Turkish Spiced Chicken Skewers with Pomegranate Rice

Ingredients:

For the Turkish Spiced Chicken Skewers:

- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1.5-inch pieces

- Juice from 1 large pomegranate

- 2 tbsp olive oil

- 4 garlic cloves, minced

- 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin

- 1 tsp sumac

- 1 tsp smoked paprika

- 1/2 tsp cinnamon

- 1 tsp kosher salt

For the Pomegranate Rice:

- 1 tbsp olive oil

- 2 shallots, finely chopped

- 1 cup basmati rice

- 1 3/4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

- 1/2 cup fresh pomegranate seeds

- 1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped

- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

- Juice from 1/2 large pomegranate

To Serve:

- Tahini sauce

- Fresh parsley, chopped

- Lemon wedges

Directions:

1. Prepare Skewers:

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 15 minutes before using.

2. Marinate Chicken:

In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with pomegranate juice, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, sumac, smoked paprika, cinnamon, and kosher salt. Toss to coat evenly. Marinate at room temperature for 20-30 minutes, or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours.

3. Prepare Pomegranate Rice:

Heat olive oil over medium-low heat in a medium pot with a tight-fitting lid. Add the chopped shallots and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the basmati rice and toast for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

4. Cook Rice:

Pour in the vegetable broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to the lowest setting, cover, and cook for 15 minutes. Turn off the heat and leave covered for another 10 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the pomegranate seeds, fresh mint, and pomegranate juice. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

5. Cook Chicken:

Preheat the broiler and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Position an oven rack about 5 inches from the heating element. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers. Broil for 12-15 minutes, turning once, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.

6. Serve:

Serve the Turkish spiced chicken skewers over the pomegranate rice. Drizzle with tahini sauce and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges on the side.

Your flavorful Turkish spiced chicken skewers with pomegranate rice are ready to enjoy!