Description
Experience the vibrant flavors of Persian cuisine with our Persian Saffron Chicken with Zereshk Polo. This traditional dish features tender chicken thighs or drumsticks infused with aromatic saffron and served alongside Zereshk Polo, a fragrant basmati rice adorned with tart barberries. Perfect for special occasions or a flavorful dinner, this recipe offers a delightful balance of savory, sweet, and tangy notes that will impress any palate.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
4 chicken thighs or drumsticks
1 large onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Salt to taste
1/4 teaspoon saffron threads, dissolved in 2 tablespoons hot water
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup chicken broth or water
For the Zereshk Polo (Saffron Barberry Rice):
2 cups basmati rice
1/2 cup dried barberries (zereshk)
1/4 teaspoon saffron threads, dissolved in 2 tablespoons hot water
2 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup slivered almonds or pistachios (optional)
Salt to taste
Instructions
- For the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté sliced onions until golden brown.
- Add garlic, turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, and salt. Sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Brown the chicken pieces on all sides.
- Pour in saffron water and chicken broth. Simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 30-40 minutes until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- For the Zereshk Polo:
- Rinse basmati rice until water runs clear. Soak in water with a pinch of salt for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook rice according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a small pan, add barberries and sugar, sauté for 2-3 minutes. Stir in saffron water.
- In a large pot, melt the remaining butter, layer cooked rice with barberries, and gently fold to combine. Cover and cook on low heat for 10-15 minutes.
- To Serve:
- Serve the saffron chicken with Zereshk Polo. Garnish with slivered almonds or pistachios if desired.
Notes
Substitutes: If dried barberries are unavailable, dried cranberries or dried cherries work as alternatives.
Preparation: The chicken and rice can be prepared in advance and stored separately. Reheat gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Persian (Iranian)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 450 kcal per serving
Keywords: Persian Saffron Chicken, Zereshk Polo, Saffron Barberry Rice, Persian Cuisine, Traditional Persian Dish, Aromatic Saffron Chicken, Persian Chicken Recipe, Saffron Rice, Barberry Rice, Middle Eastern Recipes