Save to Pinterest A fragrant, golden one-pot meal featuring tender chicken, aromatic basmati rice, and warming saffron—perfect for cozy dinners and effortless entertaining.
This dish always fills the house with a beautiful aroma and brings everyone to the table quickly
Ingredients
- Chicken: 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Aromatics: 1 large yellow onion finely chopped, 3 garlic cloves minced, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon ground coriander, ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
- Rice & Saffron: 1½ cups basmati rice rinsed and drained, 2¼ cups chicken broth (gluten free if needed), ¼ teaspoon saffron threads, 2 tablespoons hot water
- Garnishes (optional): ¼ cup slivered almonds toasted, ¼ cup golden raisins, 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro chopped, Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a small bowl steep saffron threads in 2 tablespoons hot water set aside
- Step 2:
- Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper
- Step 3:
- Heat olive oil in a large heavy bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium high heat Add chicken thighs and sear for 2 3 minutes per side until lightly browned Remove chicken and set aside
- Step 4:
- In the same pot add onion and cook for 4 5 minutes until softened Stir in garlic cumin coriander and turmeric cook for 1 minute until fragrant
- Step 5:
- Add rinsed rice and stir to coat grains with spices and oil
- Step 6:
- Pour in chicken broth and saffron water (including threads) Return chicken thighs to the pot nestling them into the rice
- Step 7:
- Bring to a gentle boil then reduce heat to low Cover tightly and simmer for 20 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed
- Step 8:
- Remove from heat and let rest covered for 5 minutes
- Step 9:
- Fluff rice with a fork Garnish with toasted almonds golden raisins herbs and lemon wedges if desired Serve warm
Save to Pinterest This recipe has become a family favorite for special dinners and weekday meals alike
Required Tools
Large Dutch oven or heavy bottomed pot with lid Small bowl Measuring cups and spoons Chefs knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains tree nuts (almonds) if using garnish Gluten free if using certified gluten free chicken broth Always double check ingredient labels for hidden gluten or allergens
Nutritional Information
Calories 460 Total Fat 14 g Carbohydrates 56 g Protein 27 g
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Enjoy this flavorful saffron chicken pilaf that’s sure to impress every time
Questions & Answers
- → How is the saffron prepared for this dish?
Saffron threads are steeped in hot water before cooking to release their color and flavor, which is then added to the rice mixture.
- → Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used but may require shorter cooking time to avoid drying out. Adjust accordingly.
- → What rice type is best suited here?
Basmati rice is ideal due to its fragrant aroma and separate grains when cooked, enhancing the pilaf texture.
- → Are there vegetarian alternatives to this dish?
Omitting chicken and substituting vegetable broth while adding chickpeas or vegetables creates a flavorful vegetarian version.
- → What garnishes complement this meal?
Toasted slivered almonds, golden raisins, fresh parsley or cilantro, and lemon wedges add crunch, sweetness, freshness, and acidity.
- → How do the spices affect the flavor profile?
Cumin, coriander, and turmeric provide warm, earthy notes that complement the saffron and chicken, creating a balanced, aromatic dish.