Persian Saffron Chicken

4.9
(10)
10 Reviews
7 Photos

Juicy chicken thighs are braised in a delicious curry-saffron sauce. A simple chicken dish to impress company or to have for a weeknight dinner! Serve with rice, greens, or salad.

Submitted by Sumac and Salsa
Updated on December 5, 2024
close up of chicken thighs in a saffron sauce with rice
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Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
35 mins
Additional Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
1 hr
Servings:
4
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 4 servings

  • 1 teaspoon saffron threads

  • 3 tablespoons hot water, or more as needed

  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided

  • freshly cracked black pepper to taste

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

  • 1 yellow onion, finely chopped

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tablespoon curry powder

  • 1 ½ cups chicken stock

Directions

  1. Place saffron threads into a small bowl and crush them up a bit with a spoon. Add 3 to 4 tablespoons of hot water and stir. Let bloom for about 10 minutes - the water should turn bright yellow/orange. Set aside.

  2. Season chicken thighs on both sides with about 1 teaspoon salt and freshly cracked pepper.

  3. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs and sear on both sides until golden, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Remove and place on a plate to the side. Add onion to the same skillet and cook until soft and translucent, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in garlic and curry powder and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

  4. Pour in chicken stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and add saffron mixture. Season with remaining 1 teaspoon salt and freshly cracked pepper. Stir to combine. Return chicken thighs to the skillet, cover, and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes, flipping thighs halfway through cook time. Season to taste and serve with the sauce.

Cook’s Note

You can use turmeric instead of curry powder if you like.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

320 Calories
21g Fat
5g Carbs
28g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 320
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 21g 27%
Saturated Fat 5g 27%
Cholesterol 96mg 32%
Sodium 1301mg 57%
Total Carbohydrate 5g 2%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 28g 55%
Vitamin C 3mg 4%
Calcium 35mg 3%
Iron 2mg 12%
Potassium 277mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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