Saffron Chicken

Immerse your taste buds in the luxurious flavors of Saffron Chicken, a dish that marries tender chicken thighs with the aromatic allure of saffron. This recipe combines rich spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric with a creamy yogurt marinade, ensuring each bite is infused with vibrant, full-bodied flavors. The golden saffron threads, delicately steeped and blended into the sauce, create a fragrant, silky base accented by sautéed onions, a touch of heavy cream, and a splash of fresh lemon juice for balance. With a prep time of just 20 minutes and a simmering cook time that melts the chicken to perfection, this dish is both comforting and elegant. Serve with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan to soak up the exquisite saffron-infused sauce. Perfect for dinner parties or a weeknight indulgence, this Saffron Chicken recipe is a showstopper.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 0.25 tsp saffron threads
• 2 tbsp warm water
• 0.5 cup yogurt
• 4 pieces garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 0.5 tsp paprika
• 0.5 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 0.75 cup chicken stock
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Directions

Step 1

In a small bowl, soak the saffron threads in the warm water and set aside for at least 10 minutes to release their flavor and color.

Step 2

In another bowl, mix the yogurt, minced garlic, grated ginger, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken thighs to this bowl and coat them thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Step 3

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté until golden and softened, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4

Add the marinated chicken thighs to the pan, cooking for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are browned. Remove them from the pan and set aside.

Step 5

In the same pan, add the saffron water and stir it into the onion mixture. Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 6

Return the chicken thighs to the pan, covering them with the sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let cook for 20 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Step 7

Stir in the heavy cream and simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

Step 8

Finish the dish by sprinkling fresh cilantro (if using) and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

Step 9

Serve the Saffron Chicken hot with steamed rice, naan, or your favorite flatbread.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1160.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1604.1

Total Fat 95.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 39.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g
Cholesterol 710.3mg	0%
Sodium 2993.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 34.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 5.3g	0%
Total Sugars 16.5g
Protein 137.9g	0%

Vitamin D 90.6IU	0%
Calcium 402.4mg	0%
Iron 9.3mg	0%
Potassium 1812.2mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 55.6%

Protein: 35.6%

Carbs: 8.8%