Name: Flavorful Persian Chicken: A Cozy Family Favorite Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Persian
Ingredients: 4 pieces Chicken Thighs (can be substituted with chicken breasts); 1 medium Onion, chopped; 3 cloves Garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Turmeric Powder; 1 teaspoon Cinnamon Powder; 1 teaspoon Cumin Powder; 1 teaspoon Coriander Powder; 1 teaspoon Salt; 1 teaspoon Pepper; 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (can substitute with olive oil); 1 cup Chicken Broth or Water (use gluten-free broth if necessary); 1 cup Dried Apricots; ½ cup Slivered Almonds or Walnuts (choice of nuts); ¼ cup Fresh Parsley, chopped

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Introduction

This flavorful Persian chicken recipe is a cozy family favorite, combining warm spices with sweet dried apricots and crunchy nuts. It’s a comforting dish that brings together tender chicken thighs simmered in a fragrant sauce, perfect for a satisfying meal any day of the week.

A rectangular black tray holds a dish with four grilled chicken thighs placed on a bed of white rice. The chicken pieces have a golden brown and charred texture with visible grill marks and are topped with fresh chopped green herbs. Around the chicken, there are small chunks of cooked red tomatoes and possibly cooked onions mixed within the rice. A red chili pepper lies on the side, and some leafy greens are visible in the blurred background. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 pieces Chicken Thighs (can be substituted with chicken breasts)
1 medium Onion, chopped
3 cloves Garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
1 teaspoon Cinnamon Powder
1 teaspoon Cumin Powder
1 teaspoon Coriander Powder
1 teaspoon Salt
1 teaspoon Pepper
2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (can use olive oil)
1 cup Chicken Broth or Water (use gluten-free broth if necessary)
1 cup Dried Apricots
½ cup Slivered Almonds or Walnuts (choice of nuts)
¼ cup Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Season the chicken thighs with turmeric, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Let them marinate for 15 minutes to absorb the spices.
Step 2: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Add the marinated chicken thighs to the skillet. Brown them on all sides, which should take about 6 to 8 minutes.
Step 5: Pour in the chicken broth or water and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Step 6: Stir in the dried apricots and slivered almonds or walnuts.
Step 7: Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 45 minutes or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Step 8: Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed before serving.
Step 9: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

Substitute chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but adjust cooking time accordingly to avoid drying out the chicken.
Use olive oil instead of vegetable oil for a richer flavor.
For added texture, toast the nuts lightly before adding them to the dish.
To make this dish gluten-free, ensure the chicken broth you use does not contain gluten.

Storage

Store leftover Persian chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warm. The flavors often improve after a day as the spices meld together.

How to Serve

The dish shows two grilled chicken thighs with a golden brown and slightly charred surface, topped with green chopped herbs, on the right side of a white plate. At the front bottom of the chicken thighs, there is a colorful mix of cubed cooked vegetables including red and orange bell peppers, celery, and red onions, all glistening with seasoning and herbs. On the left side of the plate, there is a mound of white rice mixed with green herbs and scattered bright red peppercorns, creating a contrast in color and texture. The plate sits on a white marbled surface and the image has soft natural lighting highlighting the glossy and textured food. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used as a leaner alternative. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they tend to dry out faster than thighs.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

You can adapt this dish by replacing the chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to maintain rich flavor.