Authentic Persian Chicken with Fragrant Basmati Rice – A Middle Eastern Feast

Persian Chicken brings the aromatic spices and rich flavors of Iran directly to your kitchen, creating a meal that’s both exotic and comfortingly familiar. Picture tender, golden chicken pieces dancing with warm turmeric and cumin, nestled alongside perfectly seasoned basmati rice that’s been kissed with cardamom and cinnamon.

This isn’t just dinner – it’s a culinary journey to the bustling spice markets of Tehran, where every bite tells a story of ancient traditions and time-honored cooking techniques passed down through generations.

The beauty of this Persian chicken recipe lies in its perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication. While the ingredient list might seem extensive, each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor that transform ordinary chicken into something truly extraordinary. The combination of fresh herbs, crunchy pistachios, and cooling cucumber creates a symphony of textures that keeps every bite interesting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Last month, I served this Persian chicken to friends who claimed they “didn’t like Middle Eastern food.” By the end of the evening, they were practically licking their plates clean and begging for the recipe!

The magic happens when the chicken marinates in that golden turmeric and lime juice mixture – it becomes incredibly tender while developing this gorgeous color that’s absolutely Instagram-worthy.

What makes this recipe truly special is how it brings people together. There’s something about the fragrant aroma of cardamom and cinnamon wafting through your home that draws everyone to the kitchen.

Plus, it’s surprisingly weeknight-friendly despite its impressive presentation. Explore more quick & easy recipes here for additional inspiration that fits busy schedules.

Ingredients List

Find more healthy recipe ideas here to complement your Persian-inspired meal planning and create a complete Middle Eastern dining experience.

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Marinade
Start by combining the chicken pieces with 1 1/2 teaspoons turmeric, 2 teaspoons cumin, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, chopped garlic, and fresh lime juice in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly, ensuring every piece is well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, though 2-4 hours will yield even more flavorful results.

Step 2: Prepare the Fragrant Rice
Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil with the smashed garlic clove, cardamom, cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until tender and fluffy.

Step 3: Cook the Persian Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of grapeseed oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.

Step 4: Sauté the Onions
In the same skillet, add remaining oil and sliced onions. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized. Season with remaining cumin, salt, and pepper.

Step 5: Combine and Garnish
Return chicken to the skillet with onions, toss gently to combine. Serve over the fragrant rice, topped with fresh cucumber pieces, herb leaves, and chopped pistachios. Offer lime wedges, yogurt, and sumac on the side.

Exact Timing to Make Persian Chicken

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Marinating Time: 30 minutes minimum (up to 4 hours)
• Rice Cooking Time: 18 minutes
• Chicken Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Active Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (including minimum marinating)

Nutritional Information

This Persian Chicken recipe provides an excellent source of lean protein while delivering significant amounts of iron and essential amino acids. The turmeric offers anti-inflammatory properties, while the fresh herbs contribute valuable antioxidants. The combination of basmati rice and protein creates a well-balanced meal that supports sustained energy levels.

Healthier Alternatives

Making these modifications to your Persian Chicken recipe can reduce calories by approximately 150 per serving while boosting fiber and protein content. For those following specific dietary plans, consider using coconut aminos instead of salt for a paleo-friendly version, or swap the chicken for firm tofu for a vegetarian adaptation. Discover more healthy dinner recipes here to expand your repertoire of nutritious, flavorful meals.

Serving Suggestions

Create a Middle Eastern Mezze Spread: Serve your Persian Chicken alongside hummus, baba ganoush, warm pita bread, and a simple cucumber-tomato salad drizzled with olive oil and lemon juice. This creates an authentic dining experience that encourages sharing and conversation around the table.

Pair with Traditional Persian Sides: Complement the chicken with Iranian favorites like jeweled rice (polo), pickled vegetables (torshi), or a refreshing shirazi salad made with diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions. These traditional accompaniments enhance the authentic flavors while providing textural contrast.

