Persian cuisine is known for its vibrant flavors and aromatic spices, and this Persian Apricot Saffron Chicken dish is a fantastic example of that. It features juicy chicken simmered in a fragrant saffron sauce, complemented by dried fruits and a blend of warming spices, making it a delightful meal. Let’s dive into the cooking!
Ingredients:
2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or preferred cut)
1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
3 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ground turmeric
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp ground coriander
1/4 tsp ground cardamom
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1 ½ cups chicken broth
1/2 tsp saffron threads, crushed and dissolved in 2 tbsp warm water
1/3 cup dried cranberries (instead of barberries)
1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
1 tbsp honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
Salt to taste
2 tbsp lemon juice
Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
Sear the Chicken:
Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and black pepper. Sear the chicken, skin-side down, until golden brown (about 5 minutes per side). Remove from the pan and set aside.
Sauté the Onions & Spices:
In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil. Add the yellow onion and sauté over medium heat until softened and lightly caramelized (about 5-7 minutes). Stir in the garlic, turmeric, cinnamon, cumin, coriander, and cardamom. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
Deglaze & Simmer:
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the saffron water, cranberries, apricots, and honey (if using). Return the seared chicken to the pan.
Simmer to Perfection:
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for about 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or more broth.
Finish & Serve:
Stir in the lemon juice, adjust seasoning if needed, and let the dish sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro.
Reasons to Enjoy This Dish:
Fragrant & Tasty – A delightful mix of sweet, savory, and earthy flavors.
Simple to Make – Easy methods that yield gourmet results.
Wholesome & Nutritious – Loaded with protein, antioxidants, and healthy spices.
Give this Persian Apricot Saffron Chicken Recipe a go and experience a bit of Persian culinary wonder in your kitchen. We’d love to hear how it turns out in the comments!