ROASTED CHICKEN WITH POMEGRANATE SALSA

Roasted Chicken with Pomegranate Salsa image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 1h30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 orange
4 small chicken leg quarters (about 2 1/4 pounds)
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
3/4 cup pomegranate seeds
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Steps:

Cut off a thin slice from the top and bottom of the orange and place cut-side down on a cutting board. Cut off the rind and any white pith. Working over a small bowl, cut between the membranes to remove the orange segments, letting them fall into the bowl; squeeze the juice from the membranes into the bowl.
Put the chicken in a large bowl and season all over with salt and pepper. Add 2 tablespoons of the orange juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, the pomegranate molasses, garlic, coriander and red pepper flakes; toss well. Cover and refrigerate 2 hours or overnight.
Preheat the oven to 400˚ F. Line a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with foil. Place the chicken skin-side up in the dish; scrape the remaining marinade out of the bowl and drizzle around the chicken. Let sit at room temperature while the oven preheats.
Roast the chicken until the skin is tight and browning in spots, 35 to 40 minutes. Baste the chicken with the pan drippings (add a little water if the pan seems dry) and roast 10 more minutes. Baste again and continue roasting until the chicken is very tender and the skin is browned and glazed, 5 to 10 more minutes.
Chop the orange segments and return to the bowl. Add the pomegranate seeds, parsley and remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil; season with salt and pepper and toss. Transfer the chicken to a platter. Spoon off the fat from the drippings, then drizzle the chicken with the remaining drippings. Top with the pomegranate salsa.