Description
Tender Persian Chicken brings aromatic spices and rich flavors straight from traditional Iranian kitchens to your dining table. Marinated in a delightful blend of turmeric, saffron, and yogurt, this dish delivers a comforting meal that connects you directly with Persian culinary traditions.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 pounds chicken thighs and drumsticks
Aromatics and Base:
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 13 ½ ounces canned tomatoes
- ½ cup chicken broth
Seasonings:
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon pure saffron
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon butter
Instructions
- Grab 2 pounds of chicken thighs and drumsticks. Generously sprinkle ½ teaspoon salt and a pinch of pepper across the pieces, ensuring even coverage.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken pieces in the pan, creating a golden-brown crust on each side for about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer browned chicken to a separate plate.
- Reduce heat to medium. Chop 1 large onion and mince 2 cloves of garlic. Sauté them in the same skillet until the onions turn translucent and soft, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Pour 13 ½ ounces of canned tomatoes into the skillet. Sprinkle ½ teaspoon turmeric, ½ teaspoon saffron, and an additional ½ teaspoon salt. Stir the mixture thoroughly.
- Pour ½ cup chicken broth into the skillet. Carefully return the browned chicken pieces to the sauce. Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 25-30 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Uncover the skillet and add 1 teaspoon butter. Gently stir until the butter melts completely and coats the chicken. Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Notes
- Season chicken generously with salt and pepper for deep flavor that penetrates the meat.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet to ensure even browning and prevent burning when searing chicken.
- Crush saffron threads between your fingers before adding to release maximum aromatic compounds and rich golden color.
- For a lighter version, substitute olive oil for butter and use skinless chicken breasts instead of bone-in pieces.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Persian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 to 6
- Calories: 312 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 370 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg