Sumac chicken with onions is a masterpiece of Middle Eastern cuisine. This dish is a fusion of tangy sumac, juicy chicken, and caramelized onions. The chicken is marinated with sumac and lemon juice then baked to perfection. The result is a flavorful and juicy chicken dish, perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion.
Sumac is a key ingredient in this recipe. It's a tangy, lemony spice often used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cooking. If it's not already in your spice rack, you should be able to find it in the spice aisle of your local supermarket or in a store specializing in Middle Eastern foods. Another important ingredient is the right cut of chicken - a mix of thighs, breasts, and drumsticks bring out the best flavor and texture in this dish.
Essential Ingredients for Sumac Chicken with Onions
Chicken thighs: These are juicy and flavorful parts of the chicken that are ideal for this recipe.
Chicken breasts: This lean cut of chicken provides a balance of flavor and texture in the dish.
Chicken drumsticks: Drumsticks add a rich, meaty flavor to the dish.
Olive oil: Used for marinating the chicken and for its healthy fats.
Lemon juice: This adds a tangy flavor to the chicken and helps tenderize it.
Salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken.
Onions: These will caramelize in the oven and add a sweet flavor to the dish.
Sumac powder: This gives the chicken its distinctive tangy, lemony flavor.
Ground black pepper: Adds a slight kick to the chicken.
One reader, Brittaney Duggan says:
This sumac chicken with onions recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are so vibrant and the chicken is incredibly tender. The sumac adds a unique tangy twist that's simply irresistible. It's now a staple in my recipe collection, and my family can't get enough of it!
Key Techniques for Preparing Sumac Chicken with Onions
Marinating the chicken: This involves combining the chicken thighs, breasts, and drumsticks with olive oil, lemon juice, and salt, and allowing them to sit for at least 1 hour or overnight to enhance flavor and tenderness.
Baking the chicken: The chicken and onion mixture is baked in a preheated oven at 375 degrees F for approximately 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. The foil should be removed halfway through to achieve a golden color and crispy texture.
Serving the dish: The sumac chicken with onions should be served warm to fully enjoy its flavors and textures.
How To Make Sumac Chicken with Onions
Savory with a hint of lemon, this sumac chicken is a tasty dish that’s baked until moist and juicy. Enjoy it with a side of baked onions for a fuller meal!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1lbchicken thighs,with skin
- ½lbchicken breasts,skinless boneless
- ½lbchicken drumsticks
- 3tbspolive oil
- 1tbsplemon juice
- 1tbspsalt
- 4medium onions,cut into wedges
- 1tbspsumac powder
- 1pinchground black pepper
Instructions
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Marinate the chicken thighs, breasts, and drumsticks in olive oil, lemon juice, and salt for at least 1 hour and up to overnight.
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Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
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Mix the onions, sumac, and pepper into the chicken. Pour the mixture into a nonstick baking pan. Cover with aluminum foil.
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Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes until an instant-read thermometer inserted near the bone reads 165 degrees F. Remove foil halfway through to give the chicken a nice golden color and crunch.
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Serve warm, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 289.03kcal
- Fat: 19.89g
- Saturated Fat: 4.76g
- Trans Fat: 0.09g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 9.79g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.68g
- Carbohydrates: 5.83g
- Fiber: 1.13g
- Sugar: 2.45g
- Protein: 21.10g
- Cholesterol: 99.79mg
- Sodium: 409.39mg
- Calcium: 23.42mg
- Potassium: 333.81mg
- Iron: 1.00mg
- Vitamin A: 37.61µg
- Vitamin C: 5.31mg
Helpful Technique Tip for Sumac Chicken with Onions Recipe
When marinating the chicken, ensure that all pieces are evenly coated with the olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. This will not only ensure that the flavors are well-distributed, but also help to tenderize the chicken, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful dish. Additionally, using a non-metallic bowl for marinating can prevent any potential reaction with the acid in the lemon juice, keeping the taste of your chicken pure and unaltered.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Sumac Chicken Recipe
Marinate in advance: Marinate the chicken in the olive oil, lemon juice, and salt the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
Use pre-cut chicken: Purchase pre-cut chicken pieces to save time on preparation.
Prep the onions in advance: Slice the onions ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for quick and easy use.
Invest in a meat thermometer: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through, saving time and avoiding overcooking.
Substitute Ingredients For Sumac Chicken with Onions Recipe
chicken thighs - Substitute with turkey thighs: Turkey thighs have a similar texture and flavor to chicken thighs, making them a suitable substitute in this recipe.
chicken breasts - Substitute with turkey breasts: Turkey breasts are lean and tender, and they can be used as a substitute for chicken breasts in this recipe.
chicken drumsticks - Substitute with turkey drumsticks: Turkey drumsticks can be used as a substitute for chicken drumsticks, providing a similar taste and texture.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in this recipe.
lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice can be used as a substitute for lemon juice, providing a slightly different citrus flavor to the dish.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for regular salt, adding a slightly different flavor profile to the dish.
onions - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can be used as a substitute for onions, providing a milder and sweeter flavor to the dish.
sumac powder - Substitute with lemon zest: Lemon zest can be used as a substitute for sumac powder, providing a similar citrusy flavor to the dish.
ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can be used as a substitute for black pepper, providing a milder and slightly different flavor to the dish.
Presentation Ideas for Sumac Chicken with Onions
Elevate the plating: Arrange the sumac chicken with onions in a visually appealing manner, ensuring that each component is showcased beautifully on the plate.
