Name: Healthy Saffron Chicken with Raisins and Pine Nuts Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1/4 tsp saffron threads, crushed; 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 1/3 cup golden raisins; 3 tbsp toasted pine nuts; 2 cups baby spinach leaves; Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste; Fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped for garnish

In a small bowl, combine the crushed saffron threads with 2 tablespoons of warm water and let it steep for 5 minutes to release its vibrant color and aroma.

Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet and sear until lightly golden on all sides, about 5 minutes. Transfer the seared chicken to a clean plate.

Reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion to the same skillet, cooking for 4 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.

Pour in the chicken broth, steeped saffron water, and golden raisins, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3 minutes to plump up the raisins.

Return the chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet, tossing to coat the meat in the saffron broth. Cover and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and registers 165°F (74°C) on a meat thermometer.

Stir in the baby spinach and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until just wilted. Remove the skillet from the heat, stir in the toasted pine nuts, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.