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Pomegranate chicken is a mouthwatering dish that blends the flavors of juicy chicken with the sweet-tart flavors of pomegranate. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the world of cooking with pomegranate and the magic of this vibrant fruit in culinary creations.
Table of Contents
All About Pomegranates
Pomegranates are believed to have originated in ancient Persia and are known for being very symbolic. In many cultures they embody abundance, fertility, and prosperity.
While pomegranates aren’t very common in a lot of different American recipes, they are pretty prominent in ancient Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines, holding a significant place in the kitchen.
When is Pomegranate Season?
The best time of year to get pomegranates in the United States is during the fall months, typically from September to early January.
During these months, you’re more likely to find an abundance of pomegranates in the grocery stores and farmers markets. When it comes to picking pomegranates, you want to go for one that feels heavy, have a deep red color, and firm skin.
If you’re interested in other recipes for the fall and winter, click here.
What is Pomegranate Molasses?
Pomegranate molasses is the secret ingredient that takes many recipes, including pomegranate chicken, from ordinary to extraordinary.
This tangy syrup is made by reducing pomegranate juice to imparting a deep, complex flavor profile perfect for both sweet and savory dishes.
How is Pomegranate Molasses Made?
Creating pomegranate molasses is a simple process but it takes a little bit of time.
To make this pomegranate sauce, you need pomegranate juice. You can make your own fresh pomegranate juice or buy a pre-made version from the store.
Gently heat this juice in a saucepan over medium-low heat, allow it to simmer and thicken. You can also add a little bit of sweetener, like sugar or honey, to help balance the tart flavor of the juice.
Once the desired consistency is reached, remove it from the heat and let it cool.
Homemade pomegranate molasses is an excellent addition to marinade, dressings, desserts, and is a great base for sauces which we are going to explore in this pomegranate chicken recipe.
Making Pomegranate Sauce from Molasses
Transforming pomegranate molasses into a delectable sauce opens up a world of possibilities. With just a few simple steps, you can create a versatile sauce that beautifully complements various dishes, adding a sweet-tart kick that enhances flavors effortlessly.
To make this pomegranate balsamic sauce for this recipe, we are going to mix the following ingredients into a pot:
- Pomegranate Juice
- Balsamic Vinegar
- Sugar
- Honey
Put this pot on the stove on medium-low heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes to thicken up to a nice sauce consistency.
This pomegranate sauce was absolutely perfect for this chicken and was also a great addition to the side of brussels sprouts that I made to go along with this dish.
What is Pomegranate Chicken?
Pomegranate chicken is a recipe that marries tender chicken breast with the distinctive flavors of pomegranate.
This recipe is inspired by Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes. Although this pomegranate chicken recipe isn’t traditional by any means, it turned out absolutely delicious.
This is simple dish of seasoned chicken breast, seared in a cast iron skillet, and then finished off in the oven in the pomegranate sauce.
How to Make Pomegranate Chicken
Let’s get started on creating this vibrant pomegranate chicken recipe. First thing is first, preheat your oven to 400°F.
Now, let’s season our chicken breast to perfection. Sprinkle a pinch of the following spices on each chicken breast:
- Salt
- Pepper
- Onion Powder
- Garlic Powder
- Italian Seasoning
These simple yet essential spices will enhance the natural flavors of the dish, allowing the star to shine – the irresistible pomegranate sauce.
While the chicken absorbs these delightful flavors, let’s get started on our pomegranate sauce. In a saucepan, combine the luscious pomegranate juice, balsamic vinegar, a touch of sugar, and a drizzle of honey.
Bring this blend to a gentle simmer, allowing it to reduce and intensify over the next 20-30 minutes. This process brings out the sauce’s rich, sweet-tart flavors that will perfectly complement our chicken.
As the sauce simmers, it’s time to infuse a beautiful sear onto our seasoned chicken breasts.
Heat up a cast iron skillet over medium heat, searing each side of the chicken for about 3-4 minutes. This quick searing adds a little crispness to the exterior of the chicken, sealing in the flavors.
Now, introduce the star of the show – pour that luscious, aromatic pomegranate sauce into the cast iron pan. Sprinkle a few sprigs of fresh thyme over the top, adding a fragrant herbaceous note.
Transfer the cast iron pan into the preheated oven, allowing the chicken to cook and marry with the pomegranate sauce for approximately 15 minutes. Keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary depending on the size of your chicken breasts.
Once done, take out the pomegranate chicken from the oven, it should smell amazing by now. However, don’t rush! Let it rest for at least 5 minutes.
This step is crucial as it allows the juices to settle within the chicken, ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor in each bite.
To finish off this masterpiece, generously sprinkle fresh pomegranate seeds over the dish, adding a delightful burst of sweetness and color.
Now, it’s time to savor this delicious creation – the perfect harmony of savory chicken and the enchanting allure of pomegranate.
Shop Ingredients and Learn More!
Congratulations on mastering the art of preparing homemade pomegranate chicken! This dish is delightful balance between simplicity and sophistication. If you are looking an easy dish to make to impress a special someone, this is the recipe for you.
If you’re interested in more recipes that you can make for a romantic night in, check out the list below:
- Lemon Garlic Roast Chicken: The Comforting Winter Recipe You Need
- Ultimate Shrimp Scampi Orzo Recipe: A Flavorful Delight
- Mouthwatering French Onion Pot Roast Recipe in Dutch Oven
Ready to make this for dinner tonight? You can get all the ingredients from our Walmart Creator Storefront. #walmartpartner
Pomegranate Balsamic Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 Chicken Breast
- 1 cup Pomegranate Juice
- 1 tbsp Honey
- 2 tbsp Sugar
- ½ cup Balsamic Vinegar
- Thyme
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 2 tsp Italian Seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400℉
- Season your chicken breast on both sides with salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Set aside.
- In a saucepan, combine pomegranate juice, balsamic vinegar, sugar, and honey. Bring the mixture to a simmer on medium-low heat, and simmer for 20-30 minutes.
- In a cast iron skillet, sear your seasoned chicken breast on medium heat for 3-4 minutes on each side.
- Pour your reduced pomegranate sauce into the pan with your chicken breast and then top it with fresh thyme.
- Finish cooking the chicken breast in the oven. This should take about 15 minutes depending on the size of your chicken breast.
- Once your chicken is done, pull it out of the oven and let it rest for at least 5 minutes to lock in all the juices.
- Top your chicken with fresh pomegranate seeds and enjoy!
