Description
Chicken Kebabs with Saffron Rice combines juicy grilled chicken skewers and fragrant golden rice for a vibrant Middle Eastern-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- Pinch of saffron threads
- Good pinch of granulated sugar
- 150g walnut halves
- 3–4 tbsp pomegranate molasses
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh mint
- 6–8 large chicken thighs (or 4 large chicken breasts), cut into 3cm cubes
- Sea salt & freshly ground black pepper
- 2 large ripe vine tomatoes, halved
- 225g basmati rice, well rinsed
- 2 tbsp butter
- Pinch of saffron threads soaked in 1 tbsp hot water
- 1 tsp salt
- Sumac (optional)
- Seeds from ½ pomegranate (optional)
- Extra fresh herbs
Instructions
- In a pestle and mortar, crush the saffron threads with sugar until powdered.
- Transfer to a bowl, add 2 tbsp warm water, and allow it to steep.
- Blitz walnut halves in a food processor until finely chopped, reserving 1 tablespoon for garnish.
- In a large bowl, mix pomegranate molasses, olive oil, minced garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken, saffron water, and chopped walnuts. Toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Remove 30 minutes before cooking.
- Melt butter in a saucepan, add rinsed rice, and stir until translucent.
- Add water, saffron water, and salt. Bring to boil, then simmer covered for 12–14 minutes until tender. Let it rest for 5 minutes off heat.
- Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers.
- Heat a griddle pan over medium heat. Drizzle skewers with oil and grill for 14–16 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Brush tomato halves with oil, season, and grill for 3–4 minutes per side.
- Arrange rice on a platter, sprinkle with sumac and pomegranate seeds if desired.
- Serve kebabs and grilled tomatoes alongside the rice, garnished with fresh herbs.
Notes
- Use high-quality saffron for the best color and aroma.
- Marinating overnight enhances the chicken’s flavor.
- Allow rice to rest after cooking for perfect fluffiness.
- Flat skewers prevent chicken pieces from spinning.
- Adjust grilling time based on the size of the chicken pieces.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Chicken Kebabs Saffron Rice, Chicken Skewers with Saffron Rice, Grilled Chicken Kebabs and Rice, Persian Chicken Kebabs, Middle Eastern Chicken Rice