Grilled Za'atar Chicken with Sumac Onions and Garlic Labneh

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken marinated in za'atar and lemon grilled to smoky perfection, served with tangy sumac-spiced onions and creamy garlic labneh. This middle eastern-inspired chicken ready in about 82 minutes pairs pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, za'atar spice blend, 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.

Prep: 70 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 320 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, 2 tbsp za'atar, 3 tbsp lemon juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix thoroughly and marinate covered in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  2. Step 2: Thinly slice 1 large red onion into rings, then toss with 1 tbsp sumac and a pinch of salt. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, mince 2 garlic cloves finely and stir into 1 cup plain labneh, mixing until creamy and fragrant. Keep chilled.
  4. Step 4: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat to about 400°F. Grill the marinated chicken thighs for 5-6 minutes per side until cooked through and edges are slightly charred.
  5. Step 5: Arrange grilled chicken on a platter, top with sumac onions and spoon dollops of garlic labneh alongside. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Za'atar Chicken with Sumac Onions and Garlic Labneh take to make?

Total time is about 82 minutes (70 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 Grilled Za'atar Chicken with Sumac Onions and Garlic Labneh?

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 spice blend from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Za'atar Chicken with Sumac Onions and Garlic Labneh?

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 Za'atar Chicken with Sumac Onions and Garlic Labneh 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 Za'atar Chicken with Sumac Onions and Garlic Labneh?

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.

Related recipes