Chicken Thighs with Pomegranate BBQ Sauce and a Orange Relish Recipe

"This is decadently delicious. Now, you can buy pomegranate molasses; but, you can also make your own too. See the recipe below. These are simply baked and basted with the sauce. And, finished with a fresh relish of oranges and pistachios. By the way - I love chicken thighs; they have a lot more flavor then breasts. You could easily make this with drum sticks (legs); or even breasts - but use your favorite cut. I do prefer bone in, and skin on as well. A simple side of brown rice and a green salad is perfect to serve with this. Prep time does include marinating time."

Step by Step Method

Step 1

Optional Pomegranate Molasses ... Pomegranate molasses is very popular these days; but, if you can't find it - it is easy to make. Add the pomegranate juice, lemon juice, and sugar to a small pot. Bring up to a light boil, then reduce to low heat. Stirring often to ensure that the sugar dissolves. Simmer on low heat for approximately 1 hour, until the liquid has reduced in half. Cool and transfer to a mason jar, or small container. It will last up to 1 month in the refrigerator. It is good drizzled on chicken, pork and steak; also good on vegetables, fruit, and in vinaigrettes.

Step 2

Marinade ... You can marinate the chicken in a bowl or ziploc bag. I prefer a ziploc bag - no clean up. Simply add all the ingredients, seal the bag and, 'shake, squish, and squeeze,' to incorporate all the ingredients. Or simply mix, if using a bowl; then, cover with plastic wrap. Marinate 2-8 hrs, I prefer 8 hours if possible.

Step 3

Chicken ... I like to grill everything, but this dish bakes really well. Line a baking or sheet pan with parchment paper, and spray with a non-stick spray, for easy clean up; then, add the chicken. I have also made this in a 13x9 type of pan, or similar size as well. Season the chicken on both sides with plenty of salt and pepper; and place skin side down.

Step 4

Sauce ... Mix the pomegrate molasses and honey in a small bowl, and set to the side.

Step 5

Bake ... In a 375 degree oven, bake for 15 minutes, flip and brush with the BBQ sauce.

Step 6

Step 7

Bake 10 minutes; flip, and, sauce again. Cook another 5 minutes; and, one last time - flip, and brush on the last of the sauce right before serving. Obviously cooking times can vary depending on the cut of chicken you are using. Thirty (30) minutes is average for nice size chicken thighs.

Step 8

Orange Relish ... As the chicken cooks, prepare your relish. Add the oranges, pistachios, and red onion and toss to combine. A little juice is a good thing. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 9

Serve and ENJOY! ... Serve family style over a bed of rice; and, top the chicken with the relish. Add your favorite salad or vegetables as a side dish.