Pomegranate-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Cumin and Coriander
Juicy pan-seared chicken thighs glazed with a sweet and tangy pomegranate molasses sauce, accented by warm cumin and coriander spices for a Middle Eastern flair. This middle eastern-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs divided salt, divided black pepper, ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.
Ingredients
- 6 pieces (about 2 pounds) bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 1/2 tsp, divided salt
- 1 tsp, divided black pepper
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup pomegranate molasses
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/3 cup, for garnish pomegranate seeds
- 2 tbsp, chopped for garnish fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and season evenly with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp ground coriander.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs skin side down and cook for 6-7 minutes until the skin is golden and crisp. Flip and cook an additional 5 minutes.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup pomegranate molasses and 1/2 cup chicken broth. Simmer gently for 10 minutes, spooning the glaze over the chicken occasionally until sauce thickens and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with 1/3 cup pomegranate seeds and 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves before serving warm with rice or flatbread.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pomegranate-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Cumin and Coriander take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Thighs with Cumin and Coriander?
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 divided salt from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pomegranate-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Cumin and Coriander?
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 Thighs with Cumin and Coriander 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.
Is Pomegranate-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Cumin and Coriander gluten free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Perfect balance of spices. The chicken was juicy and the glaze sticky and delicious.
- ★★★★★
This recipe was a hit at my dinner party! The pomegranate glaze added a beautiful touch to the chicken.
- ★★★★☆
My kids loved the chicken. The cumin and coriander were just right.