Description
This flavorful Pomegranate Sesame Chicken with Ginger Rice Pilaf combines tangy pomegranate, savory soy sauce, and fragrant ginger rice for a delightful and comforting meal. Perfect for a festive occasion or a cozy dinner, this dish is both impressive and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless chicken, cut into bite-size pieces
- 4 tablespoons flour (use a gluten-free blend if needed)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1/2 cup pomegranate juice
- 1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
For the Ginger Rice Pilaf:
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 1/2 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 2 1/4 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh pomegranate seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
For the Chicken:
- Coat the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with the flour until evenly coated.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat sesame oil and toasted sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned on all sides.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the pomegranate juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar.
- Simmer the Chicken: Pour the sauce into the skillet with the chicken. Bring it to a simmer and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken is cooked through. Set aside.
For the Ginger Rice Pilaf:
- Cook the Orzo and Rice: In a medium pot, melt the butter (or heat olive oil) over medium heat. Add the orzo and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden. Stir in the rice and ginger, coating them in the butter.
- Add the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and the broth is absorbed.
- Fluff the Rice: Remove from heat and let the rice sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and season with salt and pepper to taste.
To Serve:
- Serve the chicken over the ginger rice pilaf.
- Garnish with fresh pomegranate seeds for a festive touch.
Notes
- Ensure that the chicken is well-coated with flour to achieve a crispy texture.
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar to taste if you prefer a sweeter or less sweet sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion of chicken with rice pilaf
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg