A fragrant Iranian rice dish combining tender chicken, fresh dill, broad beans, and delicate saffron aromas.
Iranian Baghali Polo with Chicken is a comforting Persian-inspired meal featuring basmati rice layered with fresh dill and broad beans or green peas. Chicken is browned with butter, onion, garlic, and turmeric, creating a savoury base that complements the fresh, herbaceous flavour of the rice.
The rice is cooked in chicken stock until nearly tender, then layered with dill and beans before being finished with saffron water. Gentle steaming allows the flavours to blend while keeping the rice aromatic and fluffy. Served with the seasoned chicken, this dish offers a satisfying balance of herbs, spices, and tender meat.
Ingredients
750 g basmati rice (4 cups), soaked for 30 minutes
1 kg chicken thighs
2 tbsp butter
1 onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1½ cups fresh dill
1 cup broad beans or green peas
Saffron, for preparing saffron water
1 tsp turmeric
Salt and pepper, to taste
5½ cups chicken stock
Method
Wash and Soak the Rice
Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly and soak it for 30 minutes. Drain well and set aside.Brown the Chicken
Melt the butter in a large pot. Add the chicken thighs, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Season with turmeric, salt, and pepper. Brown the chicken and cook for approximately 20 minutes, ensuring it cooks through.Cook the Rice Until Nearly Tender
Cook the drained rice in the chicken stock until it is nearly done. The grains should be tender on the outside while retaining enough firmness for the final steaming stage.Layer the Rice with Dill and Beans
Arrange the rice in layers with the fresh dill and broad beans or green peas. Distribute the ingredients evenly so the herbs and beans are incorporated throughout the rice.Add Saffron and Steam
Drizzle saffron water over the layered rice. Cover the pot and steam over low heat for approximately 15 minutes, allowing the rice to finish cooking and absorb the saffron aroma.Rest and Serve
Turn off the heat and let the rice rest for 10 minutes. Gently fluff the rice and serve the chicken over or alongside it.
Serve
Serve Iranian Baghali Polo with Chicken alongside Shirazi salad, Mast-o-Khiar (Persian cucumber yogurt), fresh herbs, and lemon wedges. These refreshing accompaniments balance the buttery chicken and aromatic dill-and-saffron rice.