Spice Encrusted Chicken Thighs with Roasted Smashed Sweet Potatoes and Pomegranate Relish
Yields: 4 servings
Chicken:
1 teaspoon ground fennel
2 teaspoons ground cumin
½ teaspoon ground coriander
1½ teaspoons kosher salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon granulated sugar
½ teaspoon sherry vinegar
1 tablespoon minced garlic (grated on a Microplane)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
Adjust an oven rack to the upper middle position and preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Add all the ingredients, except the chicken, to a medium bowl and mix to combine. Add the chicken thighs and mix well. Set aside.
Sweet potatoes:
2 pounds sweet potatoes (preferably garnet or jewel), peeled and diced into 1/3 to ½-inch cubes
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Add all ingredients to a medium bowl and mix well to combine.
Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer on a parchment lined sheet tray. (Reserve the bowl i.e. do not clean it!)
Place the spiced chicken thighs in a single layer over the sweet potatoes.
Transfer to the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, rotating the sheet tray after 15 minutes, until the chicken thighs reach 190 degrees internal temperature.
Remove sheet tray from the oven and transfer chicken thighs to a plate and transfer the cooked sweet potatoes to the reserved bowl. Lightly mash the potatoes with a fork. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Pomegranate Relish:
2/3 cup pomegranate seeds
½ cup finely chopped roasted salted pecans
1/3 cup small diced shallot
1 teaspoon orange zest (zested on a Microplane)
3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh flat leaf Italian parsley
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoon sherry vinegar
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
While the chicken is cooking, add all ingredients to a small bowl. Mix to combine. Set aside.
To serve, place mashed sweet potatoes on a plate and top with a chicken thigh. Spoon over some pomegranate relish.
