Chicken and Saffron-infused Quinoa
A flavorful and aromatic dish that combines the tender taste of chicken with the unique flavor of saffron-infused quinoa.








4.4 / 5 (968)
Ingredients
Proteins
- chicken breast
1 pound
- chicken thighs
1 pound
Grains
- quinoa
1 cup
- saffron threads
a pinch
Spices
- cumin
1 teaspoon
- paprika
1 teaspoon
- salt
to taste
- black pepper
to taste
Oils
- olive oil
2 tablespoons
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Start by preheating your oven to ensure it reaches the correct temperature before you begin cooking. This step is crucial for even cooking and food safety.
- 2
Rinse the quinoa in a fine mesh strainer and drain well.
Quinoa often comes with a bitter coating that needs to be rinsed off before cooking. Use cold water and make sure to drain it well to prevent any excess moisture from affecting the dish.
- 3
In a medium saucepan, bring the quinoa and chicken broth to a boil.
Use a medium saucepan and add the appropriate amount of chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer until the quinoa is tender and fluffy.
- 4
Add saffron threads to the quinoa for the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Saffron adds a unique flavor and aroma. Add it towards the end of the quinoa cooking time to infuse the flavors without overpowering the dish.
- 5
Season the chicken with cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Mix the spices together and rub them all over the chicken to ensure even coverage. This blend of spices will add depth and warmth to the chicken.
- 6
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until browned on all sides and cooked through.
Use a large skillet to cook the chicken. Ensure the oil is hot before adding the chicken, and cook until it is browned on all sides and fully cooked. This will help lock in the juices and flavors.
- 7
Serve the chicken over the saffron-infused quinoa.
Once the chicken is cooked and the quinoa is ready, serve them together. This dish is best enjoyed when the flavors of the chicken and quinoa meld together.
Ratings & Reviews
User Ratings
5
598
4
191
3
141
2
12
1
26
Reviews
- LeoD79
This Chicken and Saffron-infused Quinoa recipe presents a delectable amalgamation of flavors, reminiscent of the sophistication found in French cuisine, which I hold in high esteem. The utilisation of saffron, an ingredient oft-employed in haute cuisine, imbues the quinoa with a subtle, yet discernible, aromatic quality. The inclusion of chicken, a staple protein in numerous gastronomic traditions, serves as a satisfactory complement to the quinoa. Whilst the dish does not exhibit an overwhelming degree of complexity, its preparation does necessitate a modicum of attention to detail, particularly in regards to the cooking times and the judicious application of spices. I must admit that I find the absence of overt spiciness to be a welcome respite, as I generally eschew excessively piquant flavours. Overall, I would characterise this recipe as a commendable, if not exceptional, addition to one's culinary repertoire.
- Kairos23
I try this Chicken and Saffron-infused Quinoa recipe. It is okay, but not very exciting. I like meat, and chicken is good. Quinoa is also nice. Saffron give special smell, I like. But it is not Korean BBQ or ramen, you know? I miss strong flavor and spice. I give 3 stars. It is fine, but I will not make again.
- EvieDK
A fascinating fusion dish! While I'm a traditionalist at heart when it comes to Danish cuisine (give me a good smørrebrød any day!), I appreciate the creativity that goes into combining flavors and ingredients from different cultures. The use of saffron-infused quinoa and spices to marinate the chicken is a great example of this. I might not make this dish on a week when I'm trying to eat vegan, but I can see why it would be a hit with friends and family. The preparation and cooking times seem reasonable, and I love that it's a relatively healthy option. Overall, I'd give this recipe 4 stars - it's a great inspiration for anyone looking to mix things up in the kitchen!
- RohanJain2000
I try recipe, but it no good for me. I am vegetarin, and this recipe have chicken. I like indian food, but this recipe no have spice, no have street food flavour. Quinoa is okay, but saffron no make me happy. I think recipe need more creativity, more music in my belly. I give 2 star, maybe with some changes, it can be 5 star. I love art, and food must be like art, you know?
