Sumac-Spiced Chicken with Cucumber Salad

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Chicken thighs with tangy sumac and fresh herbs, served with a cool cucumber salad for balanced freshness. This middle eastern ready in about 30 minutes pairs chicken thighs, sumac, paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

★ 4.3 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs, 1 tbsp sumac, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Let sit 15 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat a skillet over medium-high. Cook chicken for 8-10 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
  3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix 2 diced cucumbers, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp chopped mint, 2 tbsp olive oil, and 1 tbsp lemon juice.
  4. Step 4: Serve chicken with cucumber salad on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sumac-Spiced Chicken with Cucumber Salad take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Sumac-Spiced Chicken with Cucumber Salad?

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 chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sumac-Spiced Chicken with Cucumber Salad?

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 Sumac-Spiced Chicken with Cucumber Salad 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 Sumac-Spiced Chicken with Cucumber Salad?

Middle Eastern middle eastern 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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