Saffron Chicken Rice Pilaf (Printable)

Tender chicken cooked with fragrant basmati rice and saffron for a warm, savory one-pot meal.

# Ingredient List:

→ Chicken

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
02 - 1 teaspoon salt
03 - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
04 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ Aromatics

05 - 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
06 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
07 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
08 - 1 teaspoon ground coriander
09 - ½ teaspoon ground turmeric

→ Rice & Saffron

10 - 1½ cups basmati rice, rinsed and drained
11 - 2¼ cups chicken broth (gluten-free if needed)
12 - ¼ teaspoon saffron threads
13 - 2 tablespoons hot water

→ Garnishes (optional)

14 - ¼ cup slivered almonds, toasted
15 - ¼ cup golden raisins
16 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
17 - Lemon wedges, for serving

# How to Prepare:

01 - Steep saffron threads in 2 tablespoons hot water in a small bowl and set aside.
02 - Season chicken thighs evenly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs and sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side until lightly browned. Remove from pot and set aside.
04 - In the same pot, add chopped onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic, cumin, coriander, and turmeric; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
05 - Add rinsed basmati rice to the pot and stir to coat the grains thoroughly with the spices and oil.
06 - Pour in the chicken broth and saffron water, including the threads.
07 - Return the chicken thighs to the pot, nestling them into the rice. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
08 - Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
09 - Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with toasted almonds, golden raisins, chopped parsley or cilantro, and lemon wedges if desired. Serve warm.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • One pot meal
  • Gluten free option
02 -
  • Marinate chicken in yogurt garlic and lemon juice for extra flavor.
  • For vegetarian version omit chicken and use vegetable broth add chickpeas or extra vegetables.
03 -
  • Make sure to rinse basmati rice to remove excess starch.
  • Let the rice rest covered after cooking for best texture.
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