Homemade Za'atar Chicken (video recipe)
A quick and easy baked chicken with a Middle Eastern spice mix called za'atar. This za'atar chicken needs only 5 mins to prepare and 45 minutes to bake.
If you like Zaatar you will love this recipe za'atar chicken. Years ago, I didn't know what za'atar was until I happen to see an episode on TV by Nigella Lawson. Years later when I came to Israel and found za'atar in abundance. Feel in love with it. This is my adaptation of the recipe and it has now become a family favorite.
What is za'atar?
Za'atar is a Middle Eastern herb native to Lebanon. This herb is dried and created into a spice mix with thyme, oregano, marjoram, sesame seeds, salt, and pepper. Some even have sumac which is a tart berry. So you see it's a spice mix that doesn't really need anything else added.
You often get za'atar sprinkled over hummus or kebabs etc. It is mixed with olive oil and spread over pita bread. It has a very strong but wonderful flavor. Having said that some absolutely love it while there are others who can't stand it.
You can find za'atar in almost any supermarkets these days. Just look at the spice aisle. If not, you may check out a local middle eastern store. Of course, you can also buy it easily online. This is what the za'atar spice looks like.
About this za'atar chicken
This is a fuss-free recipe. The marinade takes just 5 minutes to prepare and the chicken takes about 45 minutes to bake. You can marinate the chicken ahead of time up to 8 hours in the fridge.
I am baking it in the oven but in summer this is the perfect chicken over the grill. It makes a mean sandwich wrap or the perfect filling for that pita pocket with salad.
Useful tips and tools
- This chicken doesn't need many types of equipment.
- You will need a baking dish about 9 x 13-inch or similar.
- And, a mixing bowl to combine all the ingredients.
Ingredients and substitutes
- Chicken - I'm using boneless chicken thighs today. And yet, you can use bone-in thighs and legs, chicken breast, or even the whole chicken. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly.
- Olive oil - I like to use a good quality olive oil for maximum flavor. But, you can also use butter to enhance the flavor. The zaatar chicken is absolutely delicious.
- Seasoning - I have used less salt and pepper because some za'atar seasoning also has salt in it. In fact, if you buy ready-to-use za'atar spice you might want to check on how much salt is in there.
Middle Eastern za'atar chicken recipe (save/pin)
Prepare marinade
- In a small bowl, combine the za'atar spice, garlic and ginger powder, salt, pepper. Combine together.
- Add the olive oil - combine well - set aside
Marinade chicken
- Clean and pat dry the chicken pieces.
- Grease a baking dish with oil
- Place the chicken pieces in the baking dish
- Marinate the chicken with the za'atar marinade.
- Let the chicken marinate for an hour or up to 8 hours overnight in the fridge.
- Thaw an hour before baking.
Bake the chicken
- Preheat the oven to 200 C/ 392 F
- Add the chopped onions and garlic cloves (optional) to the baking dish
- Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until golden and bubbling.
Notes
- If you use chicken breast - cover the baking pan with a foil or the first 20 minutes - then baked uncovered for 10 minutes.
- If using skin-on chicken thighs or legs you may need to bake for a few minutes longer.
Description
Ingredients
- 8 (2 lb) chicken Thighs or legs
- 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Ginger powder
- 4 tbsp za'atar spice
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Pepper
- 4 tbsp olive oil
Plus
- 2 Onions quartered
- 1 bulb Garlic separated, skin-on
Instructions
Prepare marinade
- In a small bowl, combine the za'atar spice, garlic and ginger powder, salt, pepper. Combine together.
- Add the olive oil - combine well - set aside
Marinade chicken
- Clean and pat dry the chicken pieces.
- Grease a baking dish with oil
- Place the chicken pieces in the baking dish
- Marinate the chicken with the za'atar marinade.
- Let the chicken marinate for an hour or up to 8 hours overnight in the fridge.
- Thaw an hour before baking.
Bake the chicken
- Preheat the oven to 200 C/ 392 F
- Add the chopped onions and garlic cloves (optional) to the baking dish
- Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until golden and bubbling.
Recipe Notes
- If you use chicken breast - cover the baking pan with a foil or the first 20 minutes - then baked uncovered for 10 minutes.
- If using skin-on chicken thighs or legs you may need to bake for a few minutes longer.
Equipment
Nutrition Information
The nutrition information and metric conversion are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee its accuracy. If this data is important to you please verify with your trusted nutrition calculator. Thank you
Frequently asked questions
This za'atar chicken will keep in the fridge for a good 4 to 5 days. You can even freeze it for up to a month.
Yes, you can add potatoes, carrot, mushrooms, and parsnips.
Za'atar is a spice mix made with a few ingredients such as thyme, oregano, marjoram, sesame seeds, salt, and pepper. Some even have sumac which is a tart berry. So you see it's doesn't really need too many additions. I have added ginger, garlic, and lemon juice in the recipe.
No, the za'atar spice mix may have sumac which is a tart berry but nothing in it is spicy. You can add a few drops of hot sauce if you like to make it spicy.
We love this chicken over my coconut turmeric rice but it works wonderfully with challah, pita bread, or even buttered noodles.
This is a very versatile dish and can pair with almost any veggies. Try sauteed green beans or asparagus, baked butternut squash, or carrots. You can even try a side of simple salad like celery, carrots, cabbage, etc.
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