Sumac-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Garlic Yogurt Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled chicken marinated in sumac and lemon, paired with a cooling garlic yogurt sauce for a fresh and vibrant Middle Eastern meal. This middle eastern-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes blends olive oil, ground sumac, lemon juice 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 390 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 390 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp ground sumac, 3 tbsp lemon juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Add 6 boneless skin-on chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or up to 6 hours.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the marinated chicken thighs for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and skin is crisp.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, mix 1 cup plain Greek yogurt with 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint and 1/2 diced cucumber in a small bowl. Adjust salt to taste.
  4. Step 4: Serve the grilled chicken thighs hot with a generous dollop of garlic yogurt sauce on the side.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sumac-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Garlic Yogurt Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Sumac-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Garlic 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 Grilled Chicken with Garlic 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 Grilled Chicken with Garlic 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 Grilled Chicken with Garlic 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.

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