Grilled Iraqi Spiced Chicken with Sumac and Garlic Yogurt Sauce

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled chicken marinated in Iraqi-inspired spices served with a cooling garlic and sumac yogurt sauce, perfect for a Middle Eastern feast. This middle eastern-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes blends boneless, skinless chicken thighs, olive oil, lemon juice into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 15 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp ground sumac, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1.5 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Whisk the marinade until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Add 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the marinade and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the chicken thighs for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and nicely charred edges develop.
  4. Step 4: While the chicken cooks, mix 1 cup plain Greek yogurt with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and a pinch of salt in a small bowl to create the garlic yogurt sauce.
  5. Step 5: Serve the grilled chicken hot with the garlic yogurt sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Iraqi Spiced Chicken with Sumac and Garlic Yogurt Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Iraqi Spiced Chicken with Sumac and Garlic Yogurt Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Iraqi Spiced Chicken with Sumac and Garlic Yogurt Sauce?

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 Grilled Iraqi Spiced Chicken with Sumac and Garlic Yogurt Sauce 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 Grilled Iraqi Spiced Chicken with Sumac and Garlic Yogurt Sauce?

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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