Saffron Chicken Rice Pilaf (Print View)

A golden blend of chicken, saffron, and basmati rice, perfect for warm satisfying dinners.

# Ingredient List:

→ Chicken

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
02 - 1 teaspoon salt
03 - 1/2 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 - 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric

→ Rice & Saffron

10 - 1 1/2 cups basmati rice, rinsed and drained
11 - 2 1/4 cups chicken broth (gluten-free if needed)
12 - 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
13 - 2 tablespoons hot water

→ Garnishes (optional)

14 - 1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted
15 - 1/4 cup golden raisins
16 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
17 - Lemon wedges, for serving

# Directions:

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

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • One pot meal
  • Gluten free and flavorful
02 -
  • Use gluten free chicken broth to keep recipe allergen friendly
  • Marinate chicken for extra flavor
03 -
  • Rinse rice thoroughly to remove excess starch
  • Let rice rest covered for fluffier texture
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