This saffron chicken and rice recipe brings bold Mediterranean flavors to your table—juicy chicken, fragrant saffron, and a vibrant mix of herbs and spices. Ready in under 30 minutes and made in just one pot, it’s the perfect solution for a flavorful, fuss-free weeknight dinner.
Type of Cuisine:
Mediterranean
Prep Time: 10 minutes.
Cook Time: 20 minutes
How Many Servings?
4-6 servings
Welcome to my Mediterranean-inspired take on saffron chicken and rice—a comforting, one-pot meal that’s big on flavor and easy on cleanup. This saffron chicken and rice recipe combines juicy, golden chicken with tender rice, vibrant herbs, and just the right touch of aromatic saffron. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.
If you’ve been searching for how to make Spanish-style saffron rice with chicken, or just want to try a new spin on a classic dish, this one’s for you. It’s simple, flavorful, and guaranteed to fill your kitchen with the incredible scent of saffron.
Ingredients for Your Saffron Chicken and Rice
Spices and Seasonings:
- Saffron Threads: Saffron gives this dish its signature earthy-sweet flavor, floral aroma, and golden color. It elevates the entire recipe, but if you don’t have saffron, you can substitute with a small pinch of turmeric for color and a dash of paprika or smoked paprika to mimic the warmth (though the flavor won’t be the same).
- Paprika: Paprika offers a mild, sweet, slightly peppery taste with a hint of spiciness, contributing to the dish’s flavor profile.
- Ground Cumin: Ground cumin adds a warm, earthy flavor with slightly nutty undertones, lending depth to the overall taste.
- Cayenne Pepper: Cayenne pepper provides a spicy and fiery kick, adding gentle heat to the dish.
Vegetables and Herbs:
- Olive Oil: Olive oil is not just a cooking medium but also contributes a rich, fruity flavor with a slight peppery kick, imparting depth to the dish.
- Onion: Onions bring a savory, slightly sweet flavor to the dish, acting as a flavorful base for the other ingredients.
- Red Bell Pepper: Red bell peppers add sweetness and a mild tanginess, while their vibrant color enhances the dish’s visual appeal.
- Garlic: Garlic provides an intense and savory flavor, enhancing the depth of taste in the dish.
- Fresh Parsley: Fresh parsley contributes a bright, slightly peppery flavor and enhances the dish’s presentation and taste as a garnish.
- Peas: Frozen or fresh peas offer a mildly sweet and vegetal taste and a vibrant green color to the dish.
Additional Ingredient:
- Chicken Breast: Chicken breast provides a mild and neutral taste, serving as the primary protein source.
- Long-Grain White Rice: Long-grain white rice has a neutral and starchy flavor and serves as the base for the dish.
- Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes contribute a sweet and tangy flavor and serve as the tomatoey base of the dish.
- Chicken Broth: Chicken broth adds a savory and meaty flavor, providing moisture and depth.
A Taste of Saffron
Saffron, harvested from the crocus flower, has been prized in Spanish and Persian cooking for centuries. Its bold color and unique flavor—earthy, floral, slightly sweet—add elegance and depth to any dish.
In Spanish cuisine, saffron shines in paella and arroz con pollo. In Persian kitchens, it’s essential in saffron rice, khoresh, and sholeh zard. I love using it in recipes like Yemeni rice, roasted carrots, and Persian love cake. In this saffron chicken and rice recipe, it’s what makes the dish truly special.
Variations on This Saffron Chicken and Rice Recipe
This one-pot saffron chicken and rice recipe is a Mediterranean twist on a classic comfort meal. Tender chicken breast and bold, aromatic flavors make it a go-to favorite. Want to mix it up? Try swapping the chicken for chorizo sausage—it adds smoky richness and deepens the flavor of the rice. Or, customize with add-ins like roasted red peppers, sautéed mushrooms, or even a sprinkle of feta cheese.
Whether you stick with the original or make it your own, this recipe is flexible, satisfying, and always packed with flavor.
Preparation
Bloom the Saffron & Sauté the Veggies
In a small bowl, crush the saffron threads with your fingers and dissolve them in 1–2 tablespoons of hot water. Set aside to bloom.
In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until softened and fragrant.
Build the Flavor Base
Next, stir in the diced tomatoes, frozen peas, chicken pieces, and uncooked rice, mixing everything until well combined.
Build the Flavor Base
Then, stir in the diced tomatoes, frozen peas, chicken pieces, and rice. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated in the aromatic base.
Add Liquids & Simmer
Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid to trap the steam and flavor.
Finish & Serve
Remove from heat and fluff the rice with a fork to release steam and separate the grains. Garnish with fresh parsley, then serve and enjoy your vibrant, one-pot saffron chicken and rice!
This Mediterranean-inspired saffron chicken and rice recipe is a one-pot meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Tender chunks of chicken breast are cooked with savory rice and aromatic spices like saffron, creating a flavorful and filling dish perfect for any day of the week.
Type of Cuisine:
Mediterranean
Prep Time: 10 minutes.
Cook Time: 20 minutes
How Many Servings?
4-6 servings
Ingredients:
| 1/4 teaspoon of saffron threads | |
| 2 tablespoons olive oil | |
| 1 onion, chopped | |
| 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped | |
| 2 cloves garlic, minced | |
| 1 teaspoon paprika | |
| 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin | |
| 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper | |
| Salt and pepper, to your taste | |
| 1 cup diced tomatoes | |
| 1 cup frozen peas | |
| 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into small pieces | |
| 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice washed few times and soaked for 15 minutes | |
| 3 cups chicken broth | |
| Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish |
Preparation
Start by gathering and pre-measuring all your ingredients for a smooth cooking process. In a small bowl, crush the saffron threads with your fingers and dissolve them in 1–2 tablespoons of hot water. Set aside to bloom. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until softened and fragrant.
Add the minced garlic and spices—paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper—and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently to toast the spices and release their aroma. Next, stir in the diced tomatoes, frozen peas, chicken pieces, and uncooked rice, mixing everything until well combined.
Add the minced garlic and spices—paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper—and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring often to bloom the spices. Then, stir in the diced tomatoes, frozen peas, chicken pieces, and rice. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated in the aromatic base.
Pour in the chicken broth and the prepared saffron water, then stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid to trap the steam and flavor.
Let the mixture simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Remove from heat and fluff the rice with a fork to release steam and separate the grains. Garnish with fresh parsley, then serve and enjoy your vibrant, one-pot saffron chicken and rice!
Recipe Tips & Suggestions
How do you store and reheat my saffron rice and chicken?
Nutrition Information
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice.
See our full nutrition disclosure here.
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RamiI cooked this rice dish last week for my family it was so tasty ,simple easy to follow instruction, great for meal prep!thank you
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Rana Madanat
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m thrilled to hear that you and your family enjoyed the rice dish and found the instructions easy to follow. That’s exactly what I strive for – tasty, simple meals that everyone can enjoy. And yes, it’s a great option for meal prep too! Thanks again for taking the time to leave this wonderful feedback. I hope you’ll continue to enjoy the recipes. Happy cooking!
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Have you made this one pot of 30 minutes of Spanish saffron rice with chicken? Let me know in the comment below! I love to hear from you.