Yellow Chicken and Rice – Chicken thighs are served with rice that is seasoned with toasted pasta, saffron and turmeric.
One thing that I really try to do is plan our menu with some variety. If we eat chicken today, we won’t have it again for several more days, or even the next week. It may be Italian today, but Mexican tomorrow. If it’s meat free on Monday, it will probably be protein filled on Tuesday. The last thing I want is to get bored with what we are eating, or feel like we are eating the same thing every day.
I know – now you are asking – then why in the world are you posting a 4th chicken recipe this week? The truth is – I actually had to laugh when I saw the way that the schedule rolled out this week. I normally have about 2 weeks of recipes planned at a time to bring to you. Sometimes I’m able to stick to the schedule quite well, while sometimes, things come up and things have to be switched around. That is what happened this week. And, well, I figured that most of you like chicken, so we’ll just call this chicken week, ok?? 🙂
If you are a chicken lover like I am, add this one to your line up. I know the weather hasn’t quite cooled off yet, but this is perfect for a night when you are looking for a good comfort meal that isn’t going to totally pack in the calories. I had some bone-in chicken thighs in the freezer that needed to be used up before the move, but if thighs aren’t your thing, you could also use breasts. I’m guessing it will even work with boneless chicken breasts, although you may need to add them a few minutes later so they don’t overcook.
And that concludes the influx of chicken recipes – for now. I’ll probably steer clear of them for a week, but I’m not promising anything after that!! 🙂
Yellow Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
- 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter divided
- 4 bone-in skin on chicken thighs
- salt and pepper
- 1/2 cup broken spaghetti
- 1 cup long grain rice
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 pinch cinnamon
- 1 pinch turmeric
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/4 cup flat leaf parsley chopped
Instructions
- Combine the saffron and chicken stock in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over low heat; keep warm.
- Meanwhile, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large, high-sided skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Add to the pan and cook until chicken is browned on both sides, cooking about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove chicken and cover with foil to keep warm.
- Melt the remaining butter in the skillet and add the spaghetti. Cook, stirring, until the pasta has toasted and browned, 2-3 minutes. Add the rice and stir to coat in the butter Add the garlic and onion and cook until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add the bay leaf, cinnamon, turmeric and the saffron-infused stock. Add the reserved chicken back into the pan. Heat until boiling, the cover the pan and reduce the heat to medium. Cook until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through, 15-18 minutes. Discard the bay leaf then stir in the peas and parsley; serve.
teresa says
i have everything i need to make this! it’s happening…
Heather of Kitchen Concoctions says
Chicken and yellow rice is one of our favorite meals, but I haven’t made it in ages! And I don’t know about anyone else but I can always use new chicken recipes!
Cherine says
A scrumptious dish!! Bookmarked
carrian says
Hey, chicken week is kinda awesome! Plus, who doesn’t need a new chicken recipe? Right?
Anna @ hiddenponies says
I love chicken and can ALWAYS use new ways to prepare it! This looks delicious, what a pretty colour!
Chels R. says
Move??? Are you moving again? This looks really yummy btw! When I make this, I’ll have to use my mom’s saffron since I’m to cheap to buy it, lol!
Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious says
I always need chicken recipes since I give up red meat when Jason leaves the nest. Can’t wait to give this a try – it has such awesome mix of flavors!
Bree says
This looks great!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
Love these flavors and the toasted pasta addition!
Cassie says
I love safron rice. This is such a great weeknight meal. I try to plan out meals too, and need to get back to it now after vacation. I love this recipe!
Sylvie says
That’s an interesting sounding recipe. I hardly eat any chicken these days, or any meat for that matter, but this looks like a to-try.
Joanne says
Upon first look I was sure that this had a Mexican flavor profile but now that i see it’s middle eastern I’m totally intrigued! I try to mix it up menu planning wise also…can’t let readers or myself get bored!
Stephanie says
Oh, that looks delicious! Nothing wrong with chicken week. I have a friend that only eats chicken and nothing else so this would be perfect for her. Thanks!
Kirsten@My Kitchen in the Rockies says
Hi Deborah, Thanks for including my soup! Your chicken dish looks like a dinner my family would love. Thanks!
Colleen @ What's Baking in the Barbershop?! says
I’m okay with a week full of chicken 🙂 You’ve had some great recipes this week, including this one! It’s so pretty with the fresh herbs.
Rosa says
Scrumptious! I love those flavors.
Cheers,
Rosa