Ingredients
1/2 teaspoon saffron threads (about 2 pinches)
4 cups chicken stock
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
3 tablespoons butter, divided
8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts, cut in half
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/3-1/2 cup broken spaghetti (a couple of handfuls)
1 cup long grain rice
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated
1 bay leaf
A pinch of cinnamon
A pinch of of turmeric
1 cup frozen peas
1/4 cup flat leaf parsley, chopped
Directions
Place a medium size pot over medium heat with the saffron and chicken stock. Bring them up to a simmer and reserve warm. Place a large, high-sided skillet over medium-high heat with one turn of the pan of EVOO, about 1 tablespoon, and 1 tablespoon butter. Season the chicken with the salt and pepper and cook in the pan until golden brown, 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken to a plate and reserve, covered with foil. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter in the pan. Add the pasta to the pan and cook until toasted and golden brown, 2-3 minutes. Add the rice to the pan, tossing to coat in the butter, along with the onion and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are tender, about 5 minutes. Add the bay leaf, cinnamon, turmeric, saffron-infused stock and reserved chicken to the pan. Bring the liquid up to a bubble, cover the pan, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender, 15-18 minutes. Stir in the peas and parsley, remove and discard the bay leaf, and serve.
