Chicken with saffron, raisins & pine nuts

Authentic Spanish Chicken with saffron, raisins & pine nuts — a delicious chicken dish with 10 ingredients. Follow our detailed step-by-step instructions for the perfect result.

Medium
Updated March 14, 2026

15

Prep Time (min)

10

Cook Time (min)

4

servings

380

Calories/serving

Medium

Difficulty

Chicken with saffron, raisins & pine nuts

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 1 ¼ kg Chicken
  • 2 tblsp Olive Oil
  • 3 cloves Chopped Garlic
  • Pinch Saffron
  • 125 ml Dry sherry
  • 200 ml Chicken Stock
  • 1 tbsp Thyme
  • 50 g Raisins
  • 2 tbsp Pine Nuts
  • Handful Parsley

Instructions

4 steps · ~63 minutes total

  1. Step 1

    Heat a large frying pan on a high heat and season the chicken. Add the olive oil to the pan, then the chicken. Brown for about 5 mins on each side, remove onto a plate, then set aside.

    8 minutes
    Test the oil temperature with a small piece of food — it should sizzle immediately.
  2. Step 2

    Lower the heat to medium. In the remaining fat, fry the onions for 3 mins, then add the garlic and saffron. Cook for 3-4 mins more. Add the sherry, then simmer for 3-5 mins until syrupy.

    15 minutes
    Test the oil temperature with a small piece of food — it should sizzle immediately.
  3. Step 3

    Put the chicken leg pieces back into the pan, tip in the stock, thyme and raisins, cover, then gently cook on a low heat for 20 mins. Add the breast meat and any juices left on the plate. Simmer for 10 mins more until cooked through and the sauce in the pan has reduced.

    15 minutes
    Keep the heat low — gentle bubbles, not a rolling boil.
  4. Step 4

    While the chicken is cooking, heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Scatter the pine nuts over a baking sheet, then roast for 10 mins until golden and toasted. Once the chicken has cooked through, season to taste, scatter with pine nuts and parsley, then serve with rice.

    25 minutes
    Always preheat your oven fully before baking for even cooking.

💡 Tips & Tricks

This Spanish recipe for Chicken with saffron, raisins & pine nuts is best served fresh. Adjust seasoning to your taste.

🔄 Variations

• Protein swap: Try substituting the main protein with chicken, tofu, or shrimp for a different take on this dish. • Spice level: Adjust the heat to your preference — add more chili for extra kick, or reduce it for a milder version. • Vegetarian: Replace meat with mushrooms, chickpeas, or your favorite plant-based protein. • Fusion twist: Combine elements of Spanish cuisine with your local favorites for a creative fusion dish.

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 3 days in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

What to Serve With

Complete your spanish meal with these perfect pairings:

🍽️Patatas bravas
🍽️Mixed olives
🍽️Spanish rice

About This Dish

Chicken with saffron, raisins & pine nuts is a beloved dish from Spanish cuisine, originating in Spain. With a total preparation time of about 25 minutes, it's a quick and easy option for any day of the week.

Spanish cuisine celebrates fresh, seasonal ingredients cooked with simplicity and flair. From tapas culture to regional specialties, Spain's food traditions are deeply rooted in community and celebration.

This recipe is rated medium difficulty and uses 10 ingredients. Intermediate cooks will enjoy the balanced challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

For the best flavor and texture, use bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces such as thighs or drumsticks.

Rate This Recipe

How was this recipe?

Share This Recipe

Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories380kcal
Total Fat17g
Sodium302mg
Total Carbohydrates42g
Dietary Fiber3g
Protein46g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CuisineSpanish
CategoryDinner
CountrySpain