Pomegranate Glazed Chicken Thighs – A Sweet & Savory Delight 🍗🍷
These Pomegranate Glazed Chicken Thighs are the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory. Juicy chicken thighs are seared to perfection and coated in a sticky, ruby-red pomegranate glaze that’s bursting with flavor. Elegant enough for a dinner party, easy enough for a weeknight meal. 💚
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Recipe 💚
- ✅ Bold Flavor: Pomegranate molasses gives the glaze a tangy-sweet richness.
- ✅ Crispy & Juicy: Skin-on thighs seared and roasted to perfection.
- ✅ Simple Ingredients: With a gourmet payoff.
- ✅ Impressive & Easy: Ready in under 45 minutes!
🍗 Pomegranate Chicken Thighs Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs 🍗
- Salt and black pepper to taste 🧂
- 1 tbsp olive oil 🫒
- For the glaze:
- ½ cup pomegranate juice 🍷
- 2 tbsp pomegranate molasses 🍇
- 1 tbsp honey 🍯
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard 🌿
- 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- 1 tsp fresh thyme or ½ tsp dried 🌿
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven:
Set to 400°F (200°C). Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper. - Sear the chicken:
Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken skin-side down and sear for 5–7 minutes until golden. Flip and cook 2 more minutes. Transfer to a plate. - Make the glaze:
In the same skillet, combine pomegranate juice, molasses, honey, mustard, garlic, and thyme. Simmer 5–8 minutes until thickened and syrupy. - Return chicken & roast:
Nestle chicken back into skillet, spooning glaze over each thigh. Transfer skillet to oven and roast for 20–25 minutes, or until internal temp hits 165°F (74°C). - Finish & serve:
Let rest 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh thyme and pomegranate arils if desired. 🍗🍷
💡 Tips & Serving Ideas
- ✨ Use boneless thighs: Reduce bake time to 15–18 minutes.
- ✨ No pomegranate molasses? Reduce extra juice with sugar for a similar effect.
- ✨ Pair with: Couscous, wild rice, roasted carrots, or a citrusy salad.
- ✨ For extra elegance: Garnish with chopped pistachios and pomegranate seeds.
🌿 Nutritional Highlights
Chicken thighs are rich in protein and iron, while pomegranate adds antioxidants and a naturally sweet-tart glaze. This dish is balanced, satisfying, and bursting with nutrients and flavor.
🧊 Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- ✅ Make-ahead: Prep and marinate the chicken in glaze up to 24 hours in advance.
- ✅ Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container for up to 3 days.
- ✅ Reheat: Warm gently in the oven or skillet with a splash of broth or glaze to maintain moisture.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts?
Yes, but be cautious not to overcook. Reduce sear and bake time slightly and monitor internal temperature.
What can I substitute for pomegranate molasses?
You can reduce 1 cup pomegranate juice with 2 tbsp sugar until syrupy, or mix balsamic glaze with juice for a quick fix.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All ingredients are naturally gluten-free—just double-check your mustard and molasses labels to be sure.
Elegant, Bold & Weeknight-Ready 💚
These Pomegranate Glazed Chicken Thighs are sure to impress—rich in flavor, easy to make, and absolutely stunning on the plate. 🍗💬 Snap a pic and tag your masterpiece on Pinterest!
