Main Course · Dinner · Middle Eastern ·

Armenian Pomegranate Aleppo Chicken with Walnut Sauce

This authentic Armenian dish features succulent chicken marinated in pomegranate molasses and Aleppo pepper, served with a rich walnut sauce that's sure to delight.

4.3(88 reviews)
·By Ethan Brooks·
Armenian Pomegranate Aleppo Chicken with Walnut Sauce — Main Course served and photographed from above
Prep
1 h 10 min
Cook
3 h 30 min
Difficulty
Intermediate
Serves
4

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Chicken

  1. 1

    Combine Marinade Ingredients

    In a bowl, combine pomegranate molasses, Aleppo pepper, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.

  2. 2

    Marinate Chicken

    Place chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over.

  3. 3

    Refrigerate

    Seal or cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight.

    Tip: Marinate the chicken overnight for richer flavor.

Preparing the Walnut Sauce

  1. 1

    Toast & Grind Walnuts

    Toast the walnuts lightly before grinding for a deeper flavor.

    Tip: Ensure even toasting for best taste.

  2. 2

    Combine Sauce Ingredients

    In a medium saucepan, combine ground walnuts, chicken stock, lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt.

    Tip: Do not boil the sauce as it may become bitter.

  3. 3

    Simmer

    Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

    Tip: Cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 15 minutes.

How to Make Armenian Pomegranate Aleppo Chicken with Walnut Sauce

Total time: 4 h 40 min · Yields 4 servings

  1. 1

    Grilling the Chicken

    Preheat your grill to medium-high and cook the marinated chicken thighs, skin-side down first, for about 6-8 minutes on each side until fully cooked.

  2. 2

    Simmering the Sauce

    Ensure the sauce remains at a gentle simmer and adjust seasoning if necessary.

  3. 3

    Final Assembly

    Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for 5 minutes before serving with the walnut sauce.

Chef's Tips

    Further reading

    Frequently asked questions

    How long can I store leftovers?

    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

    Can I make this ahead?

    Yes, you can marinate the chicken up to a day in advance, and the walnut sauce can be made and refrigerated for 2 days.

    Can I substitute Aleppo pepper?

    Yes, you can use a mix of paprika and cayenne pepper as a substitute.

    Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?

    Substitute grilled eggplant or mushrooms for the chicken while keeping the same marinade and sauce.

    How spicy is the dish?

    The dish has a mild to medium heat level, but you can adjust the amount of Aleppo pepper to taste.

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