Saffron and Ginger Chicken

Image by @Simple Delicious

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• Salt and pepper

• 1 tsp saffron threads

• 1/4 cup of warm water

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 cloves of garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp grated ginger

• 1 cup of chicken broth

• 1/4 cup of plain yogurt

• 2 tbsp of chopped fresh cilantro

• Serving Size: Serves 4

• Prep Time: 15-20 mins

• Cook Time: 30-35 mins

• Total Time: 45-55 mins

1. Soak saffron threads in 1/4 cup of warm water for 10 minutes.

2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

3. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper; set aside.

4. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown, then remove and set aside.

5. In the same skillet, sauté onion, garlic, and ginger for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.

6. Add chicken broth, saffron water, and yogurt, bringing the mixture to a simmer.

7. Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over it.

8. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked.

9. Remove the skillet from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.

10. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Saffron and Ginger Chicken is a flavourful and easy-to-make dish that brings together the vibrant, aromatic taste of saffron with the warmth of ginger. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish pairs beautifully with rice, quinoa, or any grain of your choice, and can be enhanced with vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or green beans for a complete meal. The yogurt adds a tangy richness, though sour cream can be used as a substitute. With its unique blend of flavours, this healthy and versatile dish is sure to impress family and friends, especially when enjoyed with a glass of white wine.

Saffron, a symbol of luxury in Persian and Indian cuisines, brings vibrant colour and floral notes to dishes and has been prized for centuries for its festivity and grandeur. Ginger, essential in Asian and Middle Eastern kitchens, adds warming spice and traditional medicinal benefits. Together, these ingredients highlight the influence of ancient trade routes and cultural exchanges, blending rich culinary traditions into a flavourful and aromatic dish that connects past and present.