Persian Chicken

A never-fail Persian chicken recipe that yields juicy results every single time. Made with only a few simple ingredients, the meat is super flavorful and moist.

If you have tried our instant pot whole chicken and air fryer whole chicken, it’s high time you tried cooking a whole chicken Persian style!

It features signature Iranian flavors like turmeric and saffron and uses just a handful of pantry staple seasonings to make the chicken truly shine.

Table of Contents

1. Why this recipe works
2. Ingredients needed
3. How to make Persian chicken 
4. Tips to make the best recipe
5. Variations
6. Storage instructions
7. More delicious ways to bake chicken
8. Frequently asked questions
9. Persian Chicken (Recipe Card)

Why this recipe works

• A fool-proof recipe. If you don’t trust your cooking skills and are looking for a whole chicken recipe that yields juicy and tender chicken no matter what, then this recipe is your best bet.
• Hands-off cooking. As the chicken cooks in the oven, it’s quite the set and forget kind of dinner. I like to use the extra time to whip up some side dishes like basmati rice and a Shirazi salad.
• Versatile. Persian-style chicken is one of the most versatile dishes. It is perfect for large gatherings and pairs well with a range of dishes. It’s no wonder my mom would make this at every family party.

Ingredients needed

This Iranian chicken recipe calls for only a few ingredients. Here’s everything you’ll need to make it. 

• Chicken thighs. I like using boneless and skinless thighs, but you can keep the skin on if you want some extra flavor. You can also use a whole chicken, chicken quarters, or chicken drumsticks. Do not use chicken breasts because these will easily dry out.
• Onion and garlic. Must-have aromatics in any good chicken dish.
• Canned tomatoes. In their natural juices. The tomatoes add flavor, tenderize the meat, and help create a ‘gravy’ to soak your rice in.
• Turmeric. Not only does it add a lovely flavor, but it gives the chicken some color, too.
• Saffron. The secret ingredient! Saffron is perhaps the most famous Persian ingredient you could ever find. Traditional Iranian recipes will call for pure saffron, but if you don’t have this, any store-bought kind works.
• Chicken broth. Adds flavor and keeps the chicken moist.
• Salt. To taste.
• Butter or oil. To cook.

How to make Persian chicken 

Step 1- Prep. Preheat the oven and grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with butter or oil.

Step 2- Mix. Combine all the ingredients, except the chicken broth, in a large mixing bowl and stir until combined.

Step 3- Bake. Transfer the seasoned chicken. to the baking dish and pour the chicken broth all over. Bake for around one hour or when the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165F.

Tips to make the best recipe

• If you are aiming for the best flavor, buy pasture-raised organic-fed chicken. 
• Allow the chicken to come to room temperature before you season it and bake it. Baking a cold bird will result in unevenly cooked chicken. 
• Don’t waste the pan drippings or ‘gravy’. Drizzle them over the chicken before serving it over rice to soak up all those juices.
• Always use an instant read thermometer to check the ‘doneness’ of the chicken. Ready-to-eat chicken should be 165F.

Variations

Chicken recipes like this one are always easy to customize. Here are some ideas to change up this slow-baked chicken recipe. 

• Use the spice blend of your choice. You don’t have to stick to this particular spice blend for roasting this chicken. Chicken pairs well with a variety of spices and herbs. Garlic powder, cayenne pepper, curry powder,  red pepper flakes, oregano, rosemary, and thyme are only few of the spices and herbs that work well with chicken. 
• Roast some veggies. Add some chopped potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, and other vegetables of your choice to the baking tray when there are around 45 minutes left for the chicken to cook (like we do with a sheet pan chicken and veggies).
• Use homemade chicken broth. If you have leftovers from a whole spatchcock chicken, boil down the bones and carcass to make a simple homemade broth. The overall flavor of this dish will taste incredible.

Storage instructions

To store. Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 4 days. 

To freeze. You can freeze leftover chicken for up to 4 months. It is a good idea to shred the chicken first as shredded chicken is easier to defrost. 

To reheat. Reheat roasted chicken in the oven preheated to 350F degrees for 5-6 minutes.

More delicious ways to bake chicken

• Saffron chicken
• Tandoori chicken
• Baked chicken thighs
• Baked chicken breast
• Pollo Asado

Frequently asked questions