Persian Spiced Chicken Casserole
This Persian Spiced Chicken Casserole is a delightful, aromatic dish brimming with flavors that transport you to the heart of Persia. The tender, slow-cooked chicken thighs are enveloped in a golden sauce enriched with turmeric and paprika, creating a mellow spice that complements the sweetness of the onions and garlic. Served over fluffy Basmati rice, this easy-to-prepare supper dish is not only comforting but also perfect for family gatherings. Enjoy the rich blend of spices and the heartwarming experience of a homemade meal with ease.
N/A
Servings
180
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
skinless chicken thighs
8 (scored)
all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons (mixed with spices)
turmeric
2 teaspoons (mixed with flour)
paprika
2 teaspoons (mixed with flour)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (for frying)
large onion
1 (chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (chopped)
whole cloves
4 (whole)
fresh ginger
1 inch piece (finely chopped)
chicken stock
450 ml (made from 2 chicken Oxo cubes)
pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Begin by scoring each chicken thigh 2 or 3 times with a sharp knife to allow the spices to penetrate.
2
In a small plastic bag, combine the all-purpose flour, turmeric, and paprika. Add the chicken thighs to the bag, seal it tightly, and shake until the chicken is evenly coated with the spiced flour mixture.
3
Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken thighs and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pan and place it on a plate.
4
In the same frying pan, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are softened and lightly golden.
5
Stir the remaining spiced flour into the onion and garlic mixture, cooking for another minute to toast the flour slightly.
6
Add the whole cloves, finely chopped ginger, and a generous sprinkle of pepper to the pan. Mix well to combine.
7
Gradually pour in the chicken stock while stirring, ensuring there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
8
Transfer the browned chicken thighs to a slow cooker and pour the hot stock mixture over them. Make sure the chicken is submerged in the sauce.
9
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook the dish on high for 2 hours. If you prefer, you can switch to medium heat and cook for an additional 4 hours or longer for even more tender chicken.
10
Once cooked, serve the Persian Spiced Chicken Casserole over a bed of fluffy Basmati rice and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
9g
Fat
9g
Carbs
18g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Persian Spiced Chicken Casserole?
It is an aromatic, slow-cooked dish featuring chicken thighs in a golden sauce of turmeric, paprika, onions, and garlic, typically served over Basmati rice.
How many chicken thighs are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 8 skinless chicken thighs.
Why do I need to score the chicken thighs?
Scoring the chicken 2 or 3 times with a sharp knife allows the spices to penetrate deeper into the meat for better flavor.
What spices are used in the flour coating?
The coating consists of all-purpose flour mixed with 2 teaspoons of turmeric and 2 teaspoons of paprika.
What is the best way to coat the chicken with the spiced flour?
Place the flour and spices in a small plastic bag, add the chicken, seal it, and shake until the chicken is evenly coated.
What type of oil should I use for frying?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
How long should I brown the chicken in the pan?
Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until browned on all sides.
What vegetables are saut ed in this recipe?
One chopped large onion and two chopped garlic cloves are saut ed until softened.
How long should I saut e the onion and garlic?
Saut e them for 5 minutes, stirring frequently until they are softened and lightly golden.
What do I do with the remaining spiced flour?
Stir the remaining spiced flour into the onion and garlic mixture and cook for one minute to toast it.
Are there whole spices in this casserole?
Yes, the recipe uses 4 whole cloves to add aromatic depth.
Does the recipe use fresh or ground ginger?
The recipe uses a 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, finely chopped.
How much chicken stock is required?
You will need 450 ml of chicken stock, which can be made from 2 chicken Oxo cubes.
How do I ensure the sauce doesn't have lumps?
Gradually pour in the chicken stock while stirring constantly to maintain a smooth consistency.
Is this a slow cooker recipe?
Yes, after browning and preparing the stock, the chicken is finished in a slow cooker.
How long does it cook on the 'high' setting?
In a slow cooker on high, the dish takes 2 hours to cook.
Can I cook this on a lower heat setting for longer?
Yes, you can switch to medium heat and cook for 4 hours or longer for even more tender chicken.
What is the recommended side dish?
It is traditionally served over a bed of fluffy Basmati rice.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 180 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of this dish?
The dish contains 9g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this casserole?
There are 9g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
This dish provides 18g of protein per serving.
Is there any fiber in this recipe?
The recipe data does not list a specific amount for fiber content.
Is this dish considered spicy?
No, it features a mellow spice profile from turmeric and paprika rather than a hot, peppery heat.
How many ingredients are used in total?
There are 11 ingredients in this recipe.
What should I use to season the dish at the end?
The recipe suggests adding pepper to taste for final seasoning.
Is the chicken submerged in the sauce during slow cooking?
Yes, you should ensure the chicken thighs are submerged in the hot stock mixture before starting the slow cooker.
Can this be considered a curry?
While it is a casserole, it is tagged as a curry due to its aromatic spices and sauce consistency.
Is this recipe suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, its comforting nature and easy preparation make it perfect for families.
Does the recipe contain sugar?
There is no added sugar in this recipe.