Saffron Chicken Rice Casserole (Tahcheen)
Elevate your midweek meals with this Persian-inspired Saffron Chicken Rice Casserole, known as Tahcheen. This delightful dish combines marinated chicken, a buttery saffron-infused yogurt sauce, and perfectly parboiled rice, creating a rich palette of flavors and textures. The unique cooking method not only keeps the chicken moist and tender, but the result is a beautiful, crunchy crust at the bottom reminiscent of tadig, forming a delicious contrast to the creamy rice. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this dish brings the heart of Persian cuisine to your table, guaranteeing a memorable dining experience.
N/A
Servings
367
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken breasts
2 (boneless, skinless)
medium onion
1 (cut into large pieces)
garlic clove
1 (crushed)
water
1 cup (for cooking chicken)
yogurt
2 cups (plain, unsweetened)
egg yolks
2 (fresh)
saffron, brewed
4 tablespoons (to infuse flavor)
rice
3 cups (rinsed and soaked)
butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
canola oil
as needed (for greasing the dish)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Begin by cutting the onion into large chunks and crushing the garlic clove. Place both into a saucepan.
2
Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper, then place them on top of the onions and garlic in the pan.
3
Pour in 1 cup of water, cover the pan with a lid, and cook over medium heat for approximately 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.
4
In a separate bowl, mix the yogurt, egg yolks, and brewed saffron. Season this mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
5
Once the chicken is done, use two forks to shred it into medium-sized pieces and stir it into the yogurt mixture. Cover and refrigerate this overnight to allow flavors to meld.
6
To prepare the rice, rinse it multiple times under running water until it runs clear to remove excess starch, then soak it in salted water for at least an hour, or overnight.
7
Bring fresh water to a rolling boil, add drained rice and fresh salt, and as soon as it begins to boil, reduce the heat. Cook the rice gently for about 10 minutes. During this time, carefully lift the rice from the bottom of the pot to ensure even cooking without stirring.
8
After parboiling, drain the rice in a colander and rinse it with cold water to stop further cooking.
9
Remove the chicken from the yogurt marinade and combine the parboiled rice with the remaining yogurt mixture, mixing well and adjusting seasoning as desired.
10
In a casserole or Pyrex dish, pour 2 tablespoons of canola oil and ensure the base and sides are coated.
11
Spread half of the rice mixture evenly in the casserole dish. Layer the shredded chicken evenly on top, then cover it with the rest of the rice, pressing down gently to flatten the surface.
12
Drizzle the remaining melted butter over the top of the rice.
13
Cover the dish securely with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 2 1/2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and forming a crispy bottom crust.
Nutrition Information
13g
Fat
38g
Carbs
30g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Saffron Chicken Rice Casserole (Tahcheen)?
Tahcheen is a Persian-inspired dish featuring marinated chicken, a buttery saffron-infused yogurt sauce, and parboiled rice, known for its beautiful crunchy crust at the bottom.
How long does it take to bake Tahcheen?
The casserole should be baked in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 2 1/2 hours.
What are the main ingredients for the yogurt sauce?
The sauce consists of plain unsweetened yogurt, egg yolks, and brewed saffron, seasoned with salt and pepper.
How do you prepare the chicken for this recipe?
Chicken breasts are cooked with onion chunks and crushed garlic in water for 20 minutes, then shredded into medium-sized pieces.
Why is the rice parboiled before baking?
Parboiling the rice for 10 minutes ensures it reaches the right texture during the long baking process without becoming mushy.
What is the secret to the crunchy crust at the bottom?
The crunchy crust, or tadig, is formed by coating the dish with canola oil and baking the rice and yogurt mixture for a full 2.5 hours.
Can I prepare the chicken in advance?
Yes, the recipe recommends stirring the shredded chicken into the yogurt mixture and refrigerating it overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
How many calories are in a serving of this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 367 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
This dish provides 30g of protein per serving.
How much fat and carbohydrates does this recipe contain?
It contains 13g of fat and 38g of carbohydrates per serving.
How do you ensure the rice doesn't have too much starch?
Rinse the rice multiple times under running water until the water runs clear, then soak it in salted water for at least an hour.
What kind of dish should I use for baking Tahcheen?
A casserole or Pyrex dish is ideal for baking this recipe.
Is it necessary to use aluminum foil during baking?
Yes, covering the dish securely with aluminum foil is required to trap moisture and allow the flavors to meld properly.
How many egg yolks are needed?
The recipe requires 2 fresh egg yolks.
What type of oil is used for the base of the dish?
Canola oil is used to coat the base and sides of the dish to prevent sticking and aid in browning.
How much saffron is used?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of brewed saffron.
Should the rice be stirred while it is boiling?
No, you should carefully lift the rice from the bottom to ensure even cooking rather than stirring it.
What is the purpose of adding melted butter at the end?
Drizzling 2 tablespoons of melted butter over the top of the rice before baking adds richness and flavor.
How is the rice layered in the casserole dish?
Spread half of the rice mixture on the bottom, layer the shredded chicken in the middle, and cover with the remaining rice.
What is the recommended preparation for the onion?
The medium onion should be cut into large chunks before being added to the saucepan with the chicken.
Can I use bone-in chicken?
The recipe specifies 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easier shredding and layering.
Is the yogurt used in this recipe sweetened?
No, you should use 2 cups of plain, unsweetened yogurt.
What seasoning is used for the chicken and yogurt mixture?
Both the chicken and the yogurt mixture are seasoned with salt and pepper to taste.
How much rice is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 3 cups of rice that have been rinsed and soaked.
What tags describe this dish?
It is tagged as Persian, Tahcheen, saffron chicken, rice casserole, healthy, comfort food, one-pot meal, and Mediterranean cuisine.
How do you stop the rice from cooking after parboiling?
After draining the rice in a colander, rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process.
How do you prepare the garlic?
One garlic clove should be crushed and placed in the saucepan with the onions and chicken.
Does this dish contain any sugar?
The recipe does not list any added sugar.
Is this a good dish for family gatherings?
Yes, it is described as perfect for family dinners or gatherings, bringing the heart of Persian cuisine to the table.
How should the final surface of the rice be prepared before baking?
After adding the top layer of rice, press down gently to flatten the surface before drizzling with butter.