Go Back
–+ servings
Flavorful Persian Saffron Chicken Recipe with Crispy Tahdig Rice

Flavorful Persian Saffron Chicken with Crispy Tahdig Delight

This Flavorful Persian Saffron Chicken Recipe with Crispy Tahdig Rice combines tender chicken thighs with fluffy barberry rice for a delightful meal experience.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Marinating Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Persian
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade
  • 4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs Can substitute with chicken breasts, adjust cooking time.
  • 1 cup yogurt Use coconut yogurt for dairy-free.
  • 1 gram saffron threads Soak in hot water for at least 10 minutes.
  • 1 teaspoon salt Sea salt recommended.
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
For the Rice
  • 2 cups medium-grain rice Basmati recommended.
  • 1/2 cup barberries Can substitute with dried cranberries.
  • 1 tablespoon sugar Optional, adjust to taste.
For the Tahdig
  • 1/4 cup cooking oil Olive oil or butter.
  • 3 cups water

Equipment

  • dutch oven

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. In a bowl, mix the yogurt, cumin, turmeric, and salt. Coat the chicken thighs thoroughly with this mixture and marinate for at least 15 minutes or overnight.
  2. Soak the saffron threads in hot water for 10 minutes.
  3. Heat oil in a Dutch oven, add marinated chicken, brown for 5-7 minutes on each side, pour in saffron mixture, and simmer until fully cooked, about 20-25 minutes.
  4. Rinse the rice under cold water until clear, parboil in boiling water for 5-7 minutes, then drain.
  5. Soak the barberries in warm water, toss with sugar, and fold into drained rice.
  6. Add oil or butter to the same pot, layer in the rice mixture, press down, cover, and cook on low heat for 20-25 minutes until tahdig forms.
  7. Serve saffron chicken over rice with crispy tahdig on the side.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 40gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 130mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or mint for added flavor and color.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!