Chicken with saffron, raisins & pine nuts

Chicken with saffron, raisins & pine nuts

This chicken dish is infused with the aromatic flavors of saffron, sweet raisins, and crunchy pine nuts, creating a delightful harmony of taste. It's a comforting and elegant meal perfect for sharing with family or guests.

Chicken

Prep Time

20 min

Cook Time

40 min

Servings

4

Chicken with saffron, raisins, and pine nuts is a lovely blend of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors, showcasing the luxurious aroma of saffron paired with the natural sweetness of raisins and the nutty crunch of toasted pine nuts. Historically, saffron has been prized as a precious spice, often used in celebratory dishes, making this recipe feel special and festive. This dish is beautifully balanced, with the warmth of thyme and the depth of dry sherry enhancing the slow-cooked chicken to tender perfection. The raisins add subtle sweetness that complements the savory stock-based sauce, while the pine nuts provide texture contrast. It's ideally served with fluffy rice, which soaks up the rich sauce, making every bite flavorful. This meal is perfect for cozy gatherings or anytime you want to impress with an easy-to-make yet elegant dish.

Ingredients

  • 1.25 kg Chicken
  • 2 tblsp Olive Oil
  • 3 cloves chopped Garlic
  • Pinch Saffron
  • 125 ml Dry sherry
  • 200 ml Chicken Stock
  • 1 tbsp Thyme
  • 50 g Raisins
  • 2 tbsp Pine Nuts
  • Handful Parsley

Instructions

Start by heating a large frying pan over high heat. Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper, then add the olive oil to the hot pan. Carefully place the chicken into the pan and brown each side for about 5 minutes until beautifully golden and crisp. Once browned, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside to rest. Reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onions to the flavorful chicken drippings in the pan. Sauté the onions for about 3 minutes until they start to soften. Stir in the garlic and a pinch of saffron, cooking gently for another 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the saffron to release its vibrant color and fragrant aroma. Pour in the dry sherry and let it simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until the liquid thickens into a syrupy glaze, intensifying the flavors. Return the browned chicken legs to the pan, then pour in the chicken stock, adding the fresh thyme and plump raisins. Cover the pan, reduce the heat to low, and let everything simmer gently for 20 minutes, ensuring the chicken becomes tender and infused with the lovely sauce. Add the chicken breast pieces and any juices collected on the plate back into the pan. Continue to simmer uncovered for another 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce to a luscious consistency and the chicken to cook through completely. While the chicken finishes cooking, preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/gas mark 6. Spread the pine nuts evenly on a baking sheet and roast them for 10 minutes, or until they turn a delicious golden-brown, releasing their rich, nutty fragrance. Check the seasoning of your chicken and sauce, adjusting salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle the toasted pine nuts and fresh parsley over the top, adding a beautiful texture and vibrant color. Serve this sumptuous chicken dish alongside fragrant rice to soak up every bit of the savory sauce. Enjoy!

Quick Info

Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
40 min
Total Time
60 min
Servings
4