Grilled Chicken With Saffron

Total Time: 40 mins Preparation Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 6
• 1/2 teaspoon saffron thread
• 1 tablespoon warm water
• 1 1/2 cups plain yogurt (whole-milk)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped (about 2 cups)
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 4 lbs chicken pieces (8 pieces)
• 1/4 teaspoon saffron thread
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

Recipe

• 1 place the saffron in a medium-size bowl and crush to a powder with a pestle or the end of a wooden spoon. stir in the warm water and let stand for 5 minutes, then stir in the yogurt, onion, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
• 2 rinse off chicken pieces under cold running water, then drain and blot dry on paper towels. place chicken in large nonreactive bowl or re-sealable bag and pour the marinade over them, turning the pieces to coat thoroughly. cover and let marinate, in the refrigerator, for 24 hours, turning the pieces occasionally.
• 3 preheat the grill, medium in one are and high heat in another area.
• 4 prepare the basting mixture. place saffron in a medium bowl and crush it again to a powder. stir in lemon juice and let sit for 5 minutes. melt the butter in a small saucepan on low heat, then remove from heat and stir in saffron mixture.
• 5 place chicken pieces on oiled grate, skin side down, on high heat and allow to brown for several minutes and then move them to med/low heat for several minutes. now flip chicken pieces over and place on high heat til browned and again move over to the low heat to cook through. baste pieces a couple of times during grilling. be careful to watch for flareups and don't burn them. season with salt and pepper.