Barberry Rice With Chicken (iranian Zereshk Polo)

Barberry Rice with Chicken, also known as Iranian Zereshk Polo, is a classic dish from Eastern Arabian cuisine. This flavorful and aromatic dish is a perfect combination of tender chicken, tangy barberries, and fragrant saffron-infused rice.

Gluten Free Dairy Free Main Course Eastern Arabian Iranian Cuisine Rice Dish Chicken Recipe
Barberry Rice With Chicken (iranian Zereshk Polo)

Ingredients

  • 2 cups basmati rice, rinsed and soaked for 30 minutes
  • 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
  • 1 cup barberries
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground saffron, dissolved in 2 tablespoons hot water
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the soaked rice. Cook for 6-7 minutes until parboiled. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter and brown the chicken thighs on both sides. Season with salt and pepper. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and sauté the barberries for 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn them.
  5. Layer the parboiled rice, sautéed onions, and sautéed barberries in the pot, alternating layers. Place the browned chicken thighs on top of the rice.
  6. Drizzle the dissolved saffron over the rice and chicken. Cover the pot with a lid and cook over low heat for 45-50 minutes until the rice is fluffy and the chicken is fully cooked.
  7. Once done, gently fluff the rice with a fork and transfer to a serving platter. Serve the Barberry Rice with Chicken hot and enjoy!

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
20 minutes
Cooking time:
1 hour
Total time:
1 hour
Cooking method
Stovetop

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
450 per serving
Protein
25g
Carbohydrates
55g
Fat
15g

Supplies

Large pot Skillet Large serving platter

Tools

Knife Cutting board Spatula Lid for the pot

Serving suggestions

Serving suggestions: Serve with a side of yogurt and a fresh salad.

Tips & tricks

Tips: Soaking the rice before cooking helps it cook evenly and prevents it from becoming mushy.

Cost

$15