Spiced Syrian Chicken with Pomegranate Molasses Glaze

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy roasted chicken thighs coated in a warm blend of Syrian spices and finished with a tangy-sweet pomegranate molasses glaze. This middle eastern-inspired chicken ready in about 70 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, olive oil, ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 390 calories and feeds 6, 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.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 45 min Serves 6 Middle Eastern cuisine 390 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. In a large bowl, combine 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp ground allspice, 1 tsp Aleppo pepper flakes, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create a spice marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 6 bone-in chicken thighs to the bowl and toss well to coat evenly. Let marinate for 20 minutes at room temperature.
  3. Step 3: Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side up on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Roast for 35-40 minutes until skin is crispy and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  4. Step 4: While the chicken roasts, whisk together 3 tbsp pomegranate molasses and 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice.
  5. Step 5: Remove chicken from oven and brush generously with the pomegranate molasses glaze. Return to oven and broil for 2-3 minutes until the glaze caramelizes lightly.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves and 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Syrian Chicken with Pomegranate Molasses Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (25 min prep + 45 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 Spiced Syrian Chicken with Pomegranate Molasses Glaze?

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 bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Syrian Chicken with Pomegranate Molasses Glaze?

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 Spiced Syrian Chicken with Pomegranate Molasses Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Spiced Syrian Chicken with Pomegranate Molasses Glaze?

Middle Eastern chicken 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.

Related recipes