Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Garlic Yogurt and Sumac

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken thighs pan-seared to golden perfection, served with a tangy garlic yogurt sauce brightened by sumac spice. This middle eastern-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, olive oil, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, 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: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 6 Middle Eastern cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and season both sides with 1.5 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 2 tsp ground sumac.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 7-8 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
  3. Step 3: Flip chicken thighs and reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
  4. Step 4: While chicken cooks, combine 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill in a small bowl. Mix until smooth.
  5. Step 5: Serve the chicken hot with a generous dollop of the garlic yogurt sauce on the side for cooling tang and flavor contrast.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Garlic Yogurt and Sumac take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Garlic Yogurt and Sumac?

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 Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Garlic Yogurt and Sumac?

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 Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Garlic Yogurt and Sumac for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Garlic Yogurt and Sumac?

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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