- Yari23
OMG, I'm **obsessed** with this Chicken and Saffron-infused Quinoa recipe!!! As a flexitarian, I love that it's packed with protein and can be easily adapted to my dietary needs. The combination of chicken, quinoa, and saffron is **absolutely delightful**! I mean, who doesn't love a good tropical vibe in their kitchen? The addition of cumin and paprika gives it a nice warm hug. I'm also super happy that it's gluten-free, which is a must for me. My only suggestion would be to add some tropical fruits like pineapple or mango to give it an extra burst of flavor. But overall, this dish is a **winner**! The flavors are so rich and aromatic, it's like a party in my mouth. Highly recommend, you guys! One thing I would change is to make it a bit more ' Instagrammable' - maybe add some fresh herbs or edible flowers on top? That would make it **totally 'gram-worthy**!
- BarneyToth
A hearty dish, this Chicken and Saffron-infused Quinoa. Reminds me of home, you know? Quinoa, nice and fluffy, like a field of wheat after a spring rain. Chicken, cooked just right, not too dry. Saffron, ah, that golden magic! Gives the dish a bit of sunshine. I'm not too familiar with saffron, but it adds a nice warmth to the quinoa. I would have liked a bit more paprika, maybe some caraway seeds for that extra Hungarian kick. Still, a satisfying meal, perfect for a chilly evening by the fire. I'd make it again, with a few tweaks, of course.
- LeilaLovesBooks
I appreciate the attempt to create a flavorful dish with saffron-infused quinoa, but I'm concerned about the use of chicken in this recipe. As a vegetarian, I would have preferred a plant-based protein source. The steps seem straightforward, but I worry about the inclusion of chicken broth, which may not align with my dietary preferences. Perhaps a substitution with a vegetable broth or a creative use of mushroom-based broth could make this recipe more appealing to me. Overall, I think this dish has potential, but it needs some adjustments to cater to vegetarian tastes.
- KaiTech88
I like recipe. Chicken very tender. Quinoa with saffron very good. Not too difficult to make. I use chicken breast and thighs, just like recipe say. I think this dish good for special occasion. I have some problem with lactose, but this recipe no dairy product, so I can eat. Only thing, I think it need more sauce or seasoning. I like sauce with my food. Maybe next time, I add some soy sauce or teriyaki sauce. Overall, I happy with this recipe.
- CaspianB
This Chicken and Saffron-infused Quinoa recipe is a solid 4 stars from me. I mean, it's not your typical BBQ or grilled meat dish, but it's a nice change of pace. The quinoa's got a sick flavor from the saffron, and the chicken's cooked to perfection. My only gripe is that it's not super meaty - I mean, it's got chicken breast and thighs, but I'm a meat-lover, you know? Could've used some more chicken or maybe some other meats in there. Also, gotta make sure they use gluten-free quinoa, don't wanna get my stomach all messed up. That being said, it's a pretty easy recipe to follow, and it's on the table in under an hour, so that's a win. Overall, I'd def make it again, but maybe tweak it to be a bit more...meat-heavy, lol.
- Lenusya90
This recipe, while beautifully described, feels like a missed opportunity for me. As a vegetarian, the inclusion of chicken breast and thighs immediately made me hesitant. I appreciate the effort to blend saffron-infused quinoa with spices, but I couldn't help but think of how lovely this dish would be with roasted vegetables instead. The steps, though clear, seemed to focus on a meat-centric approach that didn't resonate with my taste preferences. I long for recipes that explore the depth of vegetarian cuisine, especially those that incorporate traditional Russian flavors or innovative soups. This dish, while aromatic and flavorful, didn't speak to my soul. Perhaps with some creative adjustments, it could become a masterpiece that bridges cultures and dietary preferences.
- GwennyP
This recipe for Chicken and Saffron-infused Quinoa presents a fascinating amalgamation of flavors and textures, consonant with my predilections for innovative, meat-centric dishes. As an adherent of the keto diet, I appreciate the utilization of chicken breast and thighs as primary protein sources. However, I must deduct a star due to the absence of explicit information regarding the carbohydrate content of the quinoa and the requisite adjustments to ensure compliance with keto dietary parameters. Notwithstanding this omission, the recipe's incorporation of saffron-infused quinoa and aromatic spices yields a culinary experience that is at once both exotic and satiating. I would recommend modifying the recipe to include a detailed breakdown of macronutrients and adjusting the quinoa serving size accordingly to align with keto guidelines. Furthermore, it is essential to note that the recipe appears to be tree nut-free, thereby mitigating the risk of allergic reactions in individuals with severe nut allergies, such as myself.