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Easy Persian Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 102 reviews

Easy Persian Chicken is a flavorful and aromatic dish featuring tender chicken thighs or drumsticks simmered in a rich sauce made with saffron, turmeric, tomato paste, and warm spices. This one-pan recipe combines simple ingredients to create a comforting meal perfect for serving over rice or flatbread, capturing the essence of Persian home cooking.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 4 bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Spices and Aromatics

  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • Pinch of saffron, bloomed in 2 tbsp hot water
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Liquid and Finish

  • 1 cup water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • Fresh parsley or mint for garnish

Instructions

  1. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken thighs or drumsticks on both sides until golden brown, about 4–5 minutes per side. This step locks in moisture and builds flavor.
  2. Sauté Onions: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same pan, add the thinly sliced onions and sauté over medium heat until they turn golden and soft, developing sweetness and depth.
  3. Add Aromatics and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, turmeric, optional cinnamon, and tomato paste. Cook for 1–2 minutes, allowing the tomato paste to caramelize slightly and the spices to release their fragrance.
  4. Simmer the Chicken: Return the seared chicken pieces to the skillet. Pour in the water or low-sodium chicken broth along with the saffron water. Season with salt and pepper. Cover the pan and reduce heat to low. Let the chicken simmer gently for 30–35 minutes until it becomes tender and the sauce thickens beautifully.
  5. Finish and Serve: Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice for a bright, tangy finish. Garnish with fresh parsley or mint leaves. Serve the Persian chicken hot over cooked rice or flatbread for a traditional meal experience.

Notes

  • Blooming saffron in hot water enhances its flavor and color—don’t skip this step.
  • Using bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks keeps the meat juicy and flavorful.
  • For a spicier variation, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes.
  • This dish pairs beautifully with basmati rice or warm Middle Eastern flatbreads.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

Keywords: Persian chicken, saffron chicken, turmeric chicken, easy chicken recipe, one-pan chicken, Middle Eastern chicken

Find it online: https://todayquickmeals.com/easy-persian-chicken-recipe/