Chicken with Saffron Jeweled Rice
Transform your dinner table into a feast for the senses with this show-stopping Chicken with Saffron Jeweled Rice. Succulent, golden-seared chicken thighs are nestled into fragrant basmati rice infused with the warm, floral notes of saffron, ground cumin, and cinnamon. This one-pot wonder is elevated by a stunning medley of dried apricots, golden raisins, toasted almonds, and vibrant pistachios, creating a jeweled garnish that’s as visually dazzling as it is flavorful. Perfect for special occasions or when you simply want to impress, this dish combines ease and elegance, offering a harmonious balance of savory, nutty, and subtly sweet flavors. Serve it warm and finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a burst of herbaceous freshness. Bursting with Middle Eastern-inspired flavors, this recipe is a must-try for lovers of aromatic, comforting meals.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 2 cups Long-grain basmati rice
- 1 pinch Saffron threads
- 3 tablespoons Warm water
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 medium Onion (finely chopped)
- 3 Garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- 3.5 cups Chicken broth
- 1.5 teaspoons Salt
- 0.5 teaspoons Pepper
- 0.5 cup Dried apricots (chopped)
- 0.5 cup Golden raisins
- 0.25 cup Slivered almonds (toasted)
- 0.25 cup Pistachios (shelled, roughly chopped)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro (chopped)
Instructions
In a small bowl, soak the saffron threads in 3 tablespoons of warm water and set aside to bloom.
Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak it in water for 20 minutes before draining.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet and sauté the finely chopped onion until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, and ground cinnamon, and cook for another minute until aromatic.
Add the drained rice to the skillet and toss to coat in the spices and oil for about 2 minutes.
Pour in the chicken broth and the saffron-infused water. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil.
Nestle the seared chicken thighs into the rice mixture, skin-side up. Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
While the rice cooks, prepare the jeweled garnish by combining chopped dried apricots, golden raisins, toasted slivered almonds, and chopped pistachios in a small bowl.
Once the rice and chicken are done, turn off the heat and allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes with the lid on.
Fluff the rice with a fork, sprinkle the jeweled mixture over the top, and garnish with fresh cilantro.
Serve warm and enjoy your Chicken with Saffron Jeweled Rice!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3595 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 135.0 g | 173% | |
| Saturated Fat | 27.6 g | 138% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 324 mg | 108% | |
| Sodium | 5869 mg | 255% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 466.3 g | 170% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 24.5 g | 88% | |
| Total Sugars | 115.7 g | ||
| Protein | 132.1 g | 264% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 475 mg | 37% | |
| Iron | 20.0 mg | 111% | |
| Potassium | 4126 mg | 88% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
