Main Course · Lunch · Dinner · Middle Eastern ·

Saffron-Infused Persian Tahchin with Barberries

Name: Saffron-Infused Persian Tahchin with Barberries
Prep time: 50 min
Cook time: 150 min
Total time: 200 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 2 cups basmati rice, rinsed and soaked for 1 hour; 1/4 cup plain yogurt, full-fat preferred; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 2 egg yolks; 1 lb chicken breast, cut into small pieces; 1 onion, finely chopped; 1 tsp ground turmeric; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup dried barberries, soaked and rinsed; 2 tbsp sugar; 2 tbsp butter; 1/2 tsp saffron threads, bloomed in 2 tbsp hot water

This vibrant Persian dish combines aromatic basmati rice with tender chicken, barberries, and a saffron-infused crust to create a stunning and delicious centerpiece.

4.1(835 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·July 5, 2025

Saffron-Infused Persian Tahchin with Barberries — Main Course served and photographed from above

Prep

50 min

Cook

2 h 30 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Saffron Rice

For the Chicken Filling

For the Barberry Layer

For the Saffron Infusion

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 441 kcal
Protein: 27.6 g
Carbs: 39.6 g
Fat: 17.6 g
Fiber: 1.4 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 2643 kcal
Protein: 165.6 g
Carbs: 237.8 g
Fat: 105.4 g
Fiber: 8.3 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
2 cups basmati rice rinsed and soaked for 1 hour	684	13	148	1.2	2.4
1/4 cup plain yogurt full-fat preferred	37	2.3	2.9	1.8	0
1/4 cup vegetable oil	480	0	0	54	0
2 egg yolks	110	6	1	9	0
1 lb chicken breast cut into small pieces	748	140	0	16	0
1 onion finely chopped	44	1.2	10	0.1	1.9
1 tsp ground turmeric	8	0.3	1.4	0.2	0.5
Salt and black pepper to taste	0	0	0	0	0
1/2 cup dried barberries soaked and rinsed	230	2.5	49	0.5	3.5
2 tbsp sugar	96	0	25	0	0
2 tbsp butter	204	0.2	0	22.8	0
1/2 tsp saffron threads bloomed in 2 tbsp hot water	2	0.1	0.5	0.1	0

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Saffron Rice

1
Combine wet ingredients
Mix the yogurt, oil, saffron water, and egg yolks in a large bowl.
2
Add the rice
Drain the soaked rice and add it to the bowl, mixing well to coat the rice.
3
Rest the mixture
Let it rest to allow flavors to meld.

Preparing the Chicken Filling

1
Heat the pan
Heat a pan over medium heat, adding a bit of oil.
2
Sauté onions
Sauté onions until translucent, then add turmeric, salt, and pepper.
3
Cook the chicken
Add chicken pieces and cook until fully cooked through.
Tip: ⚠ Important: Ensure chicken is fully cooked to avoid foodborne illness. 💡 Pro Tip: Using a non-stick pan will help achieve a crisp crust without sticking.

How to Make Saffron-Infused Persian Tahchin with Barberries

Total time: 3 h 20 min · Yields 6 servings

1
Layering the Tahchin
Grease a deep baking dish and layer half of the saffron rice mixture at the bottom.
2
Adding the Filling
Spread the chicken filling evenly over the rice, followed by the remaining rice mixture.
3
Cooking the Dish
Cover tightly with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 1.5 hours.