Za’atar Chicken
Za’atar chicken is a bold and flavorful Middle Eastern-inspired dish made with juicy chicken marinated in olive oil, lemon, garlic, and za’atar spice. Whether roasted or grilled, this easy and aromatic recipe delivers tangy, herbaceous flavor in every bite — perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or casual entertaining.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 40–45 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner, Main Dish, Mediterranean
- Method: Roasting, Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern, Mediterranean
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless or bone-in chicken thighs or breasts
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp za’atar spice blend
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley, lemon wedges, drizzle of tahini
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, za’atar, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken to the marinade, coating well. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours in the fridge.
- Preheat oven to 400°F or heat grill over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken until golden and cooked through — 25–30 minutes in the oven or 6–7 minutes per side on the grill.
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley, lemon wedges, or tahini if desired.
Notes
- Add chili flakes or extra sumac for more heat or tang.
- Roast with veggies for a one-pan meal.
- Serve over hummus, grain bowls, or chopped into salads.
- Great for wraps, sandwiches, or meal prep lunches.
- Chicken can be grilled, roasted, or cooked in a skillet.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Find it online: https://juliameals.com/zaatar-chicken/
