Saffron & Tomato Chicken with Creamy Polenta

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken simmered in a fragrant saffron tomato sauce, paired with smooth, buttery polenta for a comforting weeknight meal. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 45 minutes pairs chicken breasts, diced tomatoes, saffron threads for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Slice 1.2 lbs chicken breasts into 1-inch thick medallions and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Finely chop 1 medium onion and mince 3 garlic cloves. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; sauté onion until translucent (5 minutes), then add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through; remove chicken and set aside.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes and 1/4 tsp saffron threads (crushed between fingers) into the skillet. Simmer for 5 minutes until tomatoes break down slightly.
  5. Step 5: Add 1 cup chicken broth and 1/2 cup heavy cream to the tomato mixture; bring to a gentle simmer for 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Step 6: Meanwhile, cook 1 cup polenta in 4 cups boiling water with a pinch of salt according to package directions, stirring constantly for 15 minutes until creamy.
  7. Step 7: Return chicken to the skillet with sauce and simmer for 3 minutes to absorb flavors. Serve chicken and sauce over a bed of creamy polenta, garnished with fresh parsley.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Saffron & Tomato Chicken with Creamy Polenta take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Saffron & Tomato Chicken with Creamy Polenta?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Saffron & Tomato Chicken with Creamy Polenta?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Saffron & Tomato Chicken with Creamy Polenta for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Saffron & Tomato Chicken with Creamy Polenta?

Mediterranean chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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