Persian Saffron Chicken Jeweled Rice

This Persian Saffron Chicken Jeweled Rice is fragrant, festive and aromatic.

Golden saffron chicken is served over fluffy saffron rice and spooned with a jeweled topping of barberries, pistachios and almonds, for a timeless Persian feast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fragrant, festive and aromatic
• Golden saffron chicken
• Fluffy saffron rice
• Jeweled barberry and nut topping

Instructions

1. Marinate and brown the chicken. Season chicken with saffron, onion, garlic, salt, pepper and a pinch of cinnamon. Brown in olive oil until golden.
2. Simmer to tenderness. Add a little water and simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes until the chicken is tender and flavorful.
3. Cook the saffron rice. Rinse and soak rice, then cook until tender. Layer with saffron water and steam for fluffy, fragrant rice.
4. Prepare the jeweled topping. Sauté barberries with a little butter and sugar. Lightly toast pistachios and almonds until fragrant.
5. Assemble and serve. Plate the saffron rice, top with golden chicken and spoon over the jeweled barberry-nut mixture. Garnish with fresh herbs and extra saffron. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Soak the saffron before using it so its colour and fragrance spread through the rice and chicken.
• Simmer the chicken on low heat so it turns tender without drying out.
• Toast the pistachios and almonds lightly and watch them closely so they stay fragrant, not burnt.

Recipe Summary

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 70 minutes
• Servings: 6