One Pan Saffron Chicken Rice | Easy Stovetop Recipe

Golden saffron basmati rice with tender chicken thighs, deeply caramelized onions and dried cranberries - all in one pan, stovetop only. Incredibly aromatic and stunning on camera. The secret is in the layers: caramelized onions first, then golden-seared chicken, then the rice toasted in the same pan with whole spices before the saffron stock goes in. One pan, one result. Ingredients: • 2 cups basmati rice, washed and soaked 15-30 mins • 5 chicken thighs • 3½ cups chicken stock • 2 generous pinches saffron threads • 6 tbsp warm water (for blooming saffron) • 2 large onions, thinly sliced • 4 tbsp oil (for caramelizing onions) • 2 tbsp oil (for searing chicken) • 2 tsp cumin seeds • 2 cinnamon sticks • 6 cardamom pods, lightly crushed • 1 tsp turmeric • 1 tsp cumin powder • Salt and black pepper • 4 tbsp dried cranberries • Fresh coriander to serve Steps 1. Bloom the saffron Add 2 generous pinches of saffron threads to 6 tbsp warm water. Steep for 5 minutes until deeply golden. 2. Caramelize the onions Heat 4 tbsp oil in a wide, deep pan on medium. Add 2 large onions, thinly sliced, and cook 10-12 minutes stirring occasionally until deep golden and caramelized. Remove and set aside. 3. Sear the chicken thighs Add 2 tbsp oil to the same pan on high heat. Season 5 chicken thighs, bone-in skin off, with 1 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp cumin powder, and salt and black pepper. Sear 3-4 minutes each side until golden. Cook in batches if needed. Remove and set aside. 4. Toast spices and rice Same pan on medium. Add 2 tsp cumin seeds, 2 cinnamon sticks, and 6 cardamom pods, lightly crushed. Toast 30 seconds until fragrant. Add drained rice and stir 1 minute to coat in spices. 5. Cook covered Pour in 3½ cups chicken stock and the bloomed saffron water. Nestle the chicken thighs on top. Bring to a boil then reduce to lowest heat. Cover and cook 15 minutes - don’t lift the lid! 6. Rest Turn off heat. Rest 5 minutes lid on. 📌 SUBSCRIBE for weekly Mediterranean & Middle Eastern recipes 👆 Hit the bell so you never miss a new video #saffronrice #onepanrecipe #chickenrice #saffronchicken #easydinnerideas #mediterraneanfood #middleeasterncooking #quickdinnerideas #stovetoprecipes #healthydinnerideas