Flavorful Persian Chicken: A Cozy Family Favorite Recipe
Experience the warm, aromatic flavors of Persian cuisine with this cozy and flavorful Persian Chicken recipe. Tender chicken thighs are marinated in a blend of traditional spices, then simmered with sweet dried apricots and crunchy nuts for a comforting family favorite.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Persian
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Base
- 4 pieces Chicken Thighs (can be substituted with chicken breasts)
- 1 medium Onion, chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
For the Spice Blend
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon Powder
- 1 teaspoon Cumin Powder
- 1 teaspoon Coriander Powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (can substitute with olive oil)
- 1 cup Chicken Broth or Water (use gluten-free broth if necessary)
For Sweetness and Texture
- 1 cup Dried Apricots
- ½ cup Slivered Almonds or Walnuts (choice of nuts)
For Garnish
- ¼ cup Fresh Parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with turmeric, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Allow the chicken to marinate for 15 minutes to absorb the warm, earthy flavors of the spices.
- Sauté Onions: Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté them until they turn a golden brown color, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. This step builds the base flavor for the dish.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, allowing the garlic to release its fragrant aroma without burning.
- Brown Chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Brown the chicken on all sides over medium heat, cooking for approximately 6 to 8 minutes. This step locks in flavor and gives the meat a tasty crust.
- Add Liquid: Pour in the chicken broth or water, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. This liquid will help cook the chicken through and keep it moist.
- Incorporate Fruit and Nuts: Stir the dried apricots and slivered almonds or walnuts into the skillet. These ingredients add delightful sweetness and crunchy texture that balance the savory spices.
- Simmer: Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let the chicken simmer gently for 45 minutes, or until it becomes tender and fully cooked, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish and adjust salt and pepper as needed to suit your preference before serving.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor, then serve hot alongside your preferred side dishes.
Notes
- Chicken breasts can be used as a substitute for thighs, but cooking time may be reduced.
- Use olive oil instead of vegetable oil for a richer flavor and healthier fat profile.
- Opt for gluten-free chicken broth if you need to keep this recipe gluten-free.
- Slivered almonds add a mild crunch, but walnuts bring a deeper, earthy flavor; choose based on your taste preference.
- For added depth, you can toast the nuts before adding them to the dish.
- This dish pairs well with fluffy basmati rice or warm flatbread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Keywords: Persian chicken, spiced chicken thighs, dried apricot chicken, Persian cuisine, cozy chicken recipe, family dinner
