Mixed Rice Dishes / How to Make Carrot Rice with Chicken and Barberries; A Colorful Highlight for Your Iftar Table + Photos

According to the culinary section of Saed News, some dishes instantly awaken cherished memories the moment you hear their name. Carrot Rice (Havij Polo) is one of those nostalgic meals. With its warm aroma filling the house and its comforting blend of ingredients, it often brings back memories of childhood and a grandmother’s kitchen.

But what makes this dish truly exceptional? Simply buying ingredients and tossing them into a pot is not enough. The secret lies in knowing the right techniques—selecting high-quality ingredients and using the perfect balance of saffron, barberries, and chicken to create this traditional and flavorful Persian dish.

If you are ready to prepare a memorable meal and finally answer the question, “What can I cook with chicken?” follow this step-by-step guide to making Carrot Rice with Chicken and Barberries. (You can also prepare this dish with ground meat using a similar method.)

Ingredients for Carrot Rice with Chicken and Barberries (Serves 4)

• 2 chicken breasts

• 1 medium onion

• 3 carrots

• 3 cups rice

• ½ cup barberries

• 2 tablespoons butter

• Cooking oil as needed

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 2 tablespoons brewed saffron

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon powder

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• Salt to taste

(Adjust quantities depending on the number of servings.)

Step-by-Step Preparation

Carrot Rice with Chicken is a beloved Iranian dish known for its exceptional flavor and elegant presentation. It is perfect for both everyday meals and special gatherings.

Step 1: Marinate and Cook the Chicken

Cut the chicken breasts into slightly larger-than-usual pieces to help them retain moisture and remain tender during cooking.

Sauté sliced onions in a little oil until golden. Add the chicken pieces and cook until lightly sealed.

To eliminate any strong aroma and enhance flavor, add black pepper and cinnamon. This spice combination gives the chicken a wonderful depth. Once the chicken changes color, add one cup of boiling water and let it cook gently. When most of the water has evaporated, stir in the brewed saffron and mix well.

Step 2: Sauté the Carrots

Julienne the carrots and sauté them in a little oil. You may cook them longer for a softer texture and deeper color, or sauté briefly if you prefer them slightly crisp.

Add one tablespoon of sugar and stir. The sugar will not make the carrots sweet; instead, it enhances their natural flavor and pairs beautifully with the tartness of the barberries.

Step 3: Prepare the Barberries

Rinse and drain the soaked barberries. Sauté them gently in butter over very low heat for about 30 seconds. Be careful—barberries burn quickly and turn bitter.

Add a small amount of saffron to brighten their color and enhance their aroma.

Step 4: Parboil the Rice

Soak the rice in salted water beforehand. Bring water to a boil and cook the rice until the grains are slightly tender but not mushy. Drain thoroughly and let excess water evaporate.

Step 5: Layer and Steam

Add a little oil to the bottom of a pot and prepare your preferred tahdig (crispy bottom layer)—potato slices, flatbread, or even rice.

Layer the ingredients as follows:

• A layer of rice

• A layer of carrots

• A sprinkle of barberries

Repeat until all ingredients are used. Drizzle the remaining saffron over the top. Cover with a lid wrapped in a clean cloth and steam.

Increase the heat briefly until steam forms, then reduce to low and allow the rice to steam for about 45 minutes.

Final Step: Serve

Once ready, transfer the rice to a serving dish. You may place the chicken pieces on the side or shred them and mix throughout the rice to distribute the saffron color evenly.

For garnish, sprinkle slivered pistachios or almonds on top for an elegant presentation.

Essential Tips for Perfect Carrot Rice

• To maintain a vibrant appearance, you can keep the carrots and barberries separate from the rice and add them only when serving.

• Fry the chicken in butter for a golden, slightly caramelized finish.

• Do not be shy with saffron—it plays a leading role in the fragrance of this dish.

• Use cinnamon in moderation; too much can overpower the delicate balance of saffron and barberries.

• Pay attention to the tahdig. Potato tahdig is particularly delicious with this dish, though bread is equally delightful if you prefer it.

Final Thoughts

Carrot Rice is a flavorful, elegant, and festive Persian dish that can easily become the highlight of your table. Its striking presentation makes it especially popular for gatherings, and in some Iranian cities such as Tabriz, it is considered one of the main ceremonial dishes.

Simple yet refined, this dish stands out among traditional Persian rice recipes—offering warmth, color, fragrance, and unforgettable taste in every bite.