Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/11 checked
6
servings
2 unit

onions

chopped

0.5 tsp

turmeric

2 lbs

chicken breasts

cubed, boneless, skinless

1 lb

low-fat plain yogurt

1 tsp

saffron

dissolved in hot water

2 unit

eggs

1.5 lbs

basmati rice

3 cup

water

0.5 cup

cooking oil

2 tsp

salt

1 pinch

black pepper

to taste

Step 1
~5 min

Chop onions and fry in oil until slightly golden.

Step 2
~5 min

Add turmeric to the onions and fry briefly.

Step 3
~5 min

Fry chicken in the onion-turmeric mixture until the color changes.

Step 4
~5 min

Add 1/2 - 1 cup of water and bring to a boil.

Step 5
~5 min

Reduce heat and simmer until chicken is cooked through.

Step 6
~5 min

While chicken is cooking, beat the yogurt until smooth.

Step 7
~5 min

Dissolve saffron in 1/2 cup of hot water.

Step 8
~5 min

Add saffron solution, salt, pepper, and optional eggs to the yogurt and mix well.

Step 9
~5 min

Wash rice.

Step 10
~5 min

Pour 3 cups of water into a large pot and bring to a boil.

Step 11
~5 min

Add rice and cook, stirring occasionally, until rice is al dente.

Step 12
~5 min

Drain the rice.

Step 13
~5 min

Pour several spoonfuls of oil and yogurt mix into a non-stick pot.

Step 14
~5 min

Add a thin layer of rice and flatten it using the back of a spoon.

Step 15
~5 min

Add a layer of chicken on top.

Step 16
~5 min

Add another layer of rice and flatten it.

Step 17
~5 min

Spread several more spoonfuls of the yogurt mix on the rice.

Step 18
~5 min

Continue layering chicken, rice, and yogurt mix until all ingredients are used.

Key Technique: Layering
Step 19
~5 min

Add some more oil on top.

Step 20
~5 min

Put the lid on and cook for about 1.5 hours on medium-low heat.

Step 21
~5 min

Remove the lid and let cool for a few minutes.

Step 22
~5 min

Place an inverted large dish over the pot and turn it over.

Step 23
~5 min

Tap the pot to loosen the contents.

Step 24
~5 min

The Tahcheen should fall onto the dish in one piece, with the Tah-Dig (crispy rice crust) on the outside.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

For a richer flavor, use full-fat yogurt.

Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

Be patient during the cooking process to achieve a perfect Tah-Dig.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

15 minutes

Batch Cooking
Friendly
Make Ahead

Can be partially made ahead by preparing the chicken and yogurt mixture.

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Medium
Smell Intensity
Moderate
Noise Level
Low
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side of Shirazi salad (cucumber, tomato, onion salad).

Serve with a dollop of plain yogurt.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Shirazi Salad
Roasted vegetables

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

Iran

Cultural Significance

A festive and celebratory dish often served at weddings and special occasions.

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Festive Uses

Weddings
Nowruz (Persian New Year)
Family gatherings

Occasion Tags

Dinner Party
Celebration
Family Meal

Popularity Score

70/100

More Persian Dinner Recipes

Discover more delicious Persian Dinner recipes to expand your culinary repertoire

Persian
Medium
A

Persian Chicken Kebabs

4.5
(1664 reviews)

Delicious and flavorful Persian Chicken Kebabs, marinated in a saffron-infused blend of spices and grilled to perfection.

50 min
350 cal
Gluten-Free
Dairy-Free
70%
75
Persian
Medium
A+

Djavaher Polow

4.0
(595 reviews)

Djavaher Polow, or Jeweled Rice, is a Persian rice dish featuring a colorful array of dried fruits, nuts, and saffron, often including chicken. It is known for its beautiful presentation and flavorful blend of sweet and savory elements.

50 min
450 cal
Gluten-Free
75%
65
Persian
Medium
A

Persian Chicken Pilaf

4.3
(1728 reviews)

A flavorful Persian Chicken Pilaf featuring tender chicken, fragrant spices, dried apricots, and toasted almonds.

40 min
450 cal
Gluten-Free (check pilaf mix)
Dairy-Free
70%
75
Persian
Hard
A+

Persian Chicken - Tah Cheen

4.3
(753 reviews)

A traditional Persian dish of saffron-infused rice with chicken, featuring a crispy Tah Dig (bottom layer).

165 min
550 cal
Gluten-Free
60%
75
Persian
Medium
A+

Qormeh Sabzi

4.3
(1711 reviews)

A flavorful Persian herb stew with meat or beans, simmered with dried limes and served over rice.

120 min
400 cal
Gluten-Free
Dairy-Free
60%
75
Persian
Hard
C+

Slow-Roast Persian Lamb With Pomegranate Salad

4.1
(405 reviews)

Slow-roasted lamb shoulder infused with Persian flavors and served with a refreshing pomegranate salad.

210 min
N/A cal
Gluten-Free
60%
75
Persian
Hard
A-

Ghormeh Sabzi - Persian Green Stew

4.1
(1934 reviews)

A flavorful and aromatic Persian stew featuring tender meat, kidney beans, and a blend of fresh herbs and dried limes.

95 min
450 cal
Gluten-free
Dairy-free
65%
75
Persian
Hard
A-

Pomegranate Khoresh

4.3
(460 reviews)

A flavorful Persian stew featuring chicken or duck simmered in a sweet and sour pomegranate walnut sauce.

70 min
450 cal
Gluten-Free
65%
75