Spiced Chicken with Spaghetti Squash, Pomegranate, and Pistachios

wheat/gluten-free chicken middle eastern pomegranate healthy dinner spice winter fall dairy free peanut free soy free kosher sheet-pan dinner

Anna Stockwell

4 servings

Source

Ingredients

1 medium spaghetti squash (2–2 1/2 pounds), halved lengthwise, seeded

1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided

1 medium red onion, peeled, quartered

2 teaspoons ground turmeric

1 1/2 teaspoons ground allspice, divided

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, divided

4 chicken legs (thigh and drumstick)

4 tablespoons olive oil, divided

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses (see cooks' note)

1/2 cup roasted salted pistachios, coarsely chopped

1/3 cup pomegranate seeds

1/4 cup coarsely chopped dill, plus more for serving

1/4 cup coarsely chopped mint, plus more for serving

Method

Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

Sprinkle each half of squash with 1/4 tsp. salt, then place facedown on prepared baking sheet along with onion quarters.

Combine turmeric, 1/2 tsp. salt, 1 tsp. allspice, and 1/8 tsp. cayenne in a large bowl. Add chicken and toss to coat. Arrange chicken skin side up alongside squash and onions on baking sheet. Brush tops of chicken with 1 Tbsp. olive oil. Bake until interior of squash and onions are fork-tender, chicken skin is crispy, and an instant read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken registers 165°F, 35–45 minutes; if chicken is done before squash, remove from oven and let rest until squash is finished cooking.

Meanwhile, whisk lemon juice, pomegranate molasses, and remaining 3 Tbsp. oil, 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp. allspice, and 1/8 tsp. cayenne in a large bowl.

Finely chop onion quarters and transfer to bowl with dressing. Using a fork, scrape squash crosswise to pull strands from shells into bowl with dressing; discard shells. Add pistachios, pomegranate seeds, dill, and mint and toss to coat.

Divide chicken among plates, top with dill and mint, and serve alongside squash mixture.