Saffron Chicken and Rice

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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.

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, this  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 perfect recipes with saffron rice and chicken will find this one quite tasty. Moreover, when making this saffron rice and chicken recipe, you will undoubtedly 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!

Ingredients for Your Saffron Chicken and Rice

Spices and Seasonings:

  • Saffron Threads: Saffron adds a unique earthy-sweet flavor with delicate floral undertones and vibrant yellow color, elevating the dish’s overall taste and appearance.
  • 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.
  • Salt and Pepper: Salt enhances the flavors and balances the taste, while black pepper adds a touch of spiciness.

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, a prized and costly spice harvested from the crocus flower, has been cherished in Spanish and Persian cuisines for centuries. Its vibrant color and distinctive flavor are worth the investment, elevating dishes to new heights. Saffron boasts a unique flavor profile, blending earthy-sweet notes with refreshing bitterness. Delicate floral undertones and a hint of honey create a medley of taste reminiscent of hay, freshly cut grass, and a subtle hint of pepper.

In Spanish cuisine, saffron takes center stage in iconic dishes like paella, arroz con pollo, and hearty stews. Persian culinary traditions include saffron in classics such as saffron rice, khoresh helmet (beef and split pea stew), and sholeh zard (Persian rice pudding). I’ve harnessed saffron’s aromatic magic in various recipes, adding depth and vibrancy to dishes like Spanish seafood paella, Yemeni rice, roasted carrots with saffron, and the beloved Persian love cake.

Variations of This Recipe?

This one-pot meal is a twist on classic chicken and rice saffron. Tender chunks of chicken breast and Mediterranean-inspired flavors come together in this delicious dish. If chorizo sausage is more to your liking, it can be a tasty alternative to saffron rice. It adds richness and juiciness to the Spanish saffron rice dish, enhancing its satisfaction. Feeling adventurous? Customize it with roasted red peppers, sautéed mushrooms, or even a sprinkle of feta cheese. Whether you stick to the original or make it your own, This chicken and saffron rice recipe offers a quick and easy way to savor a flavorful, filling meal any day of the week.

How to Make Saffron Chicken and Rice

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

Ingredients:

1X 2X 3X
Adjust Servings
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

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.

rana

By Rana

Thanks for visiting my Mediterranean food blog and welcome to my virtual kitchen! Here, you’ll find mouth-watering, wholesome, and nutritious Mediterranean recipes that will change the way you view cooking.

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    I would love to hear your experience!

    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.

    2 Comments

    • Rami

      I cooked this rice dish last week for my family it was so tasty ,simple easy to follow instruction, great for meal prep!thank you

      • 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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