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–+ servings
Saffron Lemon Chicken

Saffron Lemon Chicken

Discover the magic of Saffron Lemon Chicken—a gourmet dish with vibrant flavors and aromatic spices. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Marinating Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 355
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 filets chicken or boneless thighs
  • 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
  • 100 ml chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
  • as needed lemon slices for garnish

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Small bowl
  • Whisk
  • Tongs
  • Sharp knife
  • Microplane grater optional for zesting

Method
 

  1. Infuse saffron in warm water for at least 5 minutes.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together saffron infusion, lemon juice, zest, garlic, olive oil, paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper.
  3. Place chicken in a shallow dish or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over it, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
  4. Cover and refrigerate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2 hours.
  5. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  6. Remove chicken and deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping up the flavorful bits.
  7. Return chicken to the skillet, reduce heat, and let it simmer in the sauce for 5-7 minutes.
  8. Arrange chicken on a serving platter, drizzle with sauce, sprinkle with parsley, and garnish with lemon slices.

Nutrition

Calories: 355kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 30gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 350mgPotassium: 370mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Use high-quality saffron for the best results; it’s worth the investment. Don’t skip the marinating step—it’s key to tender, flavorful chicken. Adjust the seasoning gradually; you can always add more but can’t take it away. For leftovers, store in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat gently to preserve texture. Consider doubling the recipe, as the dish tastes even better the next day!
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