Saffron Chicken Bites with Asparagus and Chili

Chicken Bites with Saffron (Bocconcini di Pollo allo Zafferano)

A delightful and aromatic dish, Chicken Bites with Saffron combines tender chicken with the rich, golden flavor of saffron, complemented by fresh vegetables. The addition of asparagus and a touch of chili elevates the recipe to a savory experience that will impress anyone at your dinner table. Perfect for those who enjoy simple yet sophisticated flavors, this recipe serves 4 people and is easy to prepare with a few simple steps.

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Prepare the White Asparagus: Begin by washing and drying the white asparagus. Cut off the tough ends and slice them diagonally. The angle of the cuts will give the asparagus a more elegant look while also aiding in even cooking.

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2. Cook the Asparagus: Heat 10g of extra virgin olive oil in a pan. Once hot, add the shallot, finely chopped, and the sliced asparagus. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir and cook over medium heat for about 7-8 minutes, adding 100g of water to the pan to keep the asparagus tender and juicy.

3. Prepare the Chicken: While the asparagus is cooking, take the chicken breast and slice it into strips, then cut the strips into small cubes (about 1.5-2 cm). Set aside. Peel the garlic cloves and slice them finely. Slice the fresh chili pepper into rings.

4. Sauté the Chicken: In a separate pan, heat a little extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the garlic and chili rings to infuse the oil with their flavors. Once the oil has taken on the aroma of garlic and chili, add the chicken cubes. Sauté the chicken until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Add about 100g of water to prevent the chicken from drying out and continue to cook, allowing the water to simmer and the chicken to cook through.

5. Add the Saffron: While the chicken is cooking, dissolve the saffron in a small bowl with a little warm water (about 20g). Once dissolved, add the saffron mixture to the pan with the chicken. Stir well to combine, letting the chicken absorb the beautiful saffron color and flavor.

6. Thicken the Sauce: In a separate small bowl, combine the potato starch with a couple of tablespoons of water (about 20g). Stir until smooth, then slowly add the mixture to the chicken while it’s still hot. Stir to create a creamy consistency, allowing the sauce to thicken to your liking.

7. Serve: Once the chicken and saffron mixture have thickened and the flavors have melded together, serve the chicken alongside the cooked asparagus. The balance of the rich chicken with the fresh, tender asparagus makes for a perfect combination.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with a side of steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or even a light salad. The richness of the saffron sauce is complemented perfectly by the freshness of the asparagus, creating a satisfying meal that is both flavorful and elegant. The spiciness of the fresh chili adds just the right amount of heat, making this dish ideal for those who enjoy a little kick in their meals.

Nutritional Information

This Chicken Bites with Saffron recipe is a perfect balance of elegance and simplicity, allowing the flavors of saffron, garlic, and fresh chili to shine through. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or as a flavorful weeknight dinner, it’s sure to be a hit!