Insanely Tasty Grilled Chicken over Saffron Rice with Creamy Herb Yogurt Sauce
If you’re looking for a dish that is packed with flavor and easy to make, look no further than Insanely Tasty Grilled Chicken over Saffron Rice with Creamy Herb Yogurt Sauce. This meal combines tender, marinated chicken with fragrant saffron rice and a creamy sauce that ties everything together perfectly. It’s a dish that will impress your family and friends!
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe stands out because it brings together a variety of flavors and textures. The chicken is grilled to perfection, giving it a smoky and charred taste. The saffron rice adds an aromatic note, while the creamy herb yogurt sauce balances everything with its coolness. Plus, it’s a complete meal that is suitable for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to special gatherings.
How to Make Insanely Tasty Grilled Chicken over Saffron Rice with Creamy Herb Yogurt Sauce
Ingredients
- 600g chicken breast, cut into chunks
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups basmati rice
- 3 cups water
- Pinch of saffron threads
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Directions
- Marinate chicken chunks with olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, turmeric, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
- Grill or pan-fry the chicken over medium-high heat until fully cooked and nicely charred.
- For the rice, cook basmati rice with saffron, butter, salt, and water until fluffy.
- Mix all sauce ingredients until smooth.
- Serve grilled chicken over a bed of saffron rice, drizzle generously with yogurt sauce, and garnish with lemon slices and parsley. Enjoy hot!
How to Serve Insanely Tasty Grilled Chicken over Saffron Rice with Creamy Herb Yogurt Sauce
Serve this dish hot, with the grilled chicken sitting on a fluffy bed of saffron rice. Drizzle the creamy herb yogurt sauce over the chicken and rice. For a beautiful presentation, garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices.
How to Store Insanely Tasty Grilled Chicken over Saffron Rice with Creamy Herb Yogurt Sauce
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The grilled chicken and saffron rice can last up to 3 days. To keep the yogurt sauce fresh, keep it in a separate container.
Tips to Make Insanely Tasty Grilled Chicken over Saffron Rice with Creamy Herb Yogurt Sauce
- Marinating the chicken overnight will deepen the flavors.
- Using fresh saffron will give the rice the best taste and color.
- Cooking the rice with a lid on helps keep it fluffy and prevents it from burning.
Variation
You can customize this recipe by adding vegetables to the rice or using different spices for the chicken. If you’re in the mood for a bit of heat, try adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the yogurt sauce.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts. They will add a richer flavor and stay juicy during cooking.
2. How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can replace the chicken with grilled vegetables, tofu, or chickpeas. Just marinate them with the same spices to enhance the flavor.
3. Is saffron necessary for this recipe?
While saffron adds a unique flavor and color, you can substitute it with turmeric for a similar color and a different taste. However, the dish won’t have the same aroma as with saffron.
Insanely Tasty Grilled Chicken over Saffron Rice with Creamy Herb Yogurt Sauce
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A flavorful dish of grilled chicken served over fragrant saffron rice with a creamy herb yogurt sauce.
Ingredients
- 600g chicken breast, cut into chunks
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups basmati rice
- 3 cups water
- Pinch of saffron threads
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Marinate chicken chunks with olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, turmeric, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
- Grill or pan-fry the chicken over medium-high heat until fully cooked and nicely charred.
- For the rice, cook basmati rice with saffron, butter, salt, and water until fluffy.
- Mix all sauce ingredients until smooth.
- Serve grilled chicken over a bed of saffron rice, drizzle generously with yogurt sauce, and garnish with lemon slices and parsley. Enjoy hot!
Notes
Marinating the chicken overnight will deepen the flavors. Using fresh saffron will give the rice the best taste and color.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: grilled chicken, saffron rice, yogurt sauce, easy recipe, Mediterranean dish