Saffron Chicken and Rice – Arroz con Pollo y Azafrán

Get
FREE
Recipes!

Get My Favorite Recipe

This dish has the bold flavors and aroma of Mediterranean cuisine, with juicy chicken, fragrant saffron, and a blend of delicious herbs and spices. It’s a one-pot meal ready in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect solution for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s great for meal prep and can be enjoyed a few days in advance, saving you time and effort in the kitchen. The savory rice pairs perfectly with the tender chicken, creating a filling and satisfying dish that will become a new family favorite. Try this saffron chicken and rice recipe and enjoy the delicious taste of the Mediterranean right in your own kitchen!

Welcome to my Mediterranean-inspired twist on traditional saffron chicken and rice! This one-pot meal has deliciously bold flavors and is ready in less than 30 minutes. Moreover, my Saffron Chicken and Rice recipe is packed with juicy chicken, savory rice, delicious herbs, and spices. In addition, with just one pot to clean up, it’s a hassle-free way to enjoy a delightful saffron Spanish rice and chicken meal any day of the week.

I’m sure those looking for some perfect recipes with saffron rice and chicken will find this one quite tasty. Moreover, when making this saffron rice and chicken recipe, you will certainly love the aroma of this exotic and highly sought-after spice. If you’re asking Siri, “How to make Spanish saffron rice,” this delightful recipe is right for you!

What is saffron?

In Spanish and Persian cuisine, saffron has been used in cooking for centuries and is deeply rooted in the culinary traditions of both countries. Saffron is a highly prized and expensive spice often used to add a distinct flavor and vibrant color to dishes. It comes from the crocus flower and is harvested by hand, so it’s costly. However, the color, aroma, and flavor of this Spanish rice with a saffron recipe are undoubtedly worth the experience!

What does saffron taste like?

Curious about the taste of saffron? Saffron boasts a delightful blend of earthy-sweet notes. In addition, it’s accompanied by a hint of refreshing bitterness, ultimately revealing delicate floral undertones and a touch of honey. Moreover, it’s combined with the sweetness of hay, freshly cut grass, and a subtle hint of pepper.

In Spanish cuisine, saffron is a critical ingredient in dishes such as paella, arroz con pollo, various stews. and soups. Persian cuisine uses saffron in traditional dishes like Spanish saffron rice, khoresh gheymeh (a beef and split pea stew), and sholeh zard (a Persian rice pudding). I love to incorporate saffron in my dishes from both cuisines. Saffron’s aroma and bright color can elevate a dish to a new level.

Looking for more dishes featuring this beloved spice?

Check out my recipes for Spanish seafood paella, Yemeni rice, roasted carrots with saffron, and Persian love cake. Needless to say, this Spanish rice recipe with saffron is not only delicious, but also easy to make. With so much history and flavor, you won’t be able to resist this chicken with Spanish rice saffron recipe.

What are some variations of this Spanish saffron rice recipe?

This delicious one-pot meal is a classic chicken and rice saffron dish with a twist. I used tender small chunks of chicken breast and a medley of Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

If you’re not in the mood for chicken saffron rice, you can use chorizo sausage instead.

This variation adds a layer of richness and juiciness to this Spanish saffron rice dish, making it even more satisfying. Moreover, if you’re feeling adventurous, add other ingredients to make it your own, such as roasted red peppers, sautéed mushrooms, or even a sprinkle of feta cheese. No matter how you customize it, this chicken and saffron rice recipe is a quick and easy way to enjoy a flavorful and filling meal any day of the week.

Ingredient List

Preparation

1.
Once you have gathered and pre-measured all of your ingredients, you are ready to proceed.
In a small bowl, crush the saffron threads with your fingers and dissolve them in 1-2 tablespoons of hot water. Set aside.
Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large saucepan. Add the onion and red bell pepper, and sauté for 5 minutes or until softened
Mark as complete
2.
Add the garlic and spices (paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper) for 1-2 minutes more, stirring frequently.
Add the diced tomatoes, frozen peas, chicken pieces, and rice to the saucepan, stirring to combine
Mark as complete
3.
Add the diced tomatoes, frozen peas, chicken pieces, and rice to the saucepan, stirring to combine.
Mark as complete
4.
Pour in the chicken broth and the saffron water and stir again.
Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid.
Mark as complete
5.
Simmer for 20-25 minutes until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender.
Remove from heat and fluff the rice with a fork. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving this delicious saffron rice with chicken! Enjoy
Mark as complete

Please Support The SiteHome Cooking is Easy!With These Minimalist Kitchen Essentials

Ingredients:

Adjust Servings
A pinch of saffron threads (about 1/4 teaspoon)
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 pound 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

1
Once you have gathered and pre-measured all of your ingredients, you are ready to proceed. In a small bowl, crush the saffron threads with your fingers and dissolve them in 1-2 tablespoons of hot water. Set aside. Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large saucepan. Add the onion and red bell pepper, and sauté for 5 minutes or until softened
2
Add the garlic and spices (paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper) for 1-2 minutes more, stirring frequently. Add the diced tomatoes, frozen peas, chicken pieces, and rice to the saucepan, stirring to combine
3
Add the diced tomatoes, frozen peas, chicken pieces, and rice to the saucepan, stirring to combine.
4
Pour in the chicken broth and the saffron water and stir again. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid.
5
Simmer for 20-25 minutes until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender. Remove from heat and fluff the rice with a fork. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving this delicious saffron rice with chicken! Enjoy

Recipe Tips & Suggestions

How do you store and reheat my saffron rice and chicken?

To store your one-pot chicken rice saffron meal, let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days or freeze it for up to three months. Due to its longevity, I love this saffron chicken and rice recipe! You can reheat my chicken with saffron rice by placing the desired portion in a microwave-safe dish, covering it with a damp paper towel, and microwaving it on high for 2-3 minutes or until heated. Alternatively, you can reheat the entire pot on the stovetop by adding a splash of water or chicken broth and simmering on low heat until heated, stirring occasionally. If you like this Spanish rice dish with saffron, let me know in the comments below! I would love to hear your feedback.

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.

Have You Tried This Mediterranean Recipe?

If So, Mention Us @ranasrecipe

Or Use Hashtag #ranasrecipe

Let’s Start Cooking With Love!

Tell Me How I’m Doing?

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.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *