Name: Baked Zaatar Yogurt Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 2 lbs (8) boneless chicken thighs or breasts (skin on or off); 1 cup plain Greek yogurt; 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 tbsp lemon juice; Zest from 1 lemon; 2 cloves garlic (crushed and chopped); 2 tbsp zaatar seasoning; 1 tsp kosher salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (or Aleppo flakes); 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)

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Introduction

This Baked Zaatar Yogurt Chicken is a flavorful and tender dish that combines the tanginess of yogurt with the aromatic spice of zaatar. Perfectly baked to golden brown, it makes a delicious and easy meal for any night of the week.

The image shows a close-up of cooked chicken thighs, with a golden-brown and slightly crispy skin, sprinkled with chopped green herbs. The chicken pieces sit on a bed of creamy-colored pearl couscous mixed with small pieces of cooked yellow and green vegetables and scattered red pomegranate seeds, adding bright spots of color and texture. The dish is inside a pot or pan, placed on a surface with a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 lbs (8) boneless chicken thighs or breasts (skin on or off)
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp lemon juice + zest from lemon
2 cloves garlic (crushed and chopped)
2 tbsp zaatar seasoning
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (or Aleppo flakes)
1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice and zest, garlic, zaatar seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to create the marinade.
Step 2: Place the chicken pieces into a gallon-size plastic food storage bag or a large container. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal or cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight to allow the flavors to infuse.
Step 3: Lightly coat the inside of a baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil. Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off excess, and arrange the pieces in a single layer in the dish.
Step 4: Bake the chicken uncovered for 45 minutes, or until it turns golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 5: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. This chicken pairs beautifully with couscous and warm pita bread to soak up the flavorful juices.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. This allows the yogurt and spices to tenderize and deeply infuse the meat.
If you don’t have zaatar seasoning, a mix of thyme, oregano, sumac, and sesame seeds is a great homemade substitute.
Skin-on chicken thighs will yield juicier results, but skinless works well for a leaner option.
Add a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad to complete the meal.

Storage

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. For best texture, avoid overcooking during reheating.

How to Serve

In a large beige pan, there is one layer of small round couscous mixed with small pieces of yellow and green bell peppers, finely chopped parsley, and scattered bright red pomegranate seeds. On top, six pieces of grilled chicken thighs with a light brown and creamy herb sauce cover the couscous, showing grill marks and a slightly crispy texture. The dish is vibrant with the pale beige of couscous, the red of pomegranate, the green of parsley, and chicken pieces evenly spread around. The pan is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, boneless chicken breasts can be used, but they may cook slightly faster and can dry out if overbaked. Keep an eye on internal temperature and adjust cooking time as needed.

What is zaatar seasoning?

Zaatar is a Middle Eastern spice blend typically made from dried thyme, oregano, sumac, and toasted sesame seeds. It has a tangy, herbal flavor that complements chicken beautifully.