Persian Chicken

If you’re looking for a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion, Persian Chicken is the way to go. With its aromatic spices and tender chicken, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. As someone who loves to experiment in the kitchen, I can guarantee that this dish will become a staple in your meal rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The blend of turmeric, saffron, and garlic creates a rich and savory flavor profile.
- With minimal prep time, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time.
- This dish is perfect for meal prep and can be enjoyed as leftovers the next day.
Ingredient Notes:
- Chicken thighs and drumsticks: provide a juicy and flavorful base for the dish.
- Onion and garlic: add depth and aroma to the chicken.
- Canned tomatoes: give a rich and tangy taste to the sauce.
- Turmeric and saffron: bring a warm and vibrant color to the dish.
- Salt and chicken broth: enhance the overall flavor.
- Butter: adds richness and a velvety texture to the sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a large skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add the chicken pieces and brown them on all sides.
- Stir in the canned tomatoes, turmeric, saffron, salt, and chicken broth.
- Simmer the chicken until cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
- Finish the dish by swirling in a teaspoon of butter for added richness.
Helpful Tips:
- For an extra kick of flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or cumin to the sauce.
- To make this dish dairy-free, substitute the butter with olive oil.
- Serve the Persian Chicken over fluffy basmati rice or with warm pita bread.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Marinate the chicken in the turmeric and saffron mixture for a few hours before cooking for enhanced flavor.
- Use bone-in chicken for a juicier and more tender result.
- Garnish the dish with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of freshness.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair this dish with a side of roasted vegetables, a crisp salad, or a cooling cucumber yogurt sauce. For drinks, opt for a glass of chilled white wine or a refreshing mint tea.

Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken, but keep in mind that bone-in chicken will yield a juicier result. - How can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?
To make the dish spicier, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped chili pepper to the sauce. - Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just be sure to peel and deseed the fresh tomatoes before adding them to the dish. - Can I freeze Persian Chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Conclusion:
With its aromatic spices and tender chicken, Persian Chicken is a dish that’s sure to please everyone at your table. Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out for you. Enjoy!
PrintPersian Chicken
Persian Chicken is a flavorful dish made with tender chicken pieces cooked in a tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic spices like turmeric and saffron.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Persian
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
-
Main Ingredients:
- 2 pounds chicken thighs and drumsticks
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 13 1/2 ounces canned tomatoes
-
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon pure saffron
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
-
Liquid and Fat:
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, brown the chicken pieces on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Saute Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, saute the onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in the canned tomatoes, turmeric, saffron, and salt.
- Cook the Chicken: Return the chicken to the skillet, add chicken broth, cover, and simmer until the chicken is cooked through.
- Finish with Butter: Stir in the butter until melted and well combined.
- Serve: Serve the Persian Chicken hot with rice or bread.
Notes
- You can add more vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for additional flavor and nutrition.
- Adjust the salt and spices according to your taste preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: Persian cuisine, chicken recipe, saffron spice, tomato-based sauce