Persian Pomegranate Chicken
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 tbsp pomegranate molasses
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp ground allspice
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds and fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a small bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, pomegranate molasses, honey, turmeric, cinnamon, cumin, allspice, black pepper and salt until well combined.
- In a large oven-safe dish, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear them on each side for 2-3 minutes, just until golden brown.
- Pour the coconut milk mixture over the seared chicken, ensuring the chicken is well-coated. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Garnish with fresh pomegranate seeds and parsley just before serving.
Time-Saving Tip: Saffron Rice in the Rice Cooker
Add 2 cups of basmati rice, 1/4 tsp. saffron threads (soaked in 2 tbsp. warm water), 2 tbsp. olive oil and 4 cups water or chicken broth to your rice cooker. Press the cook button and let it do the work for you. The saffron rice will cook perfectly while your chicken is in the oven, and you’ll have a fragrant, beautiful side dish to pair with your chicken.
Nutritional Fun Facts:
- Packed with Protein: Chicken breasts provide lean protein to help keep you feel full and energized throughout the day.
- Good Fats: Coconut milk adds a creamy texture and provides healthy fats that are good for your body and brain.
- Antioxidant-Rich: Pomegranate molasses is rich in antioxidants, helping to support your immune system and improve heart health.
- Aromatic Spices: Turmeric, cinnamon and cumin not only add warmth and depth to the dish, but are packed with health benefits like anti-inflammatory properties.
Roza Phox is a powerhouse in the culinary world—a chef, healer and curator of unforgettable food experiences. With over two decades of expertise, she blends her Persian heritage with a deep understanding of food’s power to nourish, connect and heal.
