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.
1poundchicken breastspounded to 1/2-inch thickness, or boneless and skinless chicken thighs
1/2onionsliced
Dill Cauliflower Rice
2teaspoonsbutteror butter flavored coconut oil for dairy-free
2cupscauliflower rice
1/4cupdillminced, ~1/2 bunch, or 1/2 tablespoon dried, adjust to taste
1/4cupspinachoptional, for brighter green color (puree in a small blender with a couple of tablespoons of chicken stock until smooth)
salt and pepperto taste
For Serving
1/4cuppomegranate seedsoptional
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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: 2.12Nutrition with chicken breast and without the pomegranate: Calories: 377 cal, Carbs: 13g, Fiber: 4g, Fat: 13g, Protein: 52g, Protein:Energy Ratio: 2.36Nutrition for chicken breast alone: Calories: 297 cal, Carbs: 4g, Fiber: 1g, Fat: 8g, Protein: 49g, Protein:Energy Ratio: 4.45Nutrition with chicken thighs: Calories: 406 cal, Carbs: 17g, Fiber: 5g, Fat: 16g, Protein: 48g, Protein:Energy Ratio: 1.71Nutrition with chicken thighs and without the pomegranate: Calories: 389 cal, Carbs: 13g, Fiber: 4g, Fat: 16g, Protein: 48g, Protein:Energy Ratio: 1.92Nutrition for chicken thighs alone: Calories: 298 cal, Carbs: 4g, Fiber: 1g, Fat: 12g, Protein: 44g, Protein:Energy Ratio: 2.93