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Persian Saffron Chicken with Jeweled Rice

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Tender chicken drumsticks simmered in a fragrant saffron and onion sauce, served over fluffy basmati rice adorned with vibrant saffron threads, barberries, and pistachios—a richly spiced and elegant Persian classic.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 chicken drumsticks
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads, dissolved in 2 tablespoons hot water
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 1/2 cups basmati rice
  • 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads, soaked in warm water
  • 2 tablespoons barberries (or dried cranberries)
  • 2 tablespoons slivered pistachios
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • Salt to taste (for rice)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté onions until golden, about 6–8 minutes.
  2. Add garlic, turmeric, cinnamon, pepper, and cardamom. Stir for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Add chicken drumsticks and brown on all sides, about 5–6 minutes.
  4. Stir in saffron water and chicken broth. Season with salt.
  5. Cover and simmer on low heat for 30–35 minutes until chicken is tender and sauce is thickened.
  6. Meanwhile, rinse basmati rice thoroughly. Cook according to package instructions.
  7. In a small pan, melt butter and sauté barberries and pistachios for 1–2 minutes. Stir in saffron water and remove from heat.
  8. Fluff rice and gently fold in the saffron mixture.
  9. Serve the saffron chicken over a bed of jeweled rice. Spoon extra sauce over the chicken and garnish with herbs if desired.

Notes

  • If using dried cranberries instead of barberries, reduce the amount slightly due to their sweetness.
  • Soaking rice before cooking helps achieve a fluffier texture.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for extra color and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Persian saffron chicken, jeweled rice, barberry rice, saffron rice with chicken, Middle Eastern dish

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