Pin it A fragrant, golden one-pot meal featuring tender chicken, aromatic basmati rice, and warming saffron—perfect for cozy dinners and effortless entertaining.
This dish has become a family favorite for its comforting taste and simplicity in preparation.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Aromatics: 1 large yellow onion finely chopped, 3 garlic cloves minced, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon ground coriander, ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
- Rice & Saffron: 1½ cups basmati rice rinsed and drained, 2¼ cups chicken broth (gluten-free if needed), ¼ teaspoon saffron threads, 2 tablespoons hot water
- Garnishes (optional): ¼ cup slivered almonds toasted, ¼ cup golden raisins, 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro chopped, Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a small bowl, steep saffron threads in 2 tablespoons hot water set aside.
- Step 2:
- Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
- Step 3:
- Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs and sear for 2 3 minutes per side until lightly browned. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Step 4:
- In the same pot add onion and cook for 4 5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic cumin coriander and turmeric cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 5:
- Add rinsed rice and stir to coat grains with spices and oil.
- Step 6:
- Pour in chicken broth and saffron water (including threads). Return chicken thighs to the pot nestling them into the rice.
- Step 7:
- Bring to a gentle boil then reduce heat to low. Cover tightly and simmer for 20 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Step 8:
- Remove from heat and let rest covered for 5 minutes.
- Step 9:
- Fluff rice with a fork. Garnish with toasted almonds golden raisins herbs and lemon wedges if desired. Serve warm.
Pin it This recipe always brings the family together around the dinner table with smiles.
Required Tools
Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot with lid Small bowl Measuring cups and spoons Chefs knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains tree nuts (almonds) if using garnish Gluten-free if using certified gluten-free chicken broth Always double-check ingredient labels for hidden gluten or allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories 460 Total Fat 14 g Carbohydrates 56 g Protein 27 g
Pin it 
Enjoy this flavorful saffron chicken pilaf made simple for any night of the week.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do you infuse the saffron flavor?
Steep saffron threads in hot water before adding to the cooking liquid to release their aroma and color evenly throughout the dish.
- → Can chicken breasts be used instead of thighs?
Yes, substitute chicken breasts, but reduce cooking time accordingly to avoid drying out the meat.
- → What type of rice works best here?
Long-grain basmati rice is ideal for its fragrant aroma and fluffy texture that complements the spices and chicken.
- → Are toasted almonds necessary for the garnish?
Almonds add a pleasant crunch and nutty flavor, but garnishing is optional and can be omitted if preferred.
- → How can the dish be made vegetarian?
Omit chicken and use vegetable broth; add chickpeas or extra vegetables for protein and texture.
- → What spices enhance the flavor profile?
Cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garlic combine with saffron to create a warm and aromatic base.