One-Pot Braised Chicken with Saffron Rice

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-25 · Updated 2026-04-25

Tender chicken thighs braised with aromatic saffron-infused rice in a flavorful one-pot meal. This mediterranean-inspired rice & grains ready in about 55 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, olive oil, yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 6 pieces bone-in chicken thighs
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium, diced yellow onion
• 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
• 2 cups basmati rice
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 tsp saffron threads
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering; add 6 bone-in chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 6-7 minutes until golden brown and crisp on the edges, then flip and cook another 5 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
2. Step 2: Reduce heat to medium; add 1 diced medium yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
3. Step 3: Stir in 2 cups basmati rice and toast for 2 minutes, stirring constantly until the rice is lightly coated and aromatic.
4. Step 4: Warm 4 cups chicken broth and steep 1/2 tsp saffron threads in it for 5 minutes, then pour the broth into the skillet with the rice; season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
5. Step 5: Nestle the browned chicken thighs back into the skillet on top of the rice, cover tightly, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
6. Step 6: Remove from heat, let rest covered for 5 minutes, then sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley and drizzle 2 tbsp lemon juice over the dish before serving.