Sumac-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Pomegranate Glaze
Juicy grilled chicken thighs seasoned with tangy sumac and finished with a glossy pomegranate glaze for a vibrant Middle Eastern dish. This middle eastern-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on, olive oil, sumac for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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.
Ingredients
- 6 pieces chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp sumac
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup pomegranate molasses
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp water
- 1/4 cup, chopped for garnish fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp sumac, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Rub this mixture evenly over 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. Marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best flavor.
- Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the chicken thighs skin-side down for 6-7 minutes until skin is crisp and golden, then flip and grill an additional 5-6 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, combine 1/4 cup pomegranate molasses, 2 tbsp honey, and 2 tbsp water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer gently for 4-5 minutes until the glaze thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 4: Brush the glaze onto the grilled chicken during the last 2 minutes of cooking to create a shiny, flavorful coating.
- Step 5: Remove chicken from grill, let rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sumac-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Pomegranate Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Grilled Chicken with Pomegranate 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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sumac-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Pomegranate 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 Grilled Chicken with Pomegranate Glaze 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 Sumac-Spiced Grilled Chicken with Pomegranate 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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