Pomegranate Chicken Strips Recipe
Category: Main Dishes
Servings: 4
This delicious recipe for Pomegranate Chicken Strips is a unique and flavorful take on a classic chicken dish. The combination of tender chicken, sweet pomegranate juice, and the fresh crunch of mixed salad creates a vibrant and refreshing meal. Perfect for a light yet satisfying dinner, this dish is simple to prepare yet packed with flavor, offering a delightful balance between savory and sweet. Letβs dive into this flavorful recipe that will surely impress your family or guests.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breast | 720g |
| Pomegranate | 700g |
| All-purpose flour (00) | 60g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 60g |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Fine salt | To taste |
| Mixed salad greens | 100g |
Nutritional Information (Approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount per serving (1/4 of recipe) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 310 kcal |
| Protein | 33g |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 150mg |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by cleaning the chicken breast, removing any visible fat or skin. Once cleaned, cut the chicken breast into two even pieces. Slice each piece into long, thin strips, each about half a centimeter wide. This will help the chicken cook quickly and evenly while absorbing the flavors from the pomegranate sauce.
Step 2: Extract Pomegranate Juice
Next, take the pomegranate and cut it in half. Using a juicer or a fine strainer, extract the seeds (also known as arils) from the pomegranate. Once you have the seeds, place them in a food mill or a fine-mesh strainer over a bowl. Mash the seeds gently to extract as much juice as possible. You can use the back of a spoon to press them down. Once the juice is extracted, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 40 minutes to let the flavors infuse and the juice chill.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
After marinating the pomegranate juice, season the chicken strips with salt and black pepper to taste. Coat the chicken pieces lightly with flour, ensuring they are evenly covered. This step will help the chicken achieve a crisp, golden crust when cooked.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the flour-coated chicken strips to the pan. SautΓ© the chicken for 2-3 minutes, or until it begins to brown and crisp up. Be sure to stir occasionally to avoid burning and to ensure that the chicken cooks evenly.
Step 5: Add the Pomegranate Juice
Once the chicken has browned, pour the chilled pomegranate juice into the skillet. Stir gently to coat the chicken with the juice, allowing it to reduce and create a flavorful sauce. Continue cooking for another 2 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly and the chicken has absorbed the sweet-tart flavors from the pomegranate.
Step 6: Add the Pomegranate Seeds
Turn off the heat and sprinkle the pomegranate seeds over the chicken. The seeds will add a burst of color and a fresh, crunchy texture to the dish, complementing the tender chicken and the sweet sauce.
Step 7: Prepare the Plate
While the chicken is cooking, wash and dry the mixed salad greens. On a large plate, create a bed of salad greens as the base for the chicken strips. The freshness of the greens balances the richness of the chicken and adds a light touch to the dish.
Step 8: Serve
Once the chicken is cooked and the sauce has reduced, carefully arrange the chicken strips on top of the salad greens. Serve immediately while the chicken is warm, and enjoy the combination of flavors and textures.
This Pomegranate Chicken Strips recipe offers a perfect blend of savory and sweet, with tender chicken paired with the tangy freshness of pomegranate and the crispness of a mixed salad. Itβs a beautiful dish to prepare for a quick weeknight dinner or even to serve at a dinner party. The preparation is simple, but the flavor profile is anything but ordinary, making it a sure hit at the dinner table.
With the combination of protein-packed chicken, nutrient-rich greens, and antioxidant-filled pomegranates, this recipe is not only delicious but also healthy. Plus, it comes together in just under 40 minutes, making it a great option for busy evenings when you want to enjoy something nutritious without spending hours in the kitchen. The bright, festive color of the pomegranate seeds and the depth of flavor from the juice make this dish a delightful addition to any meal. Enjoy!
