Pomegranate-Glazed Chicken with Buttery Pine Nuts

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Combine garlic, yogurt, 1/3 cup pomegranate molasses, 2 Tbsp. honey, and 2 Tbsp. Diamond Crystal or 3 1/2 tsp. Morton kosher salt in a large resealable plastic bag. Place chicken in bag and seal, pressing out any air; turn to coat. Chill, turning occasionally, at least 12 hours and up to 2 days.

   Step 2

   Let chicken sit at room temperature 1 hour before cooking.

   Step 3

   Place a rack in top position of oven; preheat to 450°F. Stir remaining 2 Tbsp. pomegranate molasses and remaining 2 Tbsp. honey in a small bowl.

   Step 4

   Drizzle enough oil to barely coat the bottom of a large heavy skillet, preferably cast iron, that can hold both chicken halves (or you can roast chicken on a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet). Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip back into bag, and place in skillet, skin side up. Pat chicken dry with paper towels; season lightly with salt. Brush or spoon pomegranate molasses mixture evenly over skin.

   Step 5

   Roast chicken until skin is lacquered and deep mahogany over most of surface and juices run clear when thigh meat is pierced with a knife, 25–30 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest 15 minutes.

   Step 6

   Meanwhile, melt butter in a small skillet over medium-low heat. Cook pine nuts, tossing often, until golden and mixture smells nutty (don’t let the butter burn), about 3 minutes. Scrape buttery pine nuts into a small bowl and season with salt.

   Step 7

   Pour pomegranate juice into a large bowl or shallow platter and squeeze in lime. Season with a large pinch of salt and stir to dissolve. Add chicken to bowl (or divide between 2 shallow bowls) and spoon buttery pine nuts over to serve.