Name: Cocoa-Rubbed Chicken Thighs with Orange-Pomegranate Salsa
Prep time: 40 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons light brown sugar; 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder; 2 teaspoons ground coriander; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided; 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 6 large bone-in chicken thighs (about 3 pounds); 1 small shallot, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar or red-wine vinegar; 1 large navel orange; 1 cup pomegranate seeds; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Cocoa-Rubbed Chicken Thighs with Orange-Pomegranate Salsa

4.6

(5)

5 Reviews

Make a big batch of the cocoa-infused spice rub in this healthy baked chicken thigh recipe and let it be your weeknight secret weapon. It's also great on salmon, steak and tofu. Serve with brown basmati rice or whole-wheat couscous.

By Julia Clancy

Updated on March 5, 2020

Prep Time:

40 mins

Total Time:

40 mins

Servings:

Yield:

6 servings

Nutrition Profile:

Dairy-Free Egg Free Gluten-Free Healthy Aging Healthy Immunity High-Protein Low Carbohydrate Nut-Free Soy-Free

Jump to Nutrition Facts

Ingredients

2 tablespoons light brown sugar
2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
6 large bone-in chicken thighs (about 3 pounds)
1 small shallot, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons sherry vinegar or red-wine vinegar
1 large navel orange
1 cup pomegranate seeds
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Directions

Position a rack in lower third of oven; preheat to 450 degrees F.
Combine brown sugar, cocoa, coriander, paprika, 3/4 teaspoon salt and cayenne in a small bowl. Rub about half of the mixture under the chicken skin, then rub the rest on the skin. Place on a baking sheet. Roast until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of a thigh without touching bone registers 165 degrees F, 20 to 25 minutes.
Meanwhile, combine shallot, vinegar and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt in a small bowl. Let stand for 5 minutes. Zest the orange. Cut off and discard the peel and white pith; coarsely chop the fruit. Add the zest, chopped orange, pomegranate seeds, parsley and oil to the shallot and stir to combine. Serve with the chicken.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

406	Calories
24g	Fat
15g	Carbs
31g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Serving Size 1 thigh & 1/4 cup salsa
Calories 406
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 15g	5%
Dietary Fiber 3g	9%
Total Sugars 11g
Added Sugars 4g	8%
Protein 31g	63%
Total Fat 24g	31%
Saturated Fat 6g	31%
Cholesterol 173mg	58%
Vitamin A 486IU	10%
Vitamin C 19mg	21%
Folate 28mcg	7%
Sodium 457mg	20%
Calcium 37mg	3%
Iron 2mg	11%
Magnesium 40mg	10%
Potassium 484mg	10%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.