Pomegranate chicken (chicken cooked with pomegranate)
Pomegranate is a highly prized fruit in many cultures around the world. In Greek cuisine, it is often used in both savory and sweet dishes. One of the most popular recipes that showcases this fruit is a pomegranate chicken dish.
Greek Pomegranate Chicken is a flavorful, nutritious and easy dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is a mouth-watering dish that combines the juicy and tender chicken with the tangy, sweet and slightly tart taste of pomegranate. This dish is known for its bright red, luscious sauce that oozes with flavor, making it an incredibly satisfying dish that you’ll want to make again and again.
One of the key ingredients in this recipe is pomegranate molasses. It is a thick syrup made from concentrated pomegranate juice and sugar. It has a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that adds depth and richness to the sauce. While it is possible to make your own pomegranate molasses, it is also readily available at many specialty food stores and online retailers.
The chicken in this recipe is cooked to perfection and is both juicy and tender. To start, the chicken is marinated in a mixture of Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, honey and a blend of aromatic spices like cumin, cinnamon and coriander. This creates a wonderfully flavorful and tender chicken that can be served on its own, or as the perfect complement to the pomegranate sauce.
To make the pomegranate sauce, the chicken is cooked in a skillet with some onions, garlic and chicken stock until it is tender and juicy. Then, the pomegranate molasses is added along with some fresh pomegranate seeds, and the sauce is reduced until it is thick and syrupy. The result is a bright red sauce that practically glows with flavor.
Greek Pomegranate Chicken can be served with a variety of sides such as rice, roasted vegetables or a simple salad. It’s a versatile dish that is perfect for a fancy dinner party, or a quick and easy weeknight meal.
Not only is this recipe delicious, but pomegranate is also widely considered one of the healthiest fruits in the world. It is loaded with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that are crucial for overall health and wellbeing. Plus, the chicken is a great source of protein which is essential for building and maintaining healthy muscles and bones.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a flavorful, nutritious and easy dish that will impress your family and guests, then Greek Pomegranate Chicken is definitely something you should try. It is a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, with a burst of juicy crunch from the fresh pomegranate seeds. This recipe is a celebration of the richness and depth of Greek cuisine and is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup pomegranate juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- salt and pepper to taste
- pomegranate seeds, fresh parsley, and lemon wedges for garnish
Instructions:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F.
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In a mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, pomegranate juice, honey, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Heat the olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides, then add them to the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
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Pour the pomegranate-yogurt mixture over the chicken, using a spoon to spread it evenly over each breast.
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Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
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Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
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Garnish with pomegranate seeds, fresh parsley, and lemon wedges, and enjoy!