Perfect for a flavorful and nutritious dinner, this delectable chicken and rice recipe offers a balanced meal rich in protein and healthy fats. Pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Thighs:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of turmeric
• 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Saffron Rice:

• 1 cup of basmati rice
• 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/4 teaspoon of saffron threads
• 1/2 cup of peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Salt to taste

Instructions

Preparing the Chicken Thighs:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, turmeric, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the chicken thighs.
3. Sear the Chicken: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Flip the thighs and cook for another 3 minutes.
4. Bake the Chicken: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Preparing the Saffron Rice:

1. Prepare the Saffron: In a small bowl, soak the saffron threads in 2 tablespoons of warm water for 5 minutes.
2. Cook the Onions: In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until translucent.
3. Add Rice and Saffron: Stir in the rice and saffron mixture, ensuring the rice is well coated.
4. Add Broth and Peas: Pour in the chicken broth and add peas. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
5. Fluff and Serve: Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

The following nutrition information is approximate and will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes:

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 26g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 3g
• Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Sodium: 400mg