Sticky Asian Pomegranate Chicken

Easy sticky pomegranate chicken over rice.

Sticky Asian Pomegranate Chicken

This Asian-inspired pomegranate chicken dish features the tangy sweetness of pomegranate molasses paired with chunks of boneless, skinless chicken thighs.

5 from 13 votes

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Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 20

Total Time: 30

Servings: servings

Author: Deborah Rainford

Ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
¼ cup pomegranate molasses
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon grated ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
¼ cup water
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the pomegranate molasses, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic.
Cook the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken chunks and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
Combine and Simmer: Pour the sauce over the chicken and stir to coat evenly. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Add the slurry to the skillet and stir well. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the sauce is thick and glossy.
Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over steamed rice or your favorite Asian side dish.

Notes

Pomegranate Molasses: This ingredient adds a unique, tangy-sweet flavor to the dish. If you can't find it, you can make a substitute by reducing pomegranate juice with a bit of sugar until it reaches a syrupy consistency.
Chicken Thighs: Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs ensures the meat stays tender and juicy. If you prefer, you can substitute with chicken breast, but be mindful of the cooking time as it may dry out faster.
Thickening the Sauce: The cornstarch slurry helps thicken the sauce quickly. Mix the cornstarch with cold water before adding it to the hot skillet to avoid lumps.
Garnishes: Green onions and sesame seeds add a fresh and visually appealing finish to the dish. For extra flavor, you can also add a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.
Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs well with steamed rice, quinoa, or a simple Asian vegetable stir-fry. For a low-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice or a green salad.

Nutrition

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