Cumin-Spiced Chicken with Pine Nuts and Raisins

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken pieces coated in a savory-sweet sauce with cumin, pine nuts, and raisins, served over rice. This mediterranean-inspired one pot ready in about 60 minutes pairs bone-in, skin-on Chicken thighs, Olive oil, minced Garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.1 (14 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 1.5 lbs chicken thighs dry and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, skin-side down, and cook for 8 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook for 5 minutes until cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in 1 tsp ground cumin and cook for 30 seconds.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup chicken broth and 2 tbsp raisins, bring to a simmer, and cook for 2 minutes until raisins soften. Stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 cup uncooked rice, stirring to coat with sauce. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 18 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Place chicken on top, cover, and cook for 5 minutes more.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle 1/4 cup pine nuts over the top before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cumin-Spiced Chicken with Pine Nuts and Raisins take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (20 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cumin-Spiced Chicken with Pine Nuts and Raisins?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cumin-Spiced Chicken with Pine Nuts and Raisins?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cumin-Spiced Chicken with Pine Nuts and Raisins for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cumin-Spiced Chicken with Pine Nuts and Raisins?

Mediterranean one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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