Persian Chicken with Saffron and Tomatoes Recipe
This Persian Chicken recipe is a flavorful and aromatic dish featuring tender chicken thighs and drumsticks cooked slowly in a blend of tomatoes, onions, garlic, and traditional spices like turmeric and saffron. Slow baking allows the chicken to absorb the rich flavors while remaining juicy and succulent, making it a comforting and elegant meal perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Persian
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 pounds chicken (a mix of thighs and drumsticks)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 13 1/2 ounces canned tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon pure saffron
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Liquids and Seasoning
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon butter (for greasing the baking dish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 150°C (300°F) and generously grease a large baking dish with butter or oil to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly mix the chicken pieces with chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced canned tomatoes. Sprinkle in turmeric, pure saffron, and salt, stirring well until all ingredients are fully incorporated with the chicken.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the chicken mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Carefully pour the chicken broth evenly over the mixture to keep it moist during cooking.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is fully cooked and tender.
- Rest Before Serving: Remove the dish from the oven and cover it loosely with tin foil. Allow the chicken to rest for 10 minutes to let juices redistribute, enhancing flavor and tenderness.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
- Using a mix of thighs and drumsticks adds variety in texture and flavor.
- Pure saffron adds an authentic Persian flavor; if unavailable, it can be substituted with a pinch of turmeric though flavor will be different.
- Resting the chicken after baking helps retain moisture and improves overall taste.
- Serve with Persian rice or flatbread for a traditional meal experience.
Keywords: Persian chicken, baked chicken recipe, saffron chicken, turmeric chicken, slow baked chicken, Middle Eastern chicken dish
