Pomegranate-Glazed Chicken with Pistachios
Juicy chicken thighs bathed in a tangy-sweet pomegranate reduction, crowned with toasted pistachios for a vibrant finish. This syrian-inspired mediterranean ready in about 40 minutes pairs pounds chicken thighs, tablespoons olive oil, tablespoons pomegranate molasses for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.25 pounds chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons pomegranate molasses
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/3 cup pistachios
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 1.25 pounds bone-in chicken thighs dry and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in an ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken skin-side down for 6-7 minutes until golden, then flip and cook 2 minutes.
- Step 2: Remove chicken from skillet. Add 2 minced garlic cloves to the pan and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 3 tablespoons pomegranate molasses and 1 tablespoon lemon juice, scraping browned bits from the bottom.
- Step 3: Return chicken to the skillet, skin-side up. Pour remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil around the chicken. Transfer to a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven and bake for 20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Step 4: While chicken bakes, toast 1/3 cup pistachios in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly.
- Step 5: Remove chicken from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Drizzle with pan juices, top with toasted pistachios and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pomegranate-Glazed Chicken with Pistachios take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 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 with Pistachios?
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 pounds chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pomegranate-Glazed Chicken with Pistachios?
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 with Pistachios 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 Pomegranate-Glazed Chicken with Pistachios?
Syrian mediterranean 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
So flavorful and easy! I'll make this again for sure.
- ★★★★★
Loved the Mediterranean twist on chicken. The pistachios added the perfect crunch.
- ★★★★★
This recipe was a hit at my dinner party! The pomegranate glaze was perfect.
Equipment for this recipe
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