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    • 3 min read

Saffron Chicken, Jasmine Rice and Shirazi Salad

Persian Saffron Chicken is one of the easiest meals to make in bulk. It’s light, tangy, and somehow we never get sick of it!


I married into a Persian Family, which means I would be ousted if I didn’t know how to make Joojeh Kabob.


Well, not really but it sure does score some points with my in laws!


Nima and I make this combination of dishes for lunch more than any other because it’s so simple and very easy to make in bulk. It’s light, tangy, and somehow we never get sick of it!


I’m going to tell you up front my mother in law will probably kill me for taking shortcuts with this recipe but I know you guys will appreciate the tips. 😉


Cook Time: 25-30min


INGREDIENTS


  • 8 Organic skinless boneless chicken breasts, preferably fresh, never frozen

  • 1 cup plain non-fat greek yogurt (I prefer Fage for it’s tanginess)

  • 1 Medium sweet yellow onion roughly chopped

  • 1 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

  • 1/2 freshly squeezed lemon

  • 1/2 freshly squeeze lime

  • Zest from 1 orange1 teaspoon saffron fibers grind on plate with the back of a spoon & dissolve in 2-3 tablespoons of hot water

  • 2 teaspoons sea salt

  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

  • (I like to leave the chicken breast whole to save time. If I’m entertaining the family you bet I’ll be cutting the chicken into cubes and placing those on skewers to make traditional kabobs)


PREP STEPS


  1. In a bowl combine the yogurt, onion, olive oil, juice from lime & lemon, orange zest, saffron mixture, salt and pepper. Blend well into a smooth mixture.

  2. Pour the mixture over the chicken in a large enough dish to marinade overnight, making sure that all the pieces are fully covered with yogurt mixture. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours although overnight is best.

  3. Place chicken breasts on hot grill or Traeger until chicken is well cooked.

  4. *My husband and I are absolutely obsessed with our Traeger! Because we’re cooking food for at least 5 days at a time the meat stays unbelievably tender and juicy through the week.




SHIRAZI SALAD


Prep Time: 5-10minutes


INGREDIENTS


4 large tomatoes 1 large English cucumber 1 freshly squeezed lime 1 Tbsp. dried mint 1 Tsp. Sea Salt


PREP STEPS


  1. Cut tomatoes and cucumber into bite size cubes. Place in large bowl or container, add sea salt , lime juice, and dried mint. Mix and serve. Easy!

*You may have to make another round of Shirazi Salad mid week. Trust me, it’s that delicious that it’ll go faster than you think!


JASMINE RICE

Cook Time: 3 minutes


INGREDIENTS

1 bag Trader Joe’s Frozen Jasmine Rice – Thank you Trader Joe’s for making my life easier! (Sorry Maryam!)


PREP STEPS


Place baggie in microwave for 3 minutes, ummmmm done! This rice comes out perfectly fluffy every time! Genius! (Cook as many as bags as you need to prep for the week.  I generally make 3-4 bags at a time to last my husband and I for 4 days worth of lunches)


NUTRITIONAL VALUE


Macro count for total meal You can adjust measurements according to your own macros or meal plan.


Calories – 290 Carbs – 32g Protein – 30g Fat – 5g


Serving Size: 5oz Chicken .66 cup Rice 4oz Shirazi Salad


THE INSIDE JOB: containers to use, how long it lasts, how much to prep, mistakes not to make, how to add custom flavor….etc. 


I prefer to use glass Tupperware containers. I know they can be cumbersome at times but they are best if your plan on reheating food.

I always plan on making enough protein (meat) to last for 4-5 days in the fridge. Most of the time I end up making extra to vacuum seal and freeze. We’re all busy so the less time I can spend cooking the better!

Try adding Turmeric to the yogurt mixture. It will add a rich, warm flavor and a beautiful color, not to mention it’s many other health benefits.


Remember, it’s YOU vs. YOU!


XOXO,

Nicole


I LOVE hearing what you have to say. Be sure to leave me a comment or ask a question here. If you want more health and fitness inspiration make sure to subscribe or give me a follow on Instagram.




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