Persian barberry rice with saffron chicken
Zereshk Polo
Prep Time
1 hr 20 min
Cook Time
50 min
Total Time
2 hr 10 min
Servings
6
6 servings
Difficulty
Medium
Cost
Moderate
$$
Zereshk Polo
Persian barberry rice with saffron chicken
★4.6(22)
Fragrant saffron rice topped with jewel-like tart barberries and served alongside tender saffron chicken. A beloved Persian party dish that's as beautiful as it is delicious.
80m
Prep Time
50m
Cook Time
130m
Total Time
6
Servings
Medium
Difficulty
Moderate $$
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Zereshk polo is one of Persia's most iconic rice dishes—the tiny tart barberries pop with flavor against the sweet saffron rice. It's the dish that graces every Persian celebration table.
Whether you are feeding a hungry family or hosting friends, this main course delivers the kind of satisfaction that keeps people coming back.
Ingredients
- 2 cups basmati rice, soaked 1 hour
- 1/2 cup dried barberries (zereshk)
- Pinch of saffron bloomed in 3 tbsp hot water
- 8 chicken thighs, bone-in
- 3 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp sugar and salt to taste
Instructions
- 1
Season chicken with salt, turmeric, and half the saffron water. Roast at 400°F for 35 minutes until golden.
- 2
Par-boil soaked rice in salted water for 5-6 minutes. Drain.
- 3
Layer rice in a buttered pot, drizzle remaining saffron water between layers. Steam covered on low heat for 30 minutes.
- 4
Sauté barberries in 1 tbsp butter with sugar for 2 minutes—just until plump. Don't overcook.
- 5
Mound rice on a platter, scatter barberries on top, and arrange chicken alongside. Serve with yogurt.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with a fresh side salad for a balanced meal
Pair with your favorite grain or bread on the side
Garnish with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation
Substitutions
BarberriesDried cranberries, chopped
Sweeter but similar visual appeal
Chicken thighsChicken breast
Leaner but drier; thighs are preferred
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Don't overcook the barberries—they burn quickly and become bitter.
Soak barberries for 10 minutes to rehydrate before sauteing.
Let the protein rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Season each component individually rather than seasoning at the end — this builds deeper, more complex flavor throughout.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Label with the date and recipe name.
Reheating
Steam rice with a splash of water. Reheat chicken in the oven.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (120mg) · 6 servings
Calories420
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein28g
Carbohydrates14g
Fat48g
Fiber440mg
Sugar2g
Sodium6g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where can I buy barberries?
- Persian grocery stores or online. They're small, dried, bright red berries.
- Can I substitute for barberries?
- Dried cranberries chopped small are the closest, though the flavor is different.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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