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5 from 1 vote

Persian Saffron Chicken with Dill Cauliflower Rice

Chicken and onions cooked in a floral saffron sauce sits atop a bed of cauliflower rice seasoned with dill for a Persian-inspired meal. I like to sprinkle this dish with a few pomegranate seeds for some bright tart acidity as well as a textural contrast.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Persian
Keyword cauliflower, Chicken, dill, dinner, easy, fast, lunch, main, Persian, PSMF, saffron
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 2
Calories 394kcal
Author Jenny Ross

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 1/8 teaspoon saffron
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste omit for nightshade-free
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt and more to taste
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoons avocado oil
  • 1 pound chicken breasts pounded to 1/2-inch thickness, or boneless and skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/2 onion sliced

Dill Cauliflower Rice

  • 2 teaspoons butter or butter flavored coconut oil for dairy-free
  • 2 cups cauliflower rice
  • 1/4 cup dill minced, ~1/2 bunch, or 1/2 tablespoon dried, adjust to taste
  • 1/4 cup spinach optional, for brighter green color (puree in a small blender with a couple of tablespoons of chicken stock until smooth)
  • salt and pepper to taste

For Serving

  • 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds optional

Instructions

For the chicken

  • Pour a tablespoon of boiling water over the saffron and let sit for 5 minutes in a large bowl. Stir in the tomato paste, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and toss to coat evenly.
  • Heat a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add the avocado oil and when the oil is hot, add the onions and a generous pinch of salt. Cook, stirring often until the onions soften and become translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the chicken and cook until golden, about 4 minutes per side for chicken breast, or 8-10 minutes per side for chicken thighs. If any onions or chicken appears to be catching and burning or sticking, add a bit of chicken stock.

For the cauliflower rice

  • While the chicken is cooking, prepare the cauliflower. Microwave the riced cauliflower in a large microwave-safe bowl for about 5-8 minutes, or until steaming. Alternatively, heat a large pan over medium high heat and when hot, add the butter. When the butter is hot, add the cauliflower and cook, stirring occasionally until no liquid remains and the cauliflower is tender, about 5-10 minutes total. Stir in the dill and spinach, if using. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • To serve, divide the cauliflower rice between two plates. Top with chicken and onions and garnish with pomegranate seeds, if using.

Notes

Protein:Energy Ratio: 2.12
Nutrition with chicken breast and without the pomegranate: Calories: 377 cal, Carbs: 13g, Fiber: 4g, Fat: 13g, Protein: 52g, Protein:Energy Ratio: 2.36
Nutrition for chicken breast alone: Calories: 297 cal, Carbs: 4g, Fiber: 1g, Fat: 8g, Protein: 49g, Protein:Energy Ratio: 4.45
Nutrition with chicken thighs: Calories: 406 cal, Carbs: 17g, Fiber: 5g, Fat: 16g, Protein: 48g, Protein:Energy Ratio: 1.71
Nutrition with chicken thighs and without the pomegranate: Calories: 389 cal, Carbs: 13g, Fiber: 4g, Fat: 16g, Protein: 48g, Protein:Energy Ratio: 1.92
Nutrition for chicken thighs alone: Calories: 298 cal, Carbs: 4g, Fiber: 1g, Fat: 12g, Protein: 44g, Protein:Energy Ratio: 2.93

Nutrition

Calories: 394kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 52g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 145mg | Sodium: 720mg | Potassium: 1565mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 1175IU | Vitamin C: 92mg | Calcium: 77mg | Iron: 3mg