Wine and Beverage Pairings: The warm spices in Persian Chicken pair beautifully with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir. For non-alcoholic options, serve with Persian doogh (a yogurt-based drink with mint) or iced green tea with a splash of rosewater for an authentic touch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Rushing the Marinating Process: Many home cooks skip or shorten the marinating time, which significantly impacts the flavor development. The turmeric and lime juice need at least 30 minutes to penetrate the chicken and create that signature golden color and tender texture that makes Persian Chicken so distinctive.

Overcrowding the Pan: When cooking the chicken, avoid overcrowding the skillet as this causes steaming instead of proper browning. Cook in batches if necessary to achieve that beautiful golden exterior that’s crucial for both flavor and presentation.

Using the Wrong Rice Ratio: Persian Chicken deserves perfectly cooked rice, so maintain the 1:2 ratio of rice to water and resist lifting the lid during cooking. Opening the pot releases steam and can result in unevenly cooked, mushy rice that won’t properly complement the chicken.

Storing Tips

Refrigeration Guidelines: Store leftover Persian Chicken in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the rice and chicken components separate if possible, as this prevents the rice from absorbing excess moisture and becoming soggy. Fresh garnishes like herbs and cucumber should be stored separately and added fresh when reheating.

Freezing for Meal Prep: The cooked chicken (without rice and fresh garnishes) freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Portion into freezer-safe containers with a bit of the cooking liquid to prevent drying. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth.

Reheating Best Practices: Reheat Persian Chicken gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, adding a tablespoon of water or chicken broth to prevent drying. The rice reheats best in the microwave with a damp paper towel covering, or steam it in a covered pot with a splash of water for 3-4 minutes.

FAQs

Persian Chicken with Fragrant Basmati Ricet

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• Author: mia
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Authentic Persian Chicken with Fragrant Basmati Rice captures the rich spices and aromas of Middle Eastern cooking in a simple, elegant dinner. Tender chicken infused with turmeric, cumin, and lime pairs beautifully with fluffy basmati rice scented with cardamom and cinnamon. Perfect for recipes chicken lovers or anyone looking for easy dinner recipes full of exotic yet comforting flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup Royal® Chef’s Secret Long Grain Basmati Rice
• 1 medium onion, halved and thinly sliced
• 2 teaspoons ground turmeric
• 2 1/4 teaspoons ground cumin, divided
• 1 3/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3 large garlic cloves, finely chopped, plus 1 smashed
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, plus 8 lime wedges for serving
• 3 tablespoons GrapeOla® Grapeseed Oil, divided
• 1 English hothouse cucumber, diced (about 2 cups)
• 1 cup mixed fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, and dill)
• 1/3 cup shelled unsalted pistachios, chopped
• 1 cup plain yogurt (optional)
• Sumac for serving (optional)

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Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix chicken with 1 1/2 tsp turmeric, 2 tsp cumin, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, chopped garlic, and lime juice. Coat evenly, cover, and marinate at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
2. Rinse basmati rice under cold water until clear. In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil with smashed garlic, cardamom, cinnamon, and 1/2 tsp salt. Add rice, reduce heat, cover, and simmer 15–18 minutes until fluffy.
3. Heat 2 tbsp grapeseed oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 6–8 minutes, turning once, until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
4. In the same skillet, add remaining oil and sliced onion. Sauté 5–7 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized. Season with remaining cumin, salt, and pepper.
5. Return chicken to the skillet with onions and toss gently to combine.
6. Serve over fragrant rice and top with cucumber, herbs, and pistachios. Add lime wedges, yogurt, and a sprinkle of sumac if desired.

Notes

For extra flavor, let the chicken marinate overnight. To keep the rice fluffy, avoid stirring it while it cooks. The mix of herbs and pistachios adds freshness and crunch to balance the warm spices.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 560
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 38g
• Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: recipes chicken, recipes for dinner, recipes healthy, recipes easy dinner, persian food