What is chicken Persian?

Chicken Persian typically refers to a classic Iranian dish made with bone-in chicken, onions, saffron, turmeric, and tomato paste. It’s slow-simmered for tenderness and depth of flavor. This easy Persian chicken recipe takes all the essential elements and streamlines them for modern kitchens. You still get that same golden color, fragrant aroma, and savory, rich sauce—without complicated steps or rare ingredients.

What to eat with Persian chicken?

The best sides for this easy Persian chicken recipe include steamed basmati rice, cucumber yogurt sauce, and warm flatbread. If you want more variety, it also pairs beautifully with fresh salads like 5-Ingredient Chicken Salad or Grilled Chicken and Zucchini Salad . These sides complement the warm spices and keep the meal light and balanced.

What is Persian saffron chicken called?

Persian saffron chicken is often called Zereshk Polo Ba Morgh —a dish where the chicken is cooked in a saffron and tomato sauce and served over rice with barberries. This easy Persian chicken recipe is a simplified version, still highlighting the saffron but skipping the more complex elements like barberries or long marinades, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.

What is Afghani chicken made of?

Afghani chicken, while similar in base ingredients, has a slightly different flavor profile compared to this easy Persian chicken recipe. It is frequently grilled or roasted and typically contains yogurt, coriander, and garam masala. It’s spicier and creamier than Persian chicken, which is more tomato- and saffron-forward. This easy Persian chicken recipe focuses on gentler spice layering and stew-like preparation for a more delicate flavor.

Easy Persian Chicken Recipe – 5-Star Flavor in 45 Mins

Name: Easy Persian Chicken Recipe: Simple Weeknight Flavor with a Persian Twist
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Persian
Ingredients: 4 bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks; 1 large onion, thinly sliced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1/2 teaspoon turmeric; Pinch of saffron, bloomed in 2 tbsp hot water; 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 cup water or low-sodium chicken broth; Juice of 1/2 lemon; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley or mint for garnish

Ingredients

Scale

4 bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks

1 large onion, thinly sliced

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1/2 teaspoon turmeric

Pinch of saffron, bloomed in 2 tbsp hot water

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 cup water or low-sodium chicken broth

Juice of 1/2 lemon

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley or mint for garnish

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken on both sides until golden, about 4–5 minutes per side.

2. Remove chicken. In the same pan, sauté onions until golden.

3. Add garlic, turmeric, cinnamon (if using), and tomato paste. Cook 1–2 minutes.

4. Return chicken to the pan. Add broth and saffron water. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Cover and simmer for 30–35 minutes until chicken is tender and sauce thickens.

6. Stir in lemon juice, garnish with herbs, and serve over rice or flatbread.

Notes

Use boneless chicken for faster cooking (reduce simmer time by 10 minutes).

Serve with basmati rice, couscous, or naan.

Add barberries or toasted almonds for traditional flair.

Author: EmilyFrost
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Persian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 piece + sauce
Calories: 320
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 420mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 29g
Cholesterol: 95mg