Properties :

Chicken Tahchin is a nutritious dish that provides a balanced combination of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. The chicken offers a high-quality source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle building and repair. The rice provides a good amount of carbohydrates, giving energy for daily activities, while the yogurt adds a creamy texture and contains probiotics beneficial for digestion. The saffron used in the dish is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties, contributing to overall well-being. Additionally, the eggs in the recipe add extra protein and essential vitamins, making it a wholesome and satisfying meal.

Ingredients :

White Rice : 3 Cup

Basmati Rice-

Chicken Breast : 1 Piece

Plain Yogurt : 1 Cup

Greek Yogurt-

Onion : 1 Piece

Yolk / Chicken Egg : 2 Piece

Rosewater : 1 Tablespoon

Cooking Butter : 50 g

dried Barberry : 100 g

Sugar : 1 Teaspoon

Infused / Saffron : 4 Tablespoon

Salt : as needed

black pepper : to taste

Cinnamon : to taste

Sliced / pistachio : to taste

turmeric : as needed

Cooking Oil : as needed

Tahchin, a golden, crispy rice crust filled with tender saffron chicken, offering a perfect mix of savory and aromatic flavors in every bite!

Recipe :

For 5 people

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Place the chicken with 2 cups of water, turmeric, cinnamon, and an onion in a suitable pot.
Cook the chicken on medium heat until fully boiled.

Step 2: Flavor the Chicken

Allow the water to evaporate completely to let the spices be absorbed into the chicken.
Once the chicken is done, shred it into small pieces after it cools slightly.

Step 3: Sauté the Chicken with Spices

Heat a little oil in a pan and sauté the shredded chicken.
Add turmeric, cinnamon, and black pepper to the chicken and continue sautéing until the chicken is evenly coated with the spices.
Set the chicken aside after cooking.

Step 4: Prepare and Sauté the Barberries

Drain the barberries that were soaked for 20 minutes.
In a pan, sauté the barberries with powdered sugar and a little butter or oil until they become shiny and fragrant.
Set the barberries aside once done.

Step 5: Soak the Rice

Soak the rice for 30 minutes to 3 hours with 1 teaspoon of salt and warm water, depending on the type of rice.
Place a pot with water on the stove and bring it to a boil.

Step 6: Boil the Rice

Once the water boils, add 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of oil to the pot.
Add the soaked rice to the boiling water and cook for 7 to 10 minutes until partially soft but firm.

Step 7: Drain the Rice and Prepare the Egg Yolks

Drain the rice when it is soft on the outside but firm in the center.
Set the rice aside and place the egg yolks in a large bowl.

Step 8: Mix the Egg Yolks with Yogurt and Rosewater

Mix the egg yolks until smooth, then add the yogurt, rosewater, and saffron to the bowl.
Stir well to combine all the ingredients into a smooth mixture.

Step 9: Add the Rice to the Egg and Yogurt Mixture

Gently mix the drained rice into the egg and yogurt mixture, ensuring it's well combined.
Grease a pot with a little oil for baking the Tahchin.

Step 10: Layer the Rice in the Pot

Place half of the rice mixture at the bottom of the pot and press it down firmly with a spoon.
Add the sautéed chicken and barberries on top of the rice.
Top with the remaining rice mixture.

Step 11: Press the Rice and Add Butter

Press the rice down again with the back of the spoon to make sure the layers stick together during baking.
Cut the butter into small pieces and spread it evenly over the rice.
Place the pot on very low heat.

Step 12: Cook the Tahchin and Final Decoration

Let the Tahchin cook on low heat for 45 minutes to an hour.
Once cooked, carefully flip the Tahchin onto a serving plate.
Garnish with pistachio slices and barberries.

Enjoy your delicious Chicken Tahchin!

Description:

When preparing Chicken Tahchin, it's crucial to ensure that the rice is only partially cooked to avoid it becoming mushy during the final baking. Additionally, make sure the yogurt and egg mixture is smooth and well-combined to prevent clumping. Be cautious about the cooking time in the oven; too long in the heat can cause the dish to become dry. It's also important to use enough oil or butter to prevent sticking while creating the golden, crispy crust that makes this dish so special. Finally, allowing the Tahchin to rest before serving helps it set properly and ensures a cleaner cut when serving.

Description of diets:

Chicken Tahchin is not suitable for the Ketogenic diet due to its high carbohydrate content from the rice. It is also not appropriate for Vegan or Vegetarian diets because of the inclusion of chicken and dairy products. Those on a Paleo diet should avoid it as rice is not allowed, but it can be modified by replacing the rice with cauliflower rice or quinoa. For a Gluten-Free diet, it is naturally suitable as there are no gluten-containing ingredients, but make sure all added ingredients are certified gluten-free. This dish is compatible with a High-Protein diet due to the chicken and eggs, but it might need some adjustments for a Low-Calorie or DASH diet, where portion control and reduced oil/fats would be necessary.