Saffron and Cheese Stuffed Chicken

Image by @easychickenrecipes

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• Salt and pepper

• 1/4 tsp saffron threads

• 1/4 cup of warm water

• 1 cup of grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella or a mix of both)

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 cloves of garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs

• 1/4 cup of chopped parsley

• 1 egg, lightly beaten

• Servings: serves 4

• Prep Time: 20 mins

• Cooking time: 25- 30 mins

• Total time: 45-50 mins

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a small bowl, soak the saffron threads in 1/4 cup of warm water for 10 minutes to release their flavour.

3. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then set aside.

4. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the onion and garlic for 3-4 minutes until soft and fragrant.

5. Remove from the heat and stir in the saffron water, grated cheese, breadcrumbs, and parsley.

6. Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound them with a meat mallet until they are evenly thick.

7. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.

8. Roll up the chicken breasts and secure them with toothpicks or kitchen twine.

9. Brush the chicken rolls with the beaten egg for a golden finish.

10. Place the chicken rolls in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until they are fully cooked and golden brown.

11. Once baked, remove the toothpicks before serving.

Saffron and cheese stuffed chicken is a refined twist on the traditional stuffed chicken recipe. Enhanced by the rich, fragrant flavour of saffron and filled with a creamy mixture of cheese, breadcrumbs, and fresh herbs, this dish strikes a perfect balance of savoury and aromatic notes. Baked to a golden finish, it’s a visually striking and delicious option for a dinner party or a cozy, elevated meal at home

Saffron and cheese stuffed chicken blends the culinary traditions of both Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. Saffron, one of the world’s most valuable and ancient spices, is closely tied to luxury and is featured in festive dishes across Persian, Indian, and Mediterranean cultures. Its golden colour and distinctive aroma enhance the dish’s flavour. The inclusion of cheese and herbs draws from Mediterranean cuisine, where rich dairy is often combined with fragrant spices. This fusion results in a flavourful dish that celebrates the diverse cultures that revere saffron as a treasured ingredient.