If you’re looking for a flavorful, easy dish to impress at dinner, za’atar chicken is a great pick. I love how the combination of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, red onion, and warm spices like sumac, allspice, cinnamon, paprika, and plenty of za’atar comes together to create a vibrant marinade that enhances the chicken naturally.
The key ingredients you need include chicken breasts with skin and bone, salt, pepper, za’atar, toasted almonds and pine nuts, fresh parsley, plus lemons, extra virgin olive oil, sumac, allspice, cinnamon, paprika, garlic, and red onion for the marinade. This mix creates a juicy, aromatic chicken dish with a delightful Middle Eastern flavor that’s simple to make at home.
The balance between tangy lemon, earthy za’atar, and the warm spice blend makes every bite exciting. This dish is perfect for weeknight meals or casual gatherings, and I’m excited to share how you can make it yourself.
What Is Za’atar Chicken?
This is a simple yet flavorful dish I love to make. It features chicken seasoned with za’atar, a Middle Eastern spice blend. Za’atar typically contains thyme, oregano, sumac, sesame seeds, and salt.
The magic of za’atar comes from its bold, earthy, and slightly tangy taste. I usually coat the chicken with olive oil and za’atar before grilling or roasting it. This process infuses the meat with herby and nutty notes.
It is a good main course or part of a mezze platter. To balance the flavors, serve it with fresh vegetables, pita bread, or yogurt sauce.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts with bone and skin
- Salt and pepper
- 3 tablespoons of za’atar, divided
- 2 tablespoons of toasted, peeled almonds
- 1 tablespoon of toasted pine nuts
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
The Marinade
- Lemon juice from 2 lemons
- 2/3 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of sumac (plus more)
- 1 tablespoon of allspice
- 1 tablespoon of cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon of paprika (plus more)
- 7 large garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 medium red onion, roughly chopped
- Slices from 1/2 large lemon
How To Make Za’atar Chicken?
- First, mix all the marinade ingredients in a bowl. Then, take the chicken and sprinkle salt and pepper over it. Cover it with the marinade, making sure to rub some underneath the skin for better flavor.
- Next, cover the chicken and pop it into the fridge for about four hours to soak up all those flavors. When you’re ready to cook, heat the oven to 400°F.
- Put the chicken and marinade into a baking dish or cast-iron skillet. Sprinkle a bit more sumac and paprika on top. Then, add a tablespoon of za’atar on the outside and another tablespoon under the skin of the chicken breasts. There should be one tablespoon left for later.
- Roast the chicken in the hot oven for 30 to 35 minutes. When the internal temperature hits 165°F, take it out and let it rest for five minutes.
- Finally, sprinkle the chicken with more sumac and the last tablespoon of za’atar. To finish, add toasted nuts and fresh parsley on top before digging in.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 484 kcal |
| Protein | 40 g |
| Fat | 31.8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Sugars | 2 g |
Serving Za’atar Chicken
Side Dishes That Pair Well
I often choose sides with bright, fresh ingredients. A simple cucumber and tomato salad dressed with lemon and olive oil pairs perfectly. It adds crunch and acidity that cuts through the richness of the chicken.
Roasted vegetables like carrots or eggplant work well too. Their natural sweetness complements the za’atar spices. For more starch, I prefer warm pita bread or fluffy couscous seasoned lightly with herbs.
Yogurt-based dips like tzatziki offer a cool, creamy contrast. You can also serve it with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts on top for extra texture.
Presentation Ideas
I find that presenting this dish on a rustic wooden board adds visual warmth. Placing the chicken pieces over a bed of greens like arugula or spinach brightens the plate.
Using small bowls for dips and sides keeps everything neat. Garnish the chicken with fresh lemon wedges and a sprinkle of extra za’atar to enhance flavor and appearance.
I sometimes add edible flowers or fresh herbs around the plate for a pop of color. A casual but thoughtful setup invites people to dig in and enjoy the meal.
Storing And Reheating
I always store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Let it cool to room temperature before sealing. Then, I place it in the fridge and use it within 3 to 4 days.
If I want to keep it longer, I freeze the chicken. I wrap individual pieces in foil or plastic wrap before putting them in a freezer bag. It stays good for up to 3 months this way.
When reheating, I prefer the oven for the best flavor and texture. I preheat to 350°F (175°C) and place the chicken in an oven-safe dish. Cover it loosely with foil and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
Microwaving works when I’m in a hurry. I put the chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a microwave lid or paper towel, and heat on medium power in 1-minute bursts. I check often to avoid drying it out.
If frozen, I thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight before reheating. Avoid reheating more than once to keep the chicken safe and tasty.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
One mistake I see often is overloading the chicken with za’atar. Za’atar is flavorful, but using too much can overpower the dish. I recommend using just enough to coat the chicken lightly.
Another issue is not seasoning the chicken properly before adding za’atar. Salt enhances all the flavors. I always salt my chicken before applying the za’atar mix.
People sometimes cook the chicken at too high a temperature. This can burn the za’atar and make it taste bitter. I prefer cooking at medium heat to keep the spices aromatic and the chicken juicy.
Skipping a rest period after cooking is a common error. Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes allows juices to redistribute. I find this makes the meat more tender and flavorful.
Avoid using low-quality or stale za’atar. Fresh za’atar has a bright, herbal flavor that’s key to this dish. I always check the aroma before using and buy from a trustworthy source.
Conclusion
Za’atar chicken brings a fresh, herby twist to a classic dish. I like how its bold yet simple flavors make it easy to prepare anytime. It works well for weeknight dinners or when guests drop by unexpectedly.
The blend of za’atar spices with olive oil gives the chicken a unique aroma I find hard to resist. Pairing it with fresh salads or warm pita bread completes the meal nicely.
If you want a quick, flavorful option, za’atar chicken fits the bill. It’s healthy, versatile, and adds a bit of Middle Eastern flair to your cooking. Give it a try, and you might find it becoming a regular in your kitchen.
By the way, need dessert? Why not try the pistachio baklava cheesecake?
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