Griddled Za'atar Chicken with Sumac Onions
Juicy chicken thighs marinated in za'atar and grilled on a flat top griddle, served with tangy sumac-spiced onions for a Middle Eastern-inspired outdoor meal. This middle eastern-inspired grilling ready in about 47 minutes pairs za'atar seasoning, divided olive oil, lemon 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.
Ingredients
- 4 (about 1.5 lbs) boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp za'atar seasoning
- 3 tbsp, divided olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 large, thinly sliced red onion
- 1 tbsp sumac
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine 2 tbsp za'atar, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Step 2: Heat a flat top griddle or outdoor griddle over medium-high heat until hot, about 5 minutes. Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and spread evenly.
- Step 3: Place the marinated chicken thighs on the griddle and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 165°F and edges are slightly charred.
- Step 4: While chicken cooks, toss 1 large thinly sliced red onion with 1 tbsp sumac and a pinch of salt for tangy flavor.
- Step 5: Serve the cooked chicken topped with the sumac onions alongside your choice of flatbread or salad.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Griddled Za'atar Chicken with Sumac Onions take to make?
Total time is about 47 minutes (35 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 Griddled Za'atar Chicken with Sumac Onions?
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 za'atar seasoning from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Griddled Za'atar Chicken with Sumac Onions?
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 Griddled Za'atar Chicken with Sumac Onions 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 Griddled Za'atar Chicken with Sumac Onions?
Middle Eastern grilling 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.
