Zaatar Chicken

why make this recipe

Zaatar Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together juicy chicken and flavorful Middle Eastern spices. This recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner. The blend of za’atar, sumac, and garlic gives the chicken a unique taste that everyone will love. Plus, using simple ingredients means you can whip it up without any hassle.

how to make Zaatar Chicken

Ingredients:

• 3 lemons
• 1 whole chicken (2¾ lb/1.3kg), cut into legs, chicken thighs, and breasts with the wing-tips left on
• 2 onions, sliced in half, then cut into 3 wedges
• 2 heads of garlic, skin on, sliced in half crosswise
• 2 teaspoons sumac
• ¾ teaspoon ground allspice
• 4 tablespoons za’atar seasoning
• 6 tablespoons olive oil
• ¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons chicken stock or water
• Salt and black pepper
• ¼ cup parsley, finely chopped
• ¼ cup sliced almonds, toasted (optional)

Directions:

1. 
   

   Marinate Chicken: Cut 2 of the lemons into ¼-inch thick slices and place them in a large mixing bowl. Finely grate the zest of the remaining lemon and set it aside. Squeeze the same lemon to get about 1½ tbsp of juice and add it to the mixing bowl along with the chicken, onions, garlic, sumac, allspice, 2 tbsp of za’atar, 2 tbsp of oil, stock, 1½ tsp salt, and a good grind of black pepper. Mix well, cover with a plate, and marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours (or overnight).

   
   
2. 
   

   Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

   
   
3. 
   

   Bake Chicken: Transfer the marinated chicken to a large rimmed baking sheet, skin side up, and pour on all the marinade and lemon slices. Drizzle chicken with 1 tbsp of oil and bake for about 45 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden and cooked through.

   
   
4. 
   

   Finish with Parsley Mixture: Toward the end of baking, combine parsley, lemon zest, remaining 2 tbsp of za’atar, and remaining 3 tbsp of olive oil in a bowl.

   
   
5. 
   

   Serve: Transfer chicken to a serving platter with lemon slices and juices. Spoon the parsley mixture on top, finish with almonds if desired, and serve.

   
   

how to serve Zaatar Chicken

You can serve Zaatar Chicken with a side of rice, couscous, or a fresh salad. It pairs wonderfully with pita bread, yogurt, or a tangy tahini sauce. This dish makes a beautiful centerpiece on any dining table, and the flavors are sure to impress your guests.

how to store Zaatar Chicken

If you have leftovers, let the chicken cool down to room temperature. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

tips to make Zaatar Chicken

• For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
• Make sure to pour all the marinade over the chicken before baking.
• You can add more vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini, to the baking sheet for extra flavor.

variation

You can change up the herbs and spices! Instead of za’atar, try using your favorite herb blend. Adding saffron can also elevate the dish to a new level. For a spicier kick, consider adding red pepper flakes to the marinade.

FAQs

1. 
   

   Can I use skinless chicken?
   Yes, you can use skinless chicken, but the skin helps keep the chicken juicy and adds flavor.

   
   
2. 
   

   What if I don’t have za’atar?
   You can make your own mix using thyme, oregano, sesame seeds, and sumac if you don’t have za’atar.

   
   
3. 
   

   Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
   Absolutely! Zaatar Chicken makes a great meal prep option since it stores well and tastes great reheated.

   
   

Zaatar Chicken

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A delightful dish featuring juicy chicken marinated in a blend of Middle Eastern spices, perfect for gatherings or family dinners.

• Total Time: 165 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 lemons
• 1 whole chicken (2¾ lb/1.3kg), cut into legs, thighs, and breasts with wing-tips left on
• 2 onions, sliced in half and cut into 3 wedges
• 2 heads of garlic, skin on, sliced in half crosswise
• 2 teaspoons sumac
• ¾ teaspoon ground allspice
• 4 tablespoons za’atar seasoning
• 6 tablespoons olive oil
• ¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons chicken stock or water
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup parsley, finely chopped
• ¼ cup sliced almonds, toasted (optional)

Instructions

1. Cut 2 lemons into ¼-inch thick slices and place in a large mixing bowl. Grate the zest of the remaining lemon and squeeze its juice to get about 1½ tablespoons.
2. Add the lemon juice, grated zest, chicken, onions, garlic, sumac, allspice, 2 tablespoons of za’atar, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, stock, salt, and black pepper to the mixing bowl. Mix well, cover, and marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
4. Transfer the marinated chicken to a large rimmed baking sheet, skin side up, and pour on the marinade and lemon slices. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and bake for about 45 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
5. Combine parsley, remaining lemon zest, remaining 2 tablespoons of za’atar, and remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a bowl near the end of baking.
6. Transfer chicken to a serving platter, spoon the parsley mixture on top, finish with almonds if desired, and serve.

Notes

For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. Feel free to add more vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to the baking sheet for extra flavor.

• Author: aymane-mouraigmail-com-2
• Prep Time: 120 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern
• Diet: Gluten-free

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Zaatar Chicken, Middle Eastern Chicken, Easy Chicken Recipe, Comfort Food, Marinated Chicken