Saffron Chicken

Saffron Chicken is a fragrant and flavorful Moroccan dish, combining tender chicken with aromatic spices and the luxurious essence of saffron. Served with a side of fluffy couscous, it's a high-protein delight that transports you to the heart of North Africa.

Saffron Chicken
40 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Moroccan
450 kcal

Ingredients

  • Chicken thighs - 300 grams
  • Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
  • Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
  • Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
  • Saffron threads - 0.5 grams
  • Chicken broth - 250 milliliters
  • Ground cumin - 1 teaspoon
  • Ground coriander - 1 teaspoon
  • Paprika - 1 teaspoon
  • Salt - 1 teaspoon
  • Black pepper - 0.5 teaspoon
  • Almonds - 30 grams, sliced
  • Fresh cilantro - 2 tablespoons, chopped
  • Lemon - 1, juiced

Steps

  1. In a small bowl, soak saffron threads in 2 tablespoons of warm water for 10 minutes to release their flavor.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  4. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the chicken thighs to the skillet. Season with salt, black pepper, cumin, coriander, and paprika. Brown the chicken on all sides for about 6-8 minutes.
  5. Pour the chicken broth and the saffron mixture (with its soaking water) into the skillet. Stir to combine. Bring to a simmer.
  6. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for 20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
  7. Uncover the skillet, add sliced almonds, and simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
  8. Stir in fresh cilantro and lemon juice before serving.
  9. Serve the saffron chicken over cooked couscous, garnished with additional cilantro if desired.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 450
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Carbs: 15 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
  • Total Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 26 g
  • Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

  • High in protein, supporting muscle growth and repair.
  • Contains antioxidants from saffron and almonds, promoting overall health.

Tags

MoroccanHigh ProteinLunch