Citrus-Marinated Grilled Chicken with Sumac and Za'atar

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken marinated in a zesty citrus blend with aromatic Middle Eastern spices, grilled to perfection. This middle eastern-inspired chicken ready in about 27 minutes pairs olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, freshly squeezed orange juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp ground sumac, 2 tbsp za'atar spice blend, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper until fully combined.
  2. Step 2: Add 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs to the marinade, turning to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 8 hours for best flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade and let excess drip off.
  4. Step 4: Grill chicken thighs for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and the exterior has nice grill marks.
  5. Step 5: Transfer chicken to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve garnished with fresh herbs or alongside a tabbouleh salad for a vibrant Middle Eastern meal.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus-Marinated Grilled Chicken with Sumac and Za'atar take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Citrus-Marinated Grilled Chicken with Sumac and Za'atar?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Marinated Grilled Chicken with Sumac and Za'atar?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Citrus-Marinated Grilled Chicken with Sumac and Za'atar for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Citrus-Marinated Grilled Chicken with Sumac and Za'atar?

Middle Eastern chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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