Sumac-Spiced Chicken with Roasted Garlic and Yogurt Sauce
Juicy chicken marinated with tangy sumac and garlic, roasted to perfection, served alongside a cooling garlic yogurt sauce. This middle eastern-inspired chicken ready in about 45 minutes blends boneless skinless chicken thighs, ground sumac, garlic cloves, minced 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 350 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.
Ingredients
- 6 pieces boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp ground sumac
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 cloves roasted garlic cloves, mashed
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 tbsp ground sumac, 4 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Step 2: Preheat oven to 425°F. Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the edges are slightly charred.
- Step 3: While the chicken roasts, stir together 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 4 mashed roasted garlic cloves, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley in a small bowl. Season with a pinch of salt if desired.
- Step 4: Serve the roasted sumac chicken hot with a generous dollop of the garlic yogurt sauce on the side for a tangy, creamy contrast.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sumac-Spiced Chicken with Roasted Garlic and Yogurt Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Sumac-Spiced Chicken with Roasted Garlic and 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 Sumac-Spiced Chicken with Roasted Garlic and 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 Sumac-Spiced Chicken with Roasted Garlic and 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 Sumac-Spiced Chicken with Roasted Garlic and 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.
