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Baked Zaatar Yogurt Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 89 reviews

This Baked Zaatar Yogurt Chicken recipe features tender boneless chicken thighs or breasts marinated in a flavorful blend of Greek yogurt, zaatar seasoning, lemon, and garlic, then baked to golden perfection. The marinade tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with vibrant Middle Eastern flavors, making it a perfect weeknight dinner served alongside couscous and warm pita bread.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 lbs (8) boneless chicken thighs or breasts (skin on or off)

Marinade

  • 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)

Garnish

  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Marinade: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, crushed garlic, zaatar seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until well combined to create a flavorful marinade.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs or breasts into a gallon-size plastic food storage bag or a large plastic container. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for deeper flavor and tenderness.
  3. Prepare for Baking: Lightly coat the inside of a baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking. Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and arrange them in a single layer in the baking dish for even cooking.
  4. Bake the Chicken: Place the dish uncovered into the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown on top and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the chicken for a burst of color and herbal freshness. Serve the zaatar yogurt chicken with couscous and warm pita bread to soak up the delicious juices.

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken overnight enhances flavor and tenderness but a minimum of 30 minutes works well if short on time.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; chicken should reach 165°F internal temperature.
  • Zaatar seasoning is a Middle Eastern spice blend of thyme, sesame seeds, sumac, and salt—available in specialty stores or online.
  • Serve with couscous and warm pita bread to complement the meal and soak up flavorful juices.

Keywords: Baked Zaatar Yogurt Chicken, Za'atar chicken recipe, Greek yogurt marinade, Middle Eastern chicken, baked chicken thighs

Find it online: https://recipeswithmia.com/baked-zaatar-yogurt-chicken-recipe/