Thermomix Saffron Chicken Orzo
YO
Inspired by Yotam OttolenghiMy Thermomix reimagining of their saffron chicken orzo
A fragrant saffron chicken orzo with lemon, spinach and toasted almonds, finished in the Thermomix for a comforting one-pot-style dinner.
Saffron, lemon and warm spices give this chicken orzo its golden colour and generous flavour. The Thermomix builds the aromatic base, while the orzo cooks into the savoury stock for a silky finish.
Ingredients
- 🍗500 g skinless chicken thigh fillets, cut into 3 cm pieces
- 🧅1 onion, quartered
- 🧄3 garlic cloves
- 🫒30 g extra-virgin olive oil
- 🌼1 tsp ground cumin
- 🥄1 pinch saffron threads
- 🥄250 g orzo
- 🍗650 g chicken stock
- 🍋1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 🥬80 g baby spinach
- 🥜40 g toasted flaked almonds
- 🧂1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- 🫑1/4 tsp black pepper
Thermomix method
- Add the onion and garlic to the mixing bowl, then chop 5 sec / speed 5. Scrape down the bowl.
- Add the olive oil, cumin and saffron, then sauté 4 min / 120°C / speed 1.
- Add the chicken, salt and pepper, then cook 6 min / 120°C / reverse / speed soft.
- Add the orzo and chicken stock, then cook 18 min / 100°C / reverse / speed soft, with the simmering basket on the lid instead of the measuring cup.
- Stir through the lemon zest, lemon juice and spinach, then rest 3 min / 0°C / reverse / speed soft.
- Serve topped with the toasted almonds and a final squeeze of lemon.
Aly's tips
- Stir the orzo immediately after cooking so it stays glossy and does not settle at the base of the bowl.
- Use warm stock to help the cooking temperature recover quickly.
- Add the spinach at the end so it stays bright and lightly wilted.
Questions
Can I use chicken breast instead of thigh?
Yes, but check it at the end of cooking because breast can become dry sooner than thigh meat.
Can I make this without saffron?
You can omit it, although the dish will lose its distinctive floral aroma and golden colour.
Want to cook this in minutes?
Every recipe here is made for the Thermomix. Get yours through me, or message me and I'll help you choose.
An independent Thermomix reinterpretation inspired by Yotam Ottolenghi's saffron chicken orzo. Not affiliated with, authorised by or endorsed by Yotam Ottolenghi or any publisher; the method here is Chef Aly's own. Speeds, times and temperatures are a guide — always check your own Thermomix model's manual and use your judgement, especially around hot liquids and food safety. This is independent content and is not official Thermomix content.
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