear each side for about five minutes until golden brown, locking in flavor.
- Sauté onions: Remove the chicken and set aside. Add finely chopped onion to the pot and sauté for about three minutes until translucent and soft.
- Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to release its aroma.
- Toast spices: Add cumin, coriander, and turmeric to the onion and garlic mixture. Stir well to coat and toast the spices for about one minute to enhance their flavors.
- Combine chicken: Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot, mixing them thoroughly with the spiced onion and garlic base.
- Add rice: Stir in the rinsed long-grain rice evenly throughout the mixture.
- Pour liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and saffron along with its soaking water. Gently stir to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 20 to 25 minutes until the rice is fully cooked.
- Rest: Check the rice doneness; if needed, turn off the heat and let the pot sit covered for an additional five minutes for perfect texture.
- Finish and serve: Fluff the saffron chicken rice gently with a fork and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a fresh, vibrant touch.
Notes
- Make sure to rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch and prevent clumping.
- Soaking saffron threads in warm water helps release their color and flavor more effectively.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
- You can substitute chicken thighs with breasts but expect slightly less juiciness and flavor.
- Letting the rice rest off the heat ensures an even, fluffy texture.
