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Juicy Persian Chicken: A Flavor-Packed Family Delight Recipe

4.7 from 84 reviews

This Juicy Persian Chicken recipe offers a flavorful and aromatic family meal featuring tender chicken thighs simmered with fragrant spices, dried apricots, and crunchy almonds. The dish balances sweet and savory notes, making it a delightful and hearty Persian-inspired entree perfect for sharing.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken

  • 4 chicken thighs (use thighs for tenderness and flavor)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

For the Aromatic Base

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or olive oil for richer flavor)

For the Spices

  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder

For Cooking Liquid

  • 1 cup chicken broth (or water)

For the Sweet Touch

  • 1 cup dried apricots (substitute figs or raisins if desired)

For Crunchy Texture

  • ½ cup slivered almonds (or walnuts)

For the Finish

  • ¼ cup fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: Combine chicken thighs with turmeric, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for about 15 minutes to absorb the spices.
  2. Sauté Onions: Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they turn golden and emit a fragrant aroma.
  3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its flavor.
  4. Braise Chicken: Add the marinated chicken thighs to the skillet, browning all sides for about 6-8 minutes to develop a rich color and enhance flavor.
  5. Add Liquid and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth or water and bring it to a gentle boil.
  6. Add Apricots and Nuts: Stir in dried apricots and slivered almonds or walnuts to add sweetness and crunch.
  7. Simmer Covered: Cover the skillet and let the chicken simmer on low heat for 45 minutes until tender and fully cooked, allowing flavors to meld.
  8. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish and adjust salt or pepper as needed for balanced flavor.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Serve the Persian chicken garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Optionally, drizzle with lemon juice before serving for an extra touch.

Notes

  • For an extra touch, drizzle with lemon juice before serving.
  • Substitute dried apricots with figs or raisins if preferred.
  • Use olive oil instead of vegetable oil for a richer flavor profile.
  • Serve with rice or flatbread to round out the meal.

Keywords: Persian chicken, chicken thighs, spiced chicken, dried apricots, Persian cuisine, family dinner, tender chicken, juicy chicken