Morgh Zaferani
Persian Saffron Chicken
A classic Persian dish featuring tender chicken pieces marinated in a fragrant blend of saffron, yogurt, and lemon juice, then baked to a beautiful golden hue. This dish is aromatic, flavorful, and perfect for a special occasion.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Chicken(Cut into serving pieces (e.g., thighs, drumsticks, or breast halves). Bone-in, skin-on pieces are recommended for best flavor and moisture.)
- 200 g Plain Yogurt(Full-fat Greek yogurt or regular plain yogurt.)
- 0.5 tsp Saffron Threads(About 1 gram. For best results, grind saffron threads and steep in 2 tablespoons of warm water for 10-15 minutes until fragrant and the water is deeply colored.)
- 1 large Onion(Thinly sliced.)
- 60 g Butter(Unsalted butter, divided.)
- 3 tbsp Lemon Juice(Freshly squeezed.)
- 1 tsp Salt(Or to taste.)
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper(Freshly ground, or to taste.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the saffron: In a small bowl, combine the saffron threads with 2 tablespoons of warm water. Let it steep for at least 10-15 minutes until the water is deeply colored and fragrant. This process is called blooming the saffron and releases its full flavor and aroma.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 2
Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the plain yogurt, bloomed saffron (including the water), lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure all chicken pieces are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to tenderize.
⏱️ 3 hours to overnight - 3
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
⏱️ 10 minutes - 4
Assemble for baking: Arrange the thinly sliced onion in a single layer at the bottom of a baking dish. Place the marinated chicken pieces on top of the onions, ensuring they are in a single layer for even cooking. Drizzle any remaining marinade over the chicken.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 5
Bake the chicken: Dot the chicken pieces with half of the butter (30g). Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
⏱️ 45 minutes - 6
Brown the chicken: Remove the aluminum foil. Dot the chicken with the remaining butter (30g). Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and continue baking for another 30-45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, tender, and has a beautiful golden-brown color. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 74°C (165°F).
⏱️ 30-45 minutes - 7
Rest and serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and moist chicken. Serve hot, traditionally with fluffy Persian basmati rice.
⏱️ 10 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For the most vibrant color and flavor, use high-quality saffron threads.
- ✓Marinating the chicken overnight will yield the most tender and flavorful results.
- ✓Ensure the chicken is cooked through by checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
- ✓If the chicken is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil during the final stages of baking.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a handful of dried barberries (rinsed and soaked) to the baking dish during the last 20 minutes of cooking for a tart contrast.
- For a richer flavor, you can add a pinch of turmeric to the marinade.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving.