Hey there, foodies!
Let me tell you about the fresh and tasty dinner I made after a long run by the Thames. The sun was shining, the breeze was perfect, and all I could think about was fresh, zingy flavors. That’s when I made this Sumac & Paprika Chicken with crispy new potatoes and a super colorful Greek salad.
It’s healthy-ish, full of flavor, and perfect for spring or summer nights when you want something light but satisfying. Let’s get into the details!
Method
Flavor the Chicken
Start by preparing your spice mix. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine 1 teaspoon of sumac, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of dried garlic, and 2 tablespoons of light olive oil. Add a pinch of sea salt and give everything a good stir to form a rich, flavorful marinade. Then, take your chicken breasts and coat them fully in the mixture. Make sure each piece is well-covered I like to use my hands to rub the spices in so the flavor gets into every little bit. Once coated, set the chicken aside for a few minutes to absorb all those bold, zesty spices.
Cook the Chicken
Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. When the pan is nice and hot, place the marinated chicken breasts in. Cook them for about 5 minutes on each side, flipping only once to get a good sear. You’re looking for a nice golden crust on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and cooked through. If your chicken breasts are thick, you might want to lower the heat slightly and cook for an extra minute or two. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for at least 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to settle inside the meat, keeping it moist and tender when sliced.
Crisp the Potatoes
Now it’s time for the potatoes! If your new potatoes are on the larger side, cut them in halves or quarters so they cook evenly. Toss them lightly in olive oil spray to get that crispy finish. For the best results, cook them in an air fryer at 180°C (356°F) for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even browning. Don’t worry if you don’t have an air fryer the oven works just as well. Simply spread the potatoes out on a baking tray in a single layer and roast them at 200°C (392°F) for 20–25 minutes, or until they’re golden, crispy, and fork-tender.
Make the Greek Salad
While your potatoes are crisping up, it’s the perfect time to whip together your refreshing Greek salad. Grab your salad bowl and begin by quartering the cherry tomatoes, dicing the cucumber and red pepper, and thinly slicing the red onion. Chop up the fresh mint and toss it all into the bowl. Drizzle the salad with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, juice from half a lemon, and sprinkle with salt and black pepper to taste. Gently mix everything together until combined. Finally, crumble in the feta cheese, add the black olives, and top it all off with a sprinkle of dried oregano. Stir the salad gently once more just enough to mix without breaking the feta too much.
Plate and Serve
Once everything is cooked and ready, it’s time to bring the meal together! Begin by slicing the rested chicken into thin strips. Arrange it neatly on your plate, add a generous helping of the Greek salad, and finish with a portion of crispy potatoes on the side. The colors are stunning, the flavors are bright, and the mix of textures is just so satisfying. It’s a full meal that feels like something you’d eat on holiday fresh, nourishing, and totally delicious!
Necessary Tools
- Mixing bowl
- Sharp knife & cutting board
- Frying pan
- Air fryer (or oven)
- Salad bowl
- Tongs or spatula
Sumac Chicken Recipe with Greek Salad and Crispy Potatoes (Healthy Dinner)
Cuisine: PalestinianDifficulty: Easy2
servings15
minutes25
minutes40
minutesIngredients
For the Chicken:
2 chicken breasts
1 tsp sumac
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp dried garlic
2 tbsp light olive oil
Sea salt to taste
For the Greek Salad:
75g cherry tomatoes (quartered)
100g cucumber (diced)
30g red onion (thinly sliced)
1/4 red pepper (diced)
1 spring fresh mint (chopped)
1/2 tsp dried oregano
75g feta cheese (crumbled)
65g black olives
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt & black pepper to taste
For the Potatoes:
New potatoes (as much as you like!)
A little olive oil spray
Directions
- Flavor the Chicken In a bowl, mix your sumac, smoked paprika, dried garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of sea salt. Add your chicken breasts and coat them well in the mixture.
- Cook the Chicken Heat your frying pan to medium-high. Cook the chicken for 5 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Then, let it rest so all the juices stay inside.
- Crisp the Potatoes Cut your new potatoes if they’re large. Toss them in a little olive oil spray. Cook them in the air fryer at 180°C for 15 minutes, or bake in the oven at 200°C for 20–25 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Make the Greek Salad Chop up your veggies and mint. Mix everything in a bowl tomatoes, cucumber, red pepper, onion, and mint. Add olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Crumble in your feta, toss in the olives, and sprinkle with oregano. Mix gently.
- Plate and Serve Slice your rested chicken. Plate it with a generous scoop of the salad and a handful of crispy potatoes. It’s colorful, tasty, and full of goodness!
Notes
- Don’t overcook the chicken it gets dry quickly. Use medium-high heat and let it rest after cooking.
- Make sure the potatoes are in a single layer in the air fryer or oven this helps them get crispy!
- Add feta after mixing the salad to keep it from getting mushy.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with pita bread or flatbread for a more filling meal.
- Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or tzatziki on the side.
- Make it into a wrap with the salad and chicken stuffed inside warm pita!
Fun Fact
Sumac is a spice made from dried berries. It has a lemony, tangy taste and is super popular in Middle Eastern cooking. It’s like sunshine in spice form!
Conclusion
And there you have it a super simple, fresh, and zingy Sumac Chicken Recipe that feels like sunshine on a plate. It’s one of my go-to dinners when I want something light but full of flavor. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy healthy food without feeling like you’re missing out.
Let me know if you try it and don’t forget to enjoy every bite!
