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Iranian Pomegranate and Walnut Chicken (Fesenjan)

Course Main Dish
Cuisine Persian
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 4
Author International Cuisine

Ingredients

  • 1 large yellow onion diced
  • 3-4 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup pomegranate molasses
  • 1.5 cups walnut halves
  • 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into bite size pieces
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken stock
  • 2 Tbsp honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt
  • pinch each cinnamon nutmeg and black pepper
  • 1 cup pomegranate arils and fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  • Toast walnuts in a shallow pan over medium heat for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and fragrant. Once cooled, transfer to a food processor or blender and blend into a fine meal. Set aside.
  • Heat a large pot over medium heat. Once hot add 1 Tbsp olive oil and onions. Cook until soft, stirring occasionally.
  • In a separate pan over medium heat, cook the chicken in a bit of olive oil. Once browned, add it directly to the pot with the onions. Salt chicken while browning.
  • Once all the chicken is in the pot, add chicken stock and bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat and add pomegranate molasses, honey, turmeric, cinnamon, nutmeg, pepper and walnuts. Simmer for 15-25 minutes or more, until desired thickness is reached. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  • Serve over rice or with naan. Garnish with pomegranate arils and parsley.
  • Enjoy

Notes

This can be served over white rice and with some naan bread. You can find pomegranate molasses at your local Middle Eastern store