Description
This Persian Chicken recipe offers a delightful blend of aromatic spices, tender chicken thighs, and the sweetness of dried apricots balanced with crunchy nuts. Slow simmered to perfection, it creates a rich, flavorful dish that embodies the essence of traditional Persian cooking. It’s an easy yet impressive meal that brings warmth and exotic flavors to your dining table.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skinless
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cups chicken broth or water
- 1 cup dried apricots, halved
- 1 cup slivered almonds or walnuts
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: In a large bowl, season the chicken thighs with turmeric, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the spices coat the chicken evenly and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to enhance flavor.
- Sauté Onions: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté them until they become golden brown, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. This step builds a flavorful base for the dish.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic to the onions and continue to sauté for another minute until the garlic becomes fragrant, deepening the aroma of the dish.
- Brown the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken thighs to the skillet, cooking them on all sides until they develop a golden brown crust. This should take approximately 6 to 8 minutes and adds depth of flavor through caramelization.
- Add Liquid: Pour the chicken broth or water into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, which helps to blend the flavors and begin the cooking process of the chicken thoroughly.
- Incorporate Fruit and Nuts: Once boiling, stir in the dried apricots and slivered almonds or walnuts. The apricots provide a natural sweetness while the nuts add texture and richness to the dish.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the chicken simmer gently for about 45 minutes, or until it is tender and cooked through. This slow cooking allows flavors to meld perfectly and the chicken to remain juicy.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper as needed to balance the flavors according to your preference.
- Serve: Garnish the finished dish with chopped fresh parsley before serving to add a fresh, vibrant touch to this comforting Persian classic.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use chicken broth instead of water.
- You can substitute walnuts for almonds or use a mix for different textures.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, cook uncovered for the last 10 minutes.
- Serve this dish with basmati rice or Persian saffron rice for an authentic experience.
- Marinating longer, up to a few hours, will intensify the spice flavors in the chicken.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Persian
Keywords: Persian chicken, chicken thighs, apricot chicken, Persian recipe, slow simmer chicken, spiced chicken, Middle Eastern chicken dish