Incorporate color contrast: Introduce vibrant elements such as fresh herbs or microgreens to add a pop of color to the dish, creating an aesthetically pleasing presentation.
Focus on precision: Pay attention to the placement of each element on the plate, ensuring that the dish is presented with meticulous attention to detail.
Utilize elegant serving ware: Choose sophisticated and refined serving ware that complements the dish, enhancing the overall dining experience for the guests.
Highlight the sumac seasoning: Sprinkle a touch of sumac powder as a finishing garnish to draw attention to the unique flavors of the dish.
Emphasize the golden color of the chicken: Showcase the beautifully golden-brown chicken by placing it strategically on the plate to captivate the visual senses of the diners.
Incorporate texture: Introduce elements that add textural contrast, such as a delicate drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of toasted nuts, to elevate the dining experience.
Create a balanced composition: Ensure that the presentation is well-balanced, with each component harmoniously complementing the others for a visually stunning plate.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Sumac Chicken
- Oven: An essential appliance for baking, roasting, and broiling various dishes.
- Instant-read thermometer: Used to quickly and accurately measure the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it is fully cooked.
- Nonstick baking pan: Ideal for baking the sumac chicken and preventing it from sticking to the pan.
- Aluminum foil: Used to cover the chicken while baking to retain moisture and then removed to allow the chicken to brown.
- Mixing bowl: Used for marinating the chicken with olive oil, lemon juice, and salt.
- Knife: Essential for preparing and cutting the chicken and onions.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe and clean surface for cutting and preparing the chicken and onions.
- Measuring spoons: Used to accurately measure and add the sumac powder, salt, and pepper to the dish.
- Basting brush: Used to evenly distribute the marinade onto the chicken.
- Serving platter: Used to present and serve the sumac chicken with onions.
Storing and Freezing Sumac Chicken with Onions
- Let the sumac chicken with onions cool completely before storing or freezing.
- Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To freeze, place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Frozen sumac chicken with onions can be stored for up to 3 months in the freezer.
- To reheat, thaw the frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight.
- Place the thawed chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and reheat in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 20-30 minutes.
- Alternatively, you can reheat smaller portions in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
- If the reheated chicken seems dry, add a splash of chicken broth or water to help moisten it.
- Enjoy your reheated sumac chicken with onions as a quick and flavorful meal!
How To Reheat Leftover Sumac Chicken with Onions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover sumac chicken in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This method helps to retain the moisture and flavor of the chicken while preventing it from drying out.
For a quicker option, you can use the microwave. Place the leftover chicken in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through. Be sure to check the temperature and stir the chicken halfway through to ensure even heating.
If you want to add some extra flavor and crispiness to your leftover sumac chicken, you can reheat it in a skillet. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and onions to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is heated through and the onions are slightly caramelized.
For a more refreshing take on leftover sumac chicken, try serving it cold over a bed of fresh greens. Shred the chicken and toss it with some extra sumac, lemon juice, and a drizzle of olive oil. This makes for a delicious and healthy lunch option that requires no reheating.
Interesting Fact About Sumac Chicken with Onions
Sumac is a tangy, citrusy spice commonly used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. It adds a unique flavor to dishes and is also known for its vibrant red color.
Is Making Sumac Chicken with Onions Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this sumac chicken with onions recipe is quite high. The ingredients, such as chicken, olive oil, and onions, are generally affordable and readily available. The dish offers a flavorful and satisfying meal for a family of four. The approximate cost for this recipe for a household of four people is around $15-$20, making it a budget-friendly option. The overall verdict for this recipe would be an 8 out of 10, considering its affordability, delicious flavor, and nutritional value.
Is This Sumac Chicken Recipe Healthy?
The sumac chicken with onions recipe is a relatively healthy dish, as it primarily consists of lean protein from the chicken and onions, which are a good source of vitamins and minerals. The use of olive oil provides healthy monounsaturated fats, and the lemon juice adds a burst of vitamin C. Sumac, a tangy spice, is rich in antioxidants and has potential anti-inflammatory properties. However, the recipe does call for a significant amount of salt, which could be a concern for those watching their sodium intake.
To make this recipe even healthier:
- Reduce the amount of salt used in the marinade, or replace some of it with other herbs and spices like garlic, thyme, or rosemary
- Use skinless chicken to reduce the overall fat content
- Include additional vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes, to increase the fiber and nutrient content of the dish
- Serve the chicken with a side of whole grains, like quinoa or brown rice, to add complex carbohydrates and extra fiber
- Opt for a low-sodium chicken broth or water instead of oil when baking to reduce the calorie and fat content further
Editor's Opinion on This Sumac Chicken with Onions Recipe
The sumac chicken with onions recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The marinade infuses the chicken with a zesty and tangy taste, while the sumac adds a unique citrusy and slightly tart flavor. The onions caramelize beautifully during baking, adding a hint of sweetness to the dish. The result is tender, juicy chicken with a perfect balance of savory and tangy flavors. This dish is sure to impress with its Middle Eastern-inspired taste and aromatic appeal.
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Why trust this Sumac Chicken with Onions Recipe:
This recipe uses high-quality chicken and a blend of flavorful olive oil, lemon juice, and sumac powder. The marination process ensures the meat is tender and infused with delicious flavors. The addition of onions adds depth and sweetness to the dish. The cooking method, including the use of an instant-read thermometer, guarantees perfectly cooked chicken every time. Trust the combination of these fresh, wholesome ingredients to deliver a mouthwatering sumac chicken with onions dish that will delight your taste buds.
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