Pomegranate-Glazed Chicken with Buttery Pine Nuts

Step 1

Combine garlic, yogurt, ⅓ cup pomegranate molasses, 2 Tbsp. honey, and 2 Tbsp. Diamond Crystal or 3½ 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°. 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.