Pomegranate-Glazed Chicken Shawarma with Pickled Onions

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Chicken breast marinated in pomegranate molasses and spices, grilled to juicy perfection, served with tangy pickled onions for a vibrant Middle Eastern feast. This middle eastern-inspired grilling ready in about 55 minutes pairs chicken breast, pomegranate molasses, lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 395 calories and feeds 2, 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.6 (14 ratings) Prep: 45 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Middle Eastern cuisine 395 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Slice chicken breast into 1/2-inch thick strips. In a bowl, combine 2 tbsp pomegranate molasses, zest and juice of 1 lemon, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, and 1 tbsp water. Add chicken strips, toss to coat, and marinate for 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Thinly slice 1/2 cup red onion. In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup white vinegar, 1 tbsp granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup water. Add onions and soak for 15 minutes to pickle.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high (400°F). Thread marinated chicken strips onto skewers. Grill for 8-10 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
  4. Step 4: Discard pickling liquid, pat onions dry, and serve chicken with fresh cilantro and pickled onions. Drizzle any remaining marinade over the top for extra flavor.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pomegranate-Glazed Chicken Shawarma with Pickled Onions take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (45 min prep + 10 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 Pomegranate-Glazed Chicken Shawarma with Pickled Onions?

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 chicken breast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pomegranate-Glazed Chicken Shawarma with Pickled Onions?

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 Pomegranate-Glazed Chicken Shawarma with Pickled Onions for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Pomegranate-Glazed Chicken Shawarma with Pickled Onions?

Middle Eastern grilling 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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