Dinner Ideas: Chicken and Rice - Persian Style

Got rice? Got chicken? Let's do this!

Many cultures have a chicken and rice recipe.  It's a universal comfort food combination found all over the world.  A recipe that I really like is "Chicken and Rice - Persian Style".  It's the saffron spice and the dried cherries that make this rice super good!!

Persian Sour Cherry Saffron Rice (Polow)

• Persian Roasted Chicken with Cherry-Saffron Rice
• Tah-Chin - Persian Upside Down Layered Saffron Rice & Chicken
• World Cuisine : Potatoes or Rice? Rice! It Has Jewels!! (Instead of cherries, this recipe uses pomegranate.)

White Ceramic Bowls Set of 4

Here are some well-known versions from different regions:

🌍 Asia

• Hainanese Chicken Rice (Singapore/Malaysia) – Poached chicken served with fragrant rice cooked in chicken fat and broth, accompanied by chili sauce and ginger paste.

• Arroz Caldo (Philippines) – A rich, gingery rice porridge with chicken, often topped with scallions, garlic, and calamansi.

• Chicken Biryani (India/Pakistan) – Fragrant basmati rice layered with spiced chicken, saffron, and fried onions.

• Congee (China) – A comforting rice porridge sometimes made with chicken and flavored with soy, ginger, and scallions.

🌍 Middle East & North Africa

• Kabsa (Saudi Arabia) – Spiced rice and chicken dish with cardamom, cinnamon, and raisins.

• Maqluba (Levant) – A layered rice, chicken, and vegetable dish that’s flipped upside down before serving.

• Chicken with Yellow Rice (Morocco) – Often cooked with turmeric, saffron, and preserved lemon.

🌍 Europe

• Arroz con Pollo (Spain/Latin America) – Literally “rice with chicken,” featuring saffron or annatto and bell peppers.

• Risotto con Pollo (Italy) – Creamy Arborio rice with chicken and Parmesan.

• Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice (Avgolemono-inspired) – Roasted or simmered chicken with lemony rice and herbs.

🌍 Americas

• Southern Chicken and Rice (U.S.) – A creamy casserole or stovetop dish with chicken, broth, and vegetables.

• Arroz con Pollo (Latin America) – Varies by region — Cuban, Puerto Rican, and Colombian versions differ in spices and vegetables.

Do you have a favorite chicken and rice recipe?