Baked Zaatar Yogurt Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Baked Zaatar Yogurt Chicken is a flavorful and tender dish that combines the tanginess of yogurt with the earthy, fragrant notes of zaatar seasoning. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend gathering, offering a delicious Middle Eastern-inspired meal.

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 one 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

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F. In a bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice and zest, garlic, zaatar seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to create the marinade.
2. Step 2: Place the chicken pieces into a gallon-size plastic food storage bag or a large plastic container. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag or cover the container, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight for best flavor.
3. 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.
4. Step 4: Bake the chicken uncovered for 45 minutes, or until it is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
5. Step 5: Garnish the baked chicken with freshly chopped parsley and serve with couscous and warm pita to soak up the flavorful juices.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispy skin, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
• Use chicken thighs for more moist and flavorful meat; breasts work well too if you prefer leaner cuts.
• Substitute zaatar with a mix of thyme, oregano, sumac, and sesame seeds if you can’t find zaatar seasoning.
• Marinate the chicken overnight to deepen the flavors and tenderize the meat.

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. To keep the chicken moist, cover it with foil while reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, boneless, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts work best, but bone-in pieces can also be used. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

What can I serve with Baked Zaatar Yogurt Chicken?

This chicken pairs beautifully with couscous, rice, or a simple salad. Warm pita bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious juices.

Baked Zaatar Yogurt Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 100 reviews

This Baked Zaatar Yogurt Chicken offers a flavorful and tender dish featuring marinated chicken thighs or breasts in a tangy Greek yogurt and zaatar spice blend. The chicken is baked until golden and juicy, making it a perfect Mediterranean-inspired meal to enjoy with couscous and warm pita bread.

• Author: Anna
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes (plus marinating time)
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
2. Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice and zest, crushed garlic, zaatar seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
3. Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken pieces into a gallon-sized plastic food storage bag or a large plastic container. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal or cover tightly, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to infuse.
4. Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly coat the inside of a baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
5. Arrange Chicken: Shake off any excess marinade from the chicken and place the pieces in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
6. Bake Chicken: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
7. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and serve warm alongside couscous and pita bread to soak up the delicious juices.

Notes

• Ensure the chicken is fully cooked by verifying it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.
• Marinating overnight enhances the flavor significantly but a minimum of 30 minutes will still give good results.
• Skin-on chicken will result in a crispier texture, while skinless will be leaner.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
• Serve with sides like couscous and pita to round out the meal with authentic Mediterranean touches.

Keywords: baked chicken, zaatar chicken, yogurt marinade, Mediterranean chicken, healthy baked chicken, Greek yogurt chicken