Slow Cooker Chicken with Walnuts and Pomegranates

This Slow Cooker Chicken with Walnuts and Pomegranates is a warm, festive, and incredibly flavorful dish that transforms everyday chicken into a show-stopping meal. Tender chicken slowly cooks in a rich sauce, infused with the sweetness of pomegranate molasses, the crunch of toasted walnuts, and aromatic spices. Perfect for holiday dinners, family gatherings, or a comforting weeknight meal, this recipe is both easy to prepare and visually stunning. With minimal effort, you can serve a sophisticated dish that balances sweet, savory, and nutty flavors in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hands-off cooking: Let the slow cooker do the work while flavors meld beautifully
• Festive flavors: Sweet pomegranate and crunchy walnuts create a perfect balance
• Tender chicken: Slow cooking ensures juicy, fall-off-the-bone chicken
• Versatile meal: Serve over rice, couscous, or with roasted vegetables
• Visually stunning: Vibrant pomegranate seeds make this dish irresistible on the table

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken thighs or drumsticks, skin-on or skinless
• 1 medium onion, finely sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup pomegranate molasses
• 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
• 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
• 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds (arils)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients: Slice the onion and mince the garlic. Toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant.
2. Season Chicken: Pat chicken pieces dry and season generously with salt, black pepper, cinnamon, cumin, and allspice.
3. Sear Chicken (Optional): In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sear chicken pieces on both sides until golden brown. This step adds depth of flavor but can be skipped if short on time.
4. Layer Slow Cooker: Place sliced onions and garlic in the bottom of the slow cooker. Arrange chicken on top.
5. Add Sauce: Mix pomegranate molasses with chicken broth or water, then pour over the chicken. Ensure all pieces are coated lightly.
6. Cook Slowly: Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until chicken is tender and fully cooked.
7. Add Walnuts and Pomegranate Seeds: 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle toasted walnuts and pomegranate seeds over the chicken. Cover to allow flavors to meld slightly.
8. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley or cilantro before serving. Serve over steamed rice, couscous, or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

• White meat option: Use chicken breasts, but reduce slow cooking time to avoid drying out.
• Extra sweetness: Drizzle additional pomegranate molasses before serving for a richer glaze.
• Nut-free variation: Skip walnuts or use pumpkin seeds for crunch.
• Spice adjustments: Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne for heat.
• Meal prep: This dish reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day.

Storage & Freezer Instructions

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freeze cooked chicken and sauce in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Serving & Pairing Ideas

• Grains: Serve over fluffy basmati rice, quinoa, or couscous to soak up the sauce.
• Vegetables: Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans complement the sweetness of pomegranate.
• Garnish: Add extra pomegranate seeds or a drizzle of pomegranate molasses for presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but ensure it is fully thawed before adding to the slow cooker for even cooking.

Is pomegranate molasses necessary?

It adds a distinct sweet-tart depth, but a mixture of pomegranate juice and a teaspoon of lemon juice can work as a substitute.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare and cook a day ahead, then reheat gently before serving to allow flavors to deepen.

How do I prevent walnuts from burning?

Toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly, and add them at the end of cooking in the slow cooker rather than the beginning.

Ready to Make It?

This Slow Cooker Chicken with Walnuts and Pomegranates is a feast for the senses. Juicy chicken, sweet pomegranate, and crunchy walnuts create a combination that’s both comforting and celebratory. Whether for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this recipe brings warmth, flavor, and elegance to your table.

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