Spanish Saffron Chicken

Spanish Saffron Chicken Recipe - Authentic Flavors of Spain

Region / culture: Spain | Servings: 6

Introduction

Spanish Saffron Chicken is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines tender chicken with a rich and savory sauce. This dish is perfect for a special dinner or a cozy night in.

History

This recipe has its roots in Spanish cuisine, where saffron is a prized and expensive spice. Saffron adds a unique flavor and vibrant color to dishes, making it a popular ingredient in Spanish cooking.

Ingredients

6 (4 oz or 113 g each) skinned, boned chicken breast halves
0.25 tbsp ground pepper
1 medium onion, sliced
1 clove garlic, minced
0.5 lb or 227 g fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 cup water
2 tbsp paprika
1 tbsp dry chicken bouillon powder
0.5 tbsp saffron threads (or turmeric)
1 cup frozen English peas
2 tbsp sliced ripe olives (pitted)
0.25 cup skim milk
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp water
3 cup hot cooked long-grain rice

How to prepare

Sprinkle the chicken with pepper.
Place the chicken in a large dutch oven that has been coated with cooking spray.
Cook the chicken over medium heat until browned.
Wipe the pan drippings from the dutch oven with a paper towel.
Coat the dutch oven again with cooking spray and place it over medium-high heat until hot.
Add the onion, garlic, and mushrooms to the dutch oven; sauté until tender.
Add the chicken, 1 cup of water, paprika, bouillon powder, and saffron threads.
Bring the mixture to a boil.
Cover, reduce the heat, and simmer for 25 minutes until the chicken is tender.
Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Add the peas and skim milk to the dutch oven.
Cover and simmer for 5 minutes.
Combine the cornstarch and 2 tsp of water; add it to the vegetable mixture.
Bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbly.
Remove from heat.
To serve, place rice on a serving platter.
Arrange the chicken over the rice and top it with the vegetable mixture.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes or bell peppers for extra flavor and color.
Use chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of chicken breasts for a different texture.
Substitute shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian version of this dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the chicken before simmering it in the sauce to lock in the flavors.

- Use high-quality saffron for the best flavor and color.

- Adjust the amount of saffron to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Spanish Saffron Chicken with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. Pair it with a glass of Spanish red wine for an authentic dining experience.

Cooking Techniques

Sauté the onions, garlic, and mushrooms until they are tender and fragrant.

- Simmer the chicken in the sauce to infuse it with flavor.

- Thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry for a silky texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable broth instead of chicken bouillon powder for a vegetarian version.

- Substitute green beans or asparagus for the peas.

- Use almond milk or coconut milk instead of skim milk for a dairy-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat the sauce and cook the chicken when you are ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Spanish Saffron Chicken on a large platter with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped olives for a pop of color. Garnish with a lemon wedge for a bright and citrusy finish.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Spanish Saffron Chicken with a side of Spanish rice or roasted potatoes. Serve it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. For dessert, enjoy a slice of flan or churros with chocolate sauce.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the dish in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent the sauce from drying out.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Spanish Saffron Chicken contains approximately 300 calories. This makes it a relatively low-calorie dish that is perfect for a balanced meal.

Carbohydrates

This dish is relatively low in carbohydrates, with most of the carbs coming from the rice and peas. Each serving contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Spanish Saffron Chicken is a lean dish, with most of the fat coming from the chicken and olives. Each serving contains approximately 6 grams of fat.

Proteins

This dish is a good source of protein, with each serving containing approximately 30 grams of protein. Protein is essential for muscle growth and repair.

Vitamins and minerals

Spanish Saffron Chicken is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and potassium. These nutrients are important for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (skim milk) and gluten (cornstarch). It may also contain soy (bouillon powder). Please check for allergens before preparing this dish.

Summary

Overall, Spanish Saffron Chicken is a nutritious and balanced dish that is rich in protein and vitamins. It is a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion.

Summary

Spanish Saffron Chicken is a delicious and aromatic dish that is perfect for a special dinner or a cozy night in. With its rich flavors and tender chicken, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Spanish Saffron Chicken. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting a dear friend of mine in Spain. We had spent the morning exploring the bustling markets of Barcelona, and by midday, we were ready to relax and enjoy a home-cooked meal.

My friend, Maria, had invited me to her cozy little apartment for lunch, and as soon as I walked in, I was greeted by the most incredible aroma. The smell of saffron and spices filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.

Maria welcomed me into her kitchen, where she was busy preparing a traditional Spanish dish - Saffron Chicken. As she expertly chopped vegetables and seasoned the chicken, I watched in awe, taking mental notes of every step she took.

I had always been passionate about cooking, and I loved learning new recipes from different cultures. So, I eagerly asked Maria if she would be willing to share her recipe with me. With a smile, she agreed, and we spent the afternoon cooking together, laughing and chatting as we worked.

The dish was a masterpiece - tender chicken marinated in a saffron-infused sauce, served with fragrant rice and a side of roasted vegetables. The flavors were unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I knew that I had to recreate it at home.

When I returned from my trip to Spain, I immediately set to work in my own kitchen, trying to replicate Maria's recipe. I experimented with different spice blends, adjusted cooking times, and finally, after several failed attempts, I managed to perfect the dish.

Over the years, I have continued to make Spanish Saffron Chicken for my family and friends, each time receiving rave reviews. I have added my own twist to the recipe, incorporating fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon for brightness.

I have shared the recipe with countless people, passing down the tradition of Spanish Saffron Chicken to future generations. And each time I make it, I am transported back to that sunny afternoon in Maria's kitchen, surrounded by the warmth and love of good food and good company.

Cooking has always been a passion of mine, a way to express my creativity and share my love with others. And this recipe, in particular, holds a special place in my heart. It reminds me of the friendships I have formed, the places I have visited, and the joy that comes from a delicious meal shared with loved ones.

As I sit here, writing down the recipe for Spanish Saffron Chicken, I can't help but smile at the memories it brings back. And I know that as long as I continue to cook and share this dish, a piece of my travels and experiences will live on in every bite.