One-pot Pomegranate Molasses Za'atar Chicken and Rice

A comforting, one-pot meal of aromatic rice and juicy, tangy chicken; infused with Persian-inspired flavours and perfect for 5–6 servings.

Once a week, I share a delicious, foolproof recipe that you can easily make at home; whether it’s just for you, your family, or guests. To kick off this new section of my newsletter, I’m starting with one of my all-time favourites and most requested dish whenever I’m hosting! I have made this countless times, playing around with different levels of lemon, pomegranate and za’atar, and spice, but no matter the variation- it is always a hit!

This dish is inspired by the bold, vibrant flavours of Middle Eastern and Persian cooking, where sweet, sour, and savoury come together in perfect harmony. Pomegranate molasses brings that signature tangy depth, balanced by the brightness of lemon and warmth of spices like sumac, turmeric, and za’atar. Every bite is layered with flavour. Comforting, aromatic, and best of all made in one pot! This recipe is low-effort, high-reward food.

Juicy drumsticks bathe in a sticky, lemony, pomegranate-rich marinade, then get nestled into fragrant rice to finish cooking in their own juices.

It is best to marinade your chicken for at least 2 hours prior, for maximum, flavour. But it can be done just before cooking if you don’t have the time, and it is still guaranteed to be a delicious crowd-pleaser.

I recommend serving this with a cucumber, tomato, pomegranate mixed into greek yoghurt, topped with some fresh mint, for the perfect crunch and coolness that complement the strong flavours of the rice and chicken.

Let’s begin…