Persian Saffron Chicken

User Reviews

4.7

93 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    10 mins

  • Cook Time

    1 hr 10 mins

  • Total Time

    1 hr 40 mins

  • Servings

    4 Servings

  • Calories

    415 kcal

  • Course

    Main Course

  • Cuisine

    Persian

Persian Saffron Chicken

Persian saffron chicken has all the flavors. Golden saffron infuses the chicken with a lot of flavor, paired well with caramelized onion and warm spices.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 1/4 tsp saffron threads
  • 3 cubes ice
  • 4 whole chicken leg quarters bone-in skin-on
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large yellow sweet onion thinly sliced
  • 1 large green bell pepper cut into one-inch pieces
  • ½ teaspoon Turmeric
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup water
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Instructions

  1. To make the bloomed saffron, grind the saffron threads using a pestle and mortar. Sprinkle the ground saffron over the ice cubes places in a small bowl. Leave at room temperature to melt and you will end up with a red-orange aromatic liquid. This will be your bloomed saffron.
  2. Pat dry the chicken leg quarters, sprinkle kosher salt evenly on both sides.
  3. Heat an oven-safe pan over medium heat. Place the chicken skin-side down in the pan and sear for 7–8 minutes until the skin is golden and the fat renders.
  4. Add 1 tablespoon of bloomed saffron to the pan. Shake the pan gently so the saffron infuses into the chicken skin.
  5. Flip the chicken and sear the other side for another 7–8 minutes until golden. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
  6. Heat the olive oil in the same pan over medium heat.
  7. Add the onion and saute until translucent and golden on the edges.
  8. Add the green bell pepper and cook for another minute. Add in the turmeric, black pepper and cinnamon. Cook for another 5 minutes until aromatic.
  9. Return the seared chicken to the pan, nestling it into the onion and pepper mixture.
  10. Pour in ½ cup of water. Bring to a simmer over high heat, then cover and cook on low for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  11. Uncover and transfer the pan to the oven and let the chicken roast for 30 minutes.
  12. Add the remaining bloomed saffron water, spooning the sauce over the chicken to evenly distribute the color and aroma.
  13. Roast in the oven for 10–15 minutes until the chicken is fully tender and the skin is crispy and golden.

Notes

  • Using green bell pepper is optional, you can use yellow or red bell pepper instead.
  • Store the leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. 
  • To make this recipe, you can use bone in skin on chicken legs or thigs instead of quarters. If using boneless chicken pieces, the cooking time will be shorter. 

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 415kcal (21%) Carbohydrates 9g (3%) Protein 25g (50%) Fat 31g (48%) Saturated Fat 7g (35%) Polyunsaturated Fat 6g Monounsaturated Fat 15g Trans Fat 0.1g Cholesterol 142mg (47%) Sodium 703mg (29%) Potassium 475mg (14%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 5g (10%) Vitamin A 266IU (5%) Vitamin C 37mg (41%) Calcium 36mg (4%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4Servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 415 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 415kcal 21%
Carbohydrates 9g 3%
Protein 25g 50%
Fat 31g 48%
Saturated Fat 7g 35%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6g 35%
Monounsaturated Fat 15g 75%
Trans Fat 0.1g 5%
Cholesterol 142mg 47%
Sodium 703mg 29%
Potassium 475mg 10%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 5g 10%
Vitamin A 266IU 5%
Vitamin C 37mg 41%
Calcium 36mg 4%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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Overall Rating

4.7

93 reviews
Excellent

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