Sumac-Spiced Chicken with Pomegranate Molasses Glaze

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Pan-seared chicken thighs dusted with tangy sumac and finished with a sweet and sour pomegranate molasses glaze. This middle eastern-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs sumac, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs dry and season evenly with 2 tbsp sumac, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper, rubbing the spices into the skin.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 7-8 minutes until skin is crisp and golden brown.
  3. Step 3: Flip chicken thighs and cook on the other side for 6-7 minutes until almost cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 3 tbsp pomegranate molasses to the skillet, spooning the glaze over chicken; reduce heat to medium-low and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the glaze thickens and coats the chicken.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sumac-Spiced Chicken with Pomegranate Molasses Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Pomegranate Molasses Glaze?

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 sumac from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sumac-Spiced Chicken with Pomegranate Molasses Glaze?

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 Pomegranate Molasses Glaze 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 Pomegranate Molasses Glaze?

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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