Lemon Garlic Chicken with Saffron Rice

This dish quickly became one of our favorite meals with the aroma of saffron, the richness of garlic, and flavor of fresh lemon. It’s simple, yet elegant, and good for you, too! Turmeric adds brightness to the rice, while providing antioxidants to your body.

Be sure to rinse the rice multiple times until water runs clear. I use a big enough strainer to hold the quantity of rice needed and hold it under the faucet, sifting through the rice until it runs clear. This reduces the amount of starch and results in fluffier rice.

For blooming the saffron, I set our Dolce Gusto coffee maker on the first setting, which measures 1/4 cup of hot water every time. I put a coaster on top to keep it hot while it blooms.

Saffron Rice

Serves 2

Ingredients

  • 8 to 10 threads of saffron
  • 1 Tbsp butter (salted or unsalted)
  • ½ cup basmati or jasmine rice
  • ¾ cup low sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 1 slice of red onion finely chopped (about 1 Tbsp)
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 1/8 tsp kosher or sea salt
  • 1/8 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1/8 tsp ground pepper
  • 1/8 tsp oregano

Instructions

  • To bloom saffron, put saffron threads in a small bowl or coffee mug. Add ¼ cup of boiling or Hot water. Cover and let it to bloom for 10 minutes.
  • Rinse rice in a bowl or square container with cold water and swirl around with your fingers, then drain the water. Repeat until water is no longer cloudy, about three times.
  • Meanwhile, soak chopped onion in oil.
  • Melt butter, oil, and onion in a pot over medium high heat. Stir until onion is translucent. It’s best to use a non-stick pot for best results.
  • Add rice and stir until coated with oil and butter.
  • Add stock, salt, pepper, oregano, turmeric and bloomed saffron with its water.
  • Bring it to a boil, then cover with a tight-fitting lid.
  • Reduce heat to low and continue to cook until all the liquid is absorbed, and rice is fully cooked, about 15 minutes. (NOTE: Don’t open the lid while rice is cooking.)
  • Carefully fluff it with a wooden spoon, fork, or rubber spatula and serve.

Lemon Garlic Chicken

Serves 2

Ingredients

  • 1 large boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed (about ½ lb.)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup chicken broth
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 3 slices of lemon, deseeded
  • 2 bunches of fresh parsley or cilantro
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Heat oil in a pan on medium high heat.
  • Season chicken with salt and add to pan.
  • Cook chicken in oil until brown on both sides.
  • Add garlic and stir for 30 seconds to one minute.
  • Add pepper and squeeze of one slice lemon. I use the end cap of a lemon for this step.
  • Add broth and 2 lemon slices. Turn burner to low, cover and simmer for 5 minutes or until rice is done.
  • Plate with one lemon slice each.
  • Serve with saffron rice.
  • Pour remaining liquid and garlic over chicken and rice.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro.
  • For added flavor, dip the chicken in the lemon slice.