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Zaatar Chicken

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
  • 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