Pollo Zafrano: A Luxurious Chicken Delight for Cozy Dinners
Are you in the mood for an elegant and comforting meal that brings a touch of European flair right into your kitchen? Look no further than this exquisite Pollo Zafrano, a recipe straight from the Femina Cookbook that is perfect for an intimate dinner at home. This dish combines succulent chicken breasts with aromatic saffron, creamy bechamel sauce, and a splash of white wine, all served alongside golden rice. Despite being a bit indulgent, it remains relatively straightforward, making it an ideal choice for a cozy evening with loved ones.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts 🐔
- 10 tablespoons olive oil 🌿
- 100 grams bacon, chopped 🥓
- 300 grams bechamel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 100 milliliters white wine 🍷
- 30 strands saffron 🌟
- 1 cup cooked rice 🍚
For Serving
- Grilled or stir-fried carrots and green peas 🥕🌿
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and sauté them until they turn a lovely pink color, which should take about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue to cook until the chicken is thoroughly done and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Cook the Bacon
In the same skillet, add the chopped bacon. Cook until the bacon is crispy and has released its flavorful oils. Note: You might not need additional oil as the bacon will provide enough fat. Once the bacon is cooked, stir it into the skillet with the chicken.
3. Make the Sauce
Pour the bechamel sauce and white wine into the skillet. Stir well to combine with the bacon and chicken. Allow the mixture to simmer over low heat for about 5 minutes, so the flavors meld together and the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Prepare the Saffron Rice
While the chicken and sauce are cooking, dissolve the saffron strands in a small amount of warm milk. Stir this saffron mixture into the cooked rice, ensuring that the rice becomes beautifully tinted with a vibrant yellow hue.
5. Shape and Serve the Rice
Spoon the saffron rice into four individual bowls, pressing it down to form a mound. Carefully invert the bowls onto four plates so that the rice mounds are nicely shaped and visually appealing.
6. Plate the Dish
Serve each rice mound with a generous portion of the chicken and bacon mixture beside it. For a complete and classy meal, accompany the dish with grilled or stir-fried carrots and green peas.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 476.1 kcal
- Fat: 36.1 g
- Saturated Fat: 13.7 g
- Cholesterol: 144.1 mg
- Sodium: 309.9 mg
- Carbohydrates: 1.2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Sugar: 0.1 g
- Protein: 33.7 g
This Pollo Zafrano is not just a meal; it’s an experience of flavors and textures that come together beautifully. From the creamy sauce and rich saffron-infused rice to the tender chicken and crispy bacon, every bite is a testament to the art of elegant home cooking. Enjoy this dish with your loved ones for a delightful, cozy dinner that’s sure to impress. 🌟🍽️
