Saffron ChickenSaffron Chicken Recipe

Have you ever wished to prepare a delicious and aromatic saffron chicken dish like the ones served at restaurants? In this article, we will guide you step by step in making this amazing chicken dish with tomato paste and saffron. This simple recipe will help you achieve perfectly tender and juicy chicken, just like what you’d find in a fine restaurant.

Ingredients for Saffron Chicken

  • 10 pieces of chicken
  • 2-3 tablespoons of tomato paste
  • 2-3 onions
  • 1-2 carrots
  • 1 bell pepper
  • 2 tablespoons of brewed saffron
  • Salt, pepper, and turmeric to taste
  • Water as needed

How to Prepare Saffron Chicken

1. Browning the Chicken

Start by lightly browning the chicken pieces in hot oil to achieve a golden brown color on all sides.

2. Cooking the Chicken

In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté them until they become soft and translucent. Then, add the chopped carrots and bell pepper, and stir them together. Season with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices. Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook until its raw flavor disappears. Add water, then mix well. Finally, add the browned chicken pieces and cover the pot. Let it cook until the chicken is tender.

3. Adding Saffron and Final Cooking

For the last step, crush the saffron threads and add some ice cubes to release its flavor. Once the chicken is cooked, open the pot and stir in the brewed saffron along with any additional spices you desire. Allow it to simmer for another 15 minutes to enhance the flavor with saffron.

Tips for Cooking Perfect Chicken

  • Low heat cooking: Ensures the chicken becomes tender while absorbing all the flavors.
  • Remove the chicken smell: Soak the chicken in a water and vinegar solution for 30 minutes before cooking, or use a bell pepper to enhance the aroma of saffron chicken.
  • Thickening the sauce: For a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and add it during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Why Tomato Paste Matters in Saffron Chicken

Tomato paste plays a crucial role in enhancing your saffron chicken recipe:

  • Flavor: Adds a rich and delightful depth of flavor, complementing the saffron beautifully.
  • Color: Gives the dish a vibrant, appetizing red hue.
  • Consistency: Helps to thicken the sauce while preventing it from becoming watery or too thick.