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Za’atar Chicken

Aromatic and tangy, with a delightful herbaceousness in every bite, Za’atar Chicken is a vibrant and flavourful dish inspired by the Middle East. This easy recipe combines juicy chicken with the earthy, nutty, and citrusy notes of za’atar spice blend, making it a perfect weeknight meal or a stunning addition to any dinner table.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes (plus marinating time)
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Za’atar Marinade:
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons za’atar spice blend
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • For the Chicken:
  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Optional Garnishes:
  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Lemon wedges

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, za’atar spice, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken and coat evenly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours).
  2. Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place chicken on a lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through (165°F/74°C internal temperature).
  3. Grill (Alternative): Preheat grill to medium-high. Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked.
  4. Pan-Fry (Alternative): Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked.
  5. Serve: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges before serving.

Notes

For extra depth of flavour, marinate the chicken overnight. This dish pairs well with Mediterranean salad, roasted vegetables, or couscous.

  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking, Grilling, or Pan-Frying
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: Za’atar Chicken, Mediterranean chicken, Middle Eastern chicken recipe