Dive into the flavors of this restaurant-style One-Pot Chicken Saffron Rice, a blend of Spanish and Mediterranean culinary traditions. Crafted with chicken, rice, a special Southern BBQ Spice Mix infused with real saffron, and a variety of vegetables, this dish promises a rich, aromatic experience. It's simple enough for a weekend meal yet sophisticated enough to impress. Let's debunk the myth of Saffron's inaccessibility and explore how a pinch can elevate your dish to luxurious heights.
Serving size: The recipe yields 2 servings.
One Pot Rice Ingredients
- Onion (1 medium-sized)
- Chicken thighs (4 pieces)
- Southern BBQ Spices Mix With Saffron (1 tablespoon)
- Garlic cloves (3 pieces)
- Rice (1 cup)
- Chicken Stock (2 cups)
- Frozen Peas (1/4 cup)
- Premium Saffron strands (1 small pinch, 0.5 grams)
- Green Olives (1/4 cup)
- Parsley (1 tablespoon)
- Cooking oil or Ghee (4 tablespoons)
- Table salt or sea salt (as per taste)
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Prep the Ingredients: Begin by prepping your onion, garlic, and parsley as outlined. For the green olives, any variety works—choose your favorite for a personalized touch.
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Rinse the Rice: Ensure the rice is thoroughly rinsed and soaked for 10-15 minutes to remove excess starch, then drain.
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Marinate the Chicken: Coat the chicken thighs evenly with the Southern BBQ Spice Mix. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Cooking Instructions:
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Brown the Chicken: In an oven-proof skillet, heat oil/ghee over medium-high. Cook the chicken until golden brown on each side, about 4 minutes. Set aside.
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Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce oil to one tablespoon if necessary, then sauté the onion until translucent. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
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Infuse the Stock with Saffron: Warm the chicken stock and infuse with saffron strands to extract color and flavor.
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Combine & Bake: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Add rice and saffron-infused stock to the skillet, stirring gently. Place chicken on top and bake for 25-30 minutes.
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Final Touches: Mix in olives and peas, cover, and let sit for 10 minutes. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Useful Tips:
- Versatile Ingredient Options: Experiment with canned beans or mushrooms for a twist.
- Stock Quality: Opt for high-quality stock for depth of flavor.
- Rice Selection: Small grain rice is recommended to capture the essence of Mediterranean cuisine, enhancing the dish's authenticity and texture.
Conclusion: This One-Pot Chicken Saffron Rice offers a perfect blend of convenience, flavor, and luxury. Whether you're looking to indulge or impress, this recipe guarantees a memorable dining experience with minimal fuss and maximum satisfaction.
Checkout Our Other Amazing Saffron Recipes here.
