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Persian Chicken: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe You Must Try – Fragrant, Tender & Full of Middle Eastern Flavor

Dive into the exotic world of Persian cuisine with this Persian Chicken recipe — a richly spiced, slow-simmered dish that’s as comforting as it is captivating. Tender chicken thighs are braised in a flavorful blend of warm spices, sweet dried apricots, toasted nuts, garlic, and caramelized onion for a dish that’s truly unforgettable. This recipe is inspired by traditional Persian stews like Khoresh, blending turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, and coriander into a deeply aromatic dish that hits every note: sweet, savory, earthy, and slightly tangy. It's easy enough for a weeknight and impressive enough for guests.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

🍗 Meat
  • 4 chicken thighs bone-in and skinless
🧄 Produce
  • 1 medium onion thinly sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 cup dried apricots halved
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
🧂 Spices & Seasonings
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
🥜 Nuts & Seeds
  • 1 cup almonds or walnuts roughly chopped and toasted
🫒 Oils & Vinegars
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil or olive oil
💧 Liquids
  • 2 cups chicken broth or water
🌶 Optional add-ins: Saffron threads, barberries, or a squeeze of lime juice for brightness.

Equipment

  • Large heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Small bowl (for soaking apricots)
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • Slotted spoon (optional)
  • Serving platter or shallow bowl

Method
 

Step 1: Prep the Apricots
  1. Soak dried apricots in warm water for 10–15 minutes, then drain.
  2. This helps soften them and allows them to plump up beautifully when cooked.
Step 2: Toast the Nuts
  1. In a dry skillet, toast almonds or walnuts over medium heat until fragrant and golden.
  2. Set aside.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
  1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 tbsp oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
  3. Sear on both sides until golden brown (4–5 minutes per side).
  4. Remove and set aside.
Step 4: Sauté the Onion & Garlic
  1. In the same pan, add the sliced onion and sauté until soft and golden (7–8 minutes).
  2. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Step 5: Add Spices
  1. Sprinkle in turmeric, cinnamon, coriander, and cumin.
  2. Stir well to coat the onions and garlic in the fragrant spice mixture.
Step 6: Simmer
  1. Return the chicken to the pan.
  2. Add the soaked apricots, toasted nuts, and chicken broth or water.
  3. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and cover.
  4. Cook gently for 35–45 minutes, or until chicken is tender and infused with flavor.
Step 7: Reduce Sauce (Optional)
  1. For a thicker sauce, uncover the pan in the last 10 minutes and let the liquid reduce slightly.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
  1. Top with fresh parsley before serving.
  2. Serve over steamed basmati rice, couscous, or flatbread.
  3. 🍋 Serving Tip: Add a spoonful of yogurt or a squeeze of lemon for contrast.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a covered pan over low heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
🍗 Pro Tip: The flavors deepen overnight — leftovers are even more flavorful the next day!
🥄 Variations
Get creative with these Persian-inspired twists:
🍇 Add Barberries or Currants – Traditional Persian ingredients that add a tart, punchy note.
🍅 Tomato Base – Add 1 tbsp tomato paste with the spices for a deeper, stew-like base.
🌿 Herby Version – Mix in fresh mint, dill, or tarragon for a green herbaceous finish.
🍋 Lemon-Saffron Infusion – Add lemon zest and a pinch of saffron threads soaked in warm water.
🌶️ Spicy Kick – Stir in a pinch of red chili flakes or Aleppo pepper.
🥬 Vegetable Add-In – Add baby spinach or kale during the final 5 minutes of cooking.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes! Boneless thighs work great. Just reduce simmer time to 25–30 minutes.
2. Can I substitute the apricots?
Dried figs, prunes, or raisins work well too — each adds a unique sweetness.
3. What nuts are best?
Almonds and walnuts are traditional, but pistachios are a luxurious option.
4. Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes! Use chickpeas or tofu, and swap chicken broth for vegetable broth.
5. Is it spicy?
No — this dish is warmly spiced, not spicy hot. Add chili flakes if desired.
6. What’s the best rice to serve with this?
Steamed basmati rice is ideal. Try it with saffron rice or jeweled rice for a more authentic experience.
7. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes — brown chicken and onions first, then cook on low for 4–5 hours.
8. Is this a traditional Persian dish?
It’s inspired by Persian flavor profiles found in dishes like Fesenjan and Khoresh. This version is simplified for home cooking.
9. Can I use chicken breasts?
You can, but thighs are juicier and more forgiving. If using breasts, reduce cooking time.
10. What drink pairs best?
Try a cold yogurt drink (doogh), mint tea, or a dry white wine.
🏁 Conclusion
This Persian Chicken recipe is a bold and beautiful combination of ancient spices, tender meat, and naturally sweet fruits and nuts. It's not just a meal — it's an experience, one that transports your senses with every fragrant bite.
Simple to make, rich in history, and deeply satisfying, this dish is a must-try whether you're new to Middle Eastern cooking or already a fan. One taste, and you’ll want to keep this recipe in rotation forever.