Pan-Roasted Pomegranate Chicken with Caramelized Lemons

Pan-Roasted Pomegranate Chicken with Caramelized Lemons

Squeezing fresh lemons over chicken before roasting is a “natural,” but if you try caramelizing your lemons during the roasting process, a whole new depth of flavor is created.

Recipe inspired by: Roasted Chicken Thighs with Lemon and Oregano-Bon Appetit Magazine December 2012)
Servings: 2 to 4
Author: Linda Shapiro, © Meal Planning Maven

Ingredients

  • 4 large chicken thighs with bone and skin
  • Salt and pepper
  • Olive oil spray
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 2 lemons thinly sliced, seeds removed
  • 3 sprigs fresh oregano
  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup 100% unsweetened pomegranate juice like the POM brand
  • 1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth

Garnish

  • 3 sprigs fresh oregano
  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped pistachios

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
  • Season both sides of chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
  • Coat a large UNHEATED oven-proof pan with olive oil spray and 2 teaspoons olive oil.
  • Place chicken in pan, skin-side down. On medium setting, cook chicken for about 10 minutes or until skin is evenly browned and chicken is cooked about half-way through. While cooking, pour off excess fat, leaving only a thin coating in pan.
  • Tuck 1/2 of the lemon slices under and in between thighs and arrange the remaining 1/2 on top.
  • Place pan in oven; roast for about 10 minutes or until chicken is cooked through, (or is 180 degrees F), skin is crisped and lemons are caramelized. (Some lemon slices may just be softened, which is fine.)
  • Arrange chicken thighs skin-side up on a serving platter, leaving lemon slices in pan. Cover to keep warm.
  • Heat pan over medium setting. Add oregano, thyme and garlic to pan, sautéing for 1 minute or until fragrant.
  • Stir in pomegranate juice; continue cooking over medium heat until juices are reduced by half.
  • Stir in chicken broth; cooking until pan juices are slightly thickened, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove oregano and thyme sprigs.
  • Drizzle chicken thighs with pan juices. Garnish with caramelized lemon slices, fresh oregano and thyme sprigs, chopped parsley and pistachios.

Notes

Make Ahead and Storage Tips: for a crispy skin, this chicken is best made prior to serving. Roasted chicken may be stored covered in the refrigerator or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 325 degrees oven, covered, for about 15 minutes or until heated through. (basting occasionally with pan juices)
Starting the pan-roasting process in a room temperature pan ensures beautiful browning with a crispy skin.
Flavorful and colorful accompaniments would be pan-roasted carrots and a duo of sautéed baby kale and spinach with fresh garlic.

 

20 Responses

  1. Michelle Nahom
    This looks amazing. You had me with the caramelized lemons...I am so making this. Pinning and stumbling. Can't wait to try it!<br /><br />Awwww...thanks so much! Caramelized lemons really elevate the flavor of this chicken dish...enjoy, enjoy! ~Linda
  2. This dish looks so wonderful Linda! I can't wait to try it.
    • Linda Shapiro (Meal Planning Maven)
      Thanks Nancy...enjoy, enjoy!
  3. Pan-Roasted Pomegranate Chicken with Caramelized Lemons looks like a dream come true recipe, pass me a plate please I'm here for dinner!
    • Linda Shapiro (Meal Planning Maven)
      Anytime you want to come down Girlfriend!
  4. Love this dish, Linda! It's beautiful and the flavours sound fantastic!
    • Linda Shapiro (Meal Planning Maven)
      Thanks ever so much April!
  5. What a perfect meal this is Linda. It looks delicious.
    • Linda Shapiro (Meal Planning Maven)
      Thanks so much Patty!
  6. This sounds like such a wonderful dinner, Linda. I love the idea of pairing pomegranate roasted chicken with those beautiful caramelized lemons. YUM!
    • Linda Shapiro (Meal Planning Maven)
      Thanks very much Nicole! I hope you have the chance to this dish one day!
  7. Linda, you have completely outdone yourself! This is spectacular, so flavorful, colorful! Feast for the eyes as well as the tummy!
    • Linda Shapiro (Meal Planning Maven)
      Thanks bunches my friend! You have totally made my day!
  8. This chicken dish looks fantastic Linda!! I love the use of lemons and pomegranates! YUM!
    • Linda Shapiro (Meal Planning Maven)
      Thanks so much Angela...this dish is full of great flavors for sure!
  9. That's a sexy dish right there my friend for sure!! I know the flavors rock!!
    • Linda Shapiro (Meal Planning Maven)
      Awww love you Girlfriend for saying that! I think you would love it!!
  10. Looks great and love the pomegranates with the lemon.
    • Linda Shapiro (Meal Planning Maven)
      Thanks very much Peter! I hope you have the chance to try it some day.
  11. You grabbed my attention w/ "caramelized lemon" - sounds so flavorful