Persian · Dinner

Persian saffron chicken with barberry rice (zereshk polo)

Name: Persian saffron chicken with barberry rice (zereshk polo)
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Persian
Ingredients: 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads, finely ground; 1/3 cup hot water; 6 bone-in skinless chicken thighs; 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon ground turmeric; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided; 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 cups low-sodium chicken stock; 3 cups basmati rice, rinsed and soaked 30 minutes; 10 cups water; 1 cup dried barberries, picked over and rinsed quickly; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1/3 cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped

Tender turmeric-tomato chicken beside fluffy saffron rice jeweled with tart barberries, golden onions, and pistachios.

About 2 hr 15 minTotal

About 1 hr 45 minActive

$$$Cost

AdvancedDifficulty

Makes 6 servings

Equipment

Use a hot sheet pan under an inverted oven-safe metal bowl for the covered phase.
Best value covered pot
Lodge Essential Enamel 6-Quart Dutch Oven · EC6D43
View at Amazon
Another workable path: Use a hot sheet pan under an inverted oven-safe metal bowl for the covered phase.
Paid links. As an Amazon Associate, Kwilt earns from qualifying purchases.
How we chose
Research-backed · reviewed Aug 2026
We matched capacity, lid fit, oven rating, heat retention, maneuverability, care, stable model identity, and usefulness outside bread baking. Kwilt has not baked with this pot.
Lodge Essential Enamel 6-Quart Dutch Oven · EC6D43: The six-quart capacity, heavy cast-iron body, and fitted lid create the enclosed high-heat environment used by these bread methods while remaining useful beyond baking. Trade-off: At more than thirteen pounds it is demanding to move when hot, and the enamel needs gentler utensils and hand washing.
Another workable path: Bake on a preheated heavy sheet pan under an inverted oven-safe metal bowl, keeping face and hands clear when removing the hot cover.
Sources
Lodge six-quart Essential Enamel specifications
Amazon exact product listing

Ingredients

1× recipe · Makes 6 servings

1/2 teaspoon saffron threads, finely ground
1/3 cup hot water
6 bone-in skinless chicken thighs
2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 cups low-sodium chicken stock
3 cups basmati rice, rinsed and soaked 30 minutes
10 cups water
1 cup dried barberries, picked over and rinsed quickly
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/3 cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped

Instructions

Bloom saffron in hot water 15 minutes. Season chicken with 1 teaspoon salt, pepper, and turmeric. Brown in 1 tablespoon butter in a , 5 minutes per side; remove.
Cook onions in the same pot 10 minutes until golden; reserve one quarter. Stir tomato paste into the remaining onions for 1 minute, add stock, half the saffron water, and remaining salt, then return chicken. Cover and simmer 35 to 45 minutes until thighs reach at least 175°F and sauce is concentrated.
Bring 10 cups water and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a boil. Drain rice, boil 6 to 7 minutes until the outside is tender but the center remains firm, and drain thoroughly. Return to the dry pot, mound loosely, cover with a towel-wrapped lid, and steam on low 30 minutes.
Melt remaining butter in a skillet. Cook barberries and sugar over low heat only 60 to 90 seconds until glossy and slightly plumped; immediately remove from heat so they do not burn. Fold in reserved onions, pistachios, and 2 cups steamed rice with remaining saffron water.
Fluff plain rice onto a platter and scatter saffron-barberry rice over it without mixing away the jeweled contrast. Serve chicken and tomato-onion sauce alongside so the rice stays fluffy.

IranPersian household and celebration cooking

From the table

About this recipe

Zereshk polo ba morgh pairs Persian steamed saffron rice with tart barberries and chicken in concentrated saffron-tomato sauce, a jeweled platter familiar at family gatherings and celebrations.

Zereshk polo means barberry rice and is commonly served with chicken for Persian family gatherings and celebrations. Barberries are naturally sharp and burn easily; quick low heat and adjustable sugar preserve their tart identity rather than turning the rice into sweet pilaf. This Kwilt version follows the reviewed household adaptation: Preserve the separate chicken and steamed jeweled-rice service, supply exact barberry heat control, and frame the dish in familiar language while retaining the ingredient that makes it distinct.

Sources

Dinner does not stop at the recipe