Iranian Food Recipes Chicken
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need
- 4 chicken drumsticks skin-on for added flavour
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon saffron threads dissolved in 2 tablespoons warm water
- 1 medium onion thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 cup water
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
- Mix lemon juice, turmeric, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
- Rub this mixture over the chicken drumsticks and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator).
Step 2: Prepare the Saffron
- Dissolve the saffron threads in warm water and steep them for 10 minutes. This step is crucial for infusing the dish with the signature Persian aroma.
Step 3: Sauté the Onion
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil.
- Sauté the sliced onions until golden brown—this caramelisation adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
- Add the marinated chicken to the skillet, searing each side for 5 minutes to lock in the flavour.
- Pour the saffron water and 1 cup of regular water into the skillet. Bring to a gentle boil.
Step 5: Simmer and Serve
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes or until the chicken is tender and cooked.
- Serve hot with steamed basmati rice or zereshk polo (barberry rice) for a traditional Persian pairing.