Description
This Pomegranate Glazed Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken thighs in a creamy pomegranate sauce, served over basmati rice. It’s a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 800g (1.75lb) Chicken Thighs, Bone-in, Skin-on
- 2 Tbsp (30ml) Olive Oil
- 1 Medium Onion, Finely Chopped
- 2 Garlic Cloves, Minced
- 1 tsp (5g) Smoked Paprika
- ½ tsp (2.5g) Ground Cumin
- ½ tsp (2.5g) Salt, plus to taste
- ¼ tsp (1g) Black Pepper
- 240ml (1 cup) Low-Sodium Chicken Broth
- 200g (1 cup) Basmati Rice, Rinsed
- 1 Tbsp (15ml) Butter
- 240ml (1 cup) Heavy Cream
- 2 Tbsp (30ml) Pomegranate Molasses
- 1 Tbsp (15ml) Honey
- 30g (¼ cup) Pistachios, Toasted, Chopped
- 2 Tbsp (30g) Pomegranate Seeds
- 2 Tbsp (6g) Parsley, Chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Sear Chicken: Sear chicken skin-side down in olive oil for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and brown for 3 minutes.
- Sauté Aromatics: Sauté onion until translucent. Add garlic, paprika, and cumin; cook until fragrant.
- Add Rice & Broth: Add broth, rice, and butter; stir well.
- Bake Chicken & Rice: Nestle chicken on rice, cover, and bake for 25 minutes until chicken reaches 74°C (165°F).
- Create Creamy Sauce: Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
- Prepare Pomegranate Glaze: Simmer pomegranate molasses and honey for 2 minutes until glossy.
- Glaze & Garnish: Drizzle glaze over chicken and rice. Garnish with pistachios, pomegranate seeds, and parsley.
Notes
For extra crispy skin, ensure the chicken is thoroughly dry before searing. Using a cast iron skillet helps achieve a better sear.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg