Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsChai BarPomegranate Chicken Tenderloin (chicken Torsh) Recipe

Pomegranate Chicken Tenderloin (chicken Torsh) Recipe

Inspired by Chai Bar
Time1h 15m
Serves2

Chicken tenderloin marinated in pomegranate molasses and walnut (300g)

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Marinade & Chicken

Method

Marinade & Chicken

  1. 1

    Prepare marinade

    In a medium bowl combine pomegranate molasses (3 tbs), plain yogurt (3 tbs), olive oil (2 tbs), lemon juice (1 tbs), minced garlic (2 cloves), ground cumin (1/2 tsp), sweet paprika (1/2 tsp), salt (1 tsp) and black pepper (1/2 tsp). Whisk until smooth and well combined.

  2. 2

    Add walnuts

    Fold in the finely chopped walnuts (60 g) into the marinade so they are evenly distributed.

  3. 3

    Marinate chicken

    Place the 300 g chicken tenderloins in a shallow dish or resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, turning to coat each piece thoroughly. Press the walnuts into the chicken so they adhere. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 3–4 hours, or up to overnight for best flavor.

  4. 4

    Bring to room temperature

    Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator 20–30 minutes before cooking to take the chill off; keep covered.

  5. 5

    Preheat cooking surface

    Heat a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tsp olive oil if the skillet is dry (optional). The pan should be hot but not smoking.

  6. 6

    Cook chicken

    Remove excess marinade from the tenderloins (shake off but do not wipe away all walnuts). Place the tenderloins in the hot skillet in a single layer, leaving space between pieces. Cook 3–4 minutes on the first side without moving, until a golden crust forms. Flip and cook another 2–4 minutes until internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F) and walnuts are toasted and fragrant. Work in batches if necessary to avoid crowding.

  7. 7

    Rest chicken

    Transfer cooked tenderloins to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.

Finishing & Garnish

  1. 8

    Make quick glaze (optional)

    In the same skillet over low heat, add 1 tsp extra pomegranate molasses and 1–2 tsp water. Swirl for 30 seconds to loosen browned bits and create a shiny glaze. Taste and adjust with a few drops of lemon juice if too sweet.

  2. 9

    Glaze chicken

    Return the rested tenderloins to the pan and spoon the glaze over each piece to coat lightly, or brush glaze onto each piece on the serving plate.

  3. 10

    Plate and garnish

    Arrange the pomegranate chicken tenderloins on a serving dish. Sprinkle pomegranate seeds (2 tbs), chopped parsley (1 tbs) and toasted walnut pieces (1 tbs) over the top for color and crunch.

  4. 11

    Serve

    Serve warm as an appetizer or main course alongside rice, flatbread, or salad. Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 2 days.

More from Chai Bar