Lemon and saffron chicken, a light, aromatic, and easy-to-prepare main course, a simple yet surprising combination of flavors that combines the freshness of lemon with the spicy warmth of saffron, for an elegant dish ready in no time.
The chicken breast, cut into small pieces and marinated with garlic, rosemary, and extra virgin olive oil, becomes tender and flavorful, while the citrusy saffron sauce delicately envelops it, making it irresistible.
This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, but also when you want to bring something different to the table without too much hassle. It’s a light yet tasty idea, which pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed vegetables, basmati rice, or roasted potatoes. Furthermore, it is prepared in a pan, with few ingredients and in very little time.
Lemon chicken with saffron is also an excellent solution for those following a healthy diet without sacrificing taste: cornstarch helps create a light, velvety sauce without the use of cream or butter.
At the end of the recipe, in the FAQ section, I have answered some questions about this preparation. If you have other doubts or curiosities, leave a comment or use the appropriate contact form found at the end of the page.
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- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 4 People
- Cooking methods: Stove
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All Seasons
- Energy 181.37 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 4.28 (g) of which sugars 0.43 (g)
- Proteins 29.27 (g)
- Fat 5.70 (g) of which saturated 1.05 (g)of which unsaturated 0.64 (g)
- Fibers 0.22 (g)
- Sodium 139.38 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 100 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients for Lemon and Saffron Chicken
- 1.1 lbs chicken breast
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsps extra virgin olive oil
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 sprig rosemary
- 1 clove garlic
- 3.4 tbsps lemon juice
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 packet saffron
Tools
- Bowls
- Whisk
- Lemon Grater
- Lemon Squeezer
- Pan
Preparation of Lemon and Saffron Chicken
Start preparing the lemon and saffron chicken by marinating the chicken breast.
After cutting it into cubes, place it in a bowl and season with salt and black pepper.
Add a sprig of rosemary and a crushed garlic clove.
Add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the bowl and mix well with a spoon.
Transfer the covered chicken to the refrigerator and let it marinate for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare the saffron dressing.
Put a teaspoon of cornstarch and the packet of saffron in a small bowl.
Add the lemon juice and mix well with a whisk, ensuring the cornstarch is dissolved.
Heat two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a pan.
Put all the contents of the chicken bowl into the pan.
Let the chicken brown well, cooking it for about 7-10 minutes and stirring occasionally.
Remove the garlic clove and pour the lemon and saffron sauce into the pan.
Cook for another 5 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Transfer the lemon and saffron chicken to plates and garnish with fresh rosemary.
Lemon and Saffron Chicken
Consult this section for clarification. If you don’t find the answer to your question, comment or write to me using the form below.
Chicken breast recipes, more than 20 easy and delicious ideas!
Can I use other parts of the chicken besides the breast?
Yes! You can also use boneless thighs, which remain even more tender and flavorful. Just remember to adjust the cooking times.
What can I use instead of saffron?
Saffron is the heart of the recipe, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute it with a pinch of turmeric for color. The flavor will be different, but still pleasant.
Can lemon and saffron chicken be prepared in advance?
Yes, you can prepare it a few hours in advance and reheat it when serving. I recommend reheating it over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce soft.
Chicken main dishes for all tastes
For questions, curiosities, or if you want to collaborate with me, use the contact form below:
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