This cast-iron pomegranate molasses roasted chicken will be your new go-to weeknight chicken dinner! It’s crispy, sweet, sticky, and impossibly delicious. Plus I’m sharing how to clean cast iron…something that will be easy once you learn it.

Close up of roasted chicken thighs in a cast iron pan.

My favorite inexpensive cast iron pan is the Lodge cast iron skillet ($33). If you’re looking for a show stopper, grab the Finex cast iron with lid ($280) photographed here. Buy the 12″ skillet, and you’ll be happy you did!

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Crispy skin packed with flavor: Cooking chicken in a cast iron gets the skin crispier and cooks the chicken faster than in other pans. These pomegranate molasses roasted chicken thighs get the crispiest sticky skin and you will love it!
  • Sweet and tangy marinade: The marinade MAKES this recipe. It’s slightly sweet, and tangy, and works splendidly with the natural fatty and savory taste of the roasted chicken.

Super close up of roasted chicken thighs in a cast iron pan.

Does this recipe work with boneless chicken?

If you want to use boneless chicken, make sure you marinate the chicken for a minimum of 2 hours. Marinating it overnight is is best.

How to Clean Cast Iron

Hand wash your cast iron skillet immediately after use with hot water. Then, use an abrasive sponge to scrub off all the stuck-on food. If necessary, use coarse kosher salt to scrub off any stubborn bits. Finally, dry the skillet thoroughly, add a thin layer of oil, and re-heat the cast iron. Let cool, and store until next use.

Dark brown marinade with spices in a small glass bowl with a silver spoon.

More Succulent Chicken Recipes

I love how chicken is easy to prep, complements a wide range of flavors, and comes out so tender and juicy!

Cast-Iron Pomegranate Molasses Roasted Chicken

5 from 13 votes
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This cast-iron pomegranate molasses roasted chicken will be your new go-to weeknight chicken dinner! It’s crispy, sweet, sticky, and delicious.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Main, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Persian
Servings: 4
Calories: 444kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 5 cloves garlic
  • 2 tbsp Herbes de Provence
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil
  • 1/4 cup pomegranate molasses see notes for store-bought
  • 1 serrano pepper thinly sliced
  • salt to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat to 450F.
  • Mix the garlic, Herbes de Provence, Dijon mustard, avocado oil, pomegranate molasses, and serrano pepper in a bowl.
  • Lightly season with salt and cover the chicken with the mixture. Make sure to get some under the skin.
  • Heat your cast iron skillet on the stove. Add a thin layer of oil, if necessary*. Place the chicken skin side up in the pan. If you have any marinade left in the bowl, add the remaining mixture on top of the chicken. Cook 5 minutes until starts to brown. Transfer to the oven.
  • Cook 25-30 minutes in the oven until internal temperature reads 155F.* It will continue to cook while it rests. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

*If your pan is well seasoned you may not need additional oil. 
Buying store-bought pomegranate molasses is usually less expensive than making your own.

Nutrition

Calories: 444kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 141mg | Sodium: 132mg | Potassium: 327mg | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 205IU | Vitamin C: 2.8mg | Calcium: 56mg | Iron: 3.5mg
Did you try this recipe?I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a Review to let us know how it came out, if you have a successful substitution or variation, or anything else.

11 Comments

  1. I like food that’s light on salt, but this needed salt after cooking. Are you using a salted version of pomegranate molasses?

    1. Interesting… No, I don’t use salted pomegranate molasses. And I’m so sorry to hear it didn’t come out the way you hoped.
      Did you lightly season with salt before adding the marinade to the chicken? I just noticed that I don’t have salt as an ingredient, but it says to lightly season. I will add it in!

  2. 5 stars
    I love cooking in my cast iron pan, especially with chicken! This recipe is amazing! And that delicious, sticky chicken glaze is just the perfect topping!

    1. So glad to hear you loved it, Leanne! Cooking in cast iron is such a special treat… I’ve been trying to use it more and more.

  3. 5 stars
    I love my Lodge skillet, and I will use it to make my crispy chicken! I have used molasses in sweet puddings, but never savoury! So I was excited to try this, and it was amazing! Thanks for sharing the recipe.

    1. So glad to hear you liked it, Jacqui! It’s pretty common to use pomegranate molasses in middle eastern cooking… so it’s something I grew up with. I have more recipes that use it, so let me know if you want me to point you in that direction!

5 from 13 votes (10 ratings without comment)

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