Zaatar Chicken: 1 Amazing Way to Cook

Name: Zaatar Chicken: 1 Amazing Way to Cook
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 2 tablespoons za’atar seasoning; 1 tablespoon olive oil

by Jannet Lisa

27 de July de 2025

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Zaatar chicken has become my go-to for a quick and flavorful weeknight meal. I remember the first time I tried this incredibly easy za’atar chicken; the aroma of the herbs and spices baking in the oven was simply divine. The chicken thighs came out so juicy with a wonderfully crispy skin, bursting with that distinctive, tangy, and herbaceous Mediterranean flavor. It’s a simple dish that feels so special, making it perfect for busy evenings when you still want something delicious and satisfying. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Zaatar Chicken

This Zaatar Chicken recipe is a weeknight winner for so many reasons:

Incredible Flavor: The unique blend of herbs and spices in za’atar creates a delicious, tangy, and aromatic taste that’s simply irresistible.
Super Fast Prep: With just a few ingredients and minimal chopping, you can have this za’atar marinated chicken ready for the oven in under 5 minutes.
Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with protein and made with wholesome ingredients, it’s a fantastic choice for a nutritious meal.

Budget-Friendly: Using simple pantry staples and chicken thighs makes this a cost-effective way to enjoy a gourmet-tasting dish.
Family Approved: Even picky eaters will love the savory, slightly tangy flavor of this za’atar marinated chicken.
Versatile: It pairs beautifully with almost any side dish, making it easy to customize your meal.

Crispy Skin Perfection: The simple method ensures you get wonderfully crispy skin on your chicken thighs every time.

Ingredients for Zaatar Chicken

Gathering the ingredients for this delightful za’atar chicken is incredibly simple, featuring just three main components:

4-6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs – I prefer thighs because they stay so wonderfully moist, but you can use breasts if you prefer, just watch the cooking time closely.

2 tablespoons za’atar seasoning – This is the star! This Middle Eastern spice blend is typically made with dried herbs like thyme and oregano, toasted sesame seeds, and sumac, giving it that signature tangy and earthy flavor. It’s the key to what makes this za’atar chicken seasoning so special.
1 tablespoon olive oil – Just a touch of good quality olive oil helps the seasoning paste stick to the chicken and promotes browning.

Zaatar Chicken: 1 Amazing Way to Cook - Zaatar Chicken - ingredients

How to Make Oven Baked Zaatar Chicken

Making this flavorful za’atar chicken is incredibly straightforward, even on a busy weeknight. The aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes is just heavenly!

Step 1: First things first, let’s get that oven roaring! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats up, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This makes cleanup a breeze and helps prevent any sticking.
Step 2: Time to prep our star ingredient: the chicken. Take your boneless, skinless chicken thighs and pat them completely dry with paper towels. I know it seems like a small step, but this is crucial for achieving that delightful crispy skin we all love on our oven baked za’atar chicken.

Step 3: In a small bowl, combine the magic maker – the za’atar seasoning – with the olive oil. Mix them together until you form a thick, fragrant paste. It should smell absolutely amazing already!
Step 4: Now, let’s get those za’atar chicken thighs coated. Generously slather the za’atar paste all over each piece of chicken, making sure every nook and cranny is covered. This ensures maximum flavor in every single bite.
Step 5: Arrange the seasoned za’atar chicken thighs in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Give them a little space so they can crisp up nicely in the oven.

Step 6: Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for the chicken to be cooked through and the skin to be beautifully golden brown and wonderfully crispy. The best way to know for sure is to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer – it should read 165°F (74°C).
Step 7: Once cooked, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let your delicious za’atar chicken rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken even more tender and moist.

Zaatar Chicken: 1 Amazing Way to Cook - Zaatar Chicken - baked to perfection

Pro Tips for the Best Zaatar Chicken

I’ve learned a few tricks over the years to make sure my za’atar chicken turns out perfectly every time:

Always pat your chicken completely dry before seasoning. This is key for achieving that delicious crispy skin you crave.
Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Give the za’atar chicken thighs enough space to breathe so the heat circulates evenly for crispier results.

If you’re using chicken breasts, keep a close eye on them as they cook faster than thighs and can dry out quickly.
Allowing the chicken to rest after baking is crucial for juicy, tender meat. Don’t skip this step!

What’s the secret to perfect Zaatar chicken?

The real secret to the best za’atar chicken is using a good quality za’atar blend and ensuring the chicken thighs are patted completely dry. This allows the spice to adhere well and the skin to crisp up beautifully in the oven.

Can I make Zaatar chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can absolutely prepare the chicken ahead of time! You can mix the za’atar paste and coat the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before baking.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Zaatar chicken?

The most common mistake is not drying the chicken thoroughly, which leads to soggy skin. Another pitfall is overcooking, especially with chicken breasts. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) without going much higher.

Best Ways to Serve Zaatar Chicken

This versatile za’atar chicken is fantastic served in so many ways, making it a true crowd-pleaser. For a complete Mediterranean za’atar chicken experience, I love pairing it with fluffy couscous or a refreshing quinoa salad. Roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion also complement the savory chicken beautifully. For a lighter option, a simple side salad with a lemon vinaigrette or some creamy hummus and warm pita bread makes for a perfect meal.

Nutrition Facts for Zaatar Chicken

Let’s break down what makes this za’atar chicken so delicious and satisfying. Each serving offers a great balance of nutrients, making it a healthy addition to your dinner rotation.

Calories: 250
Fat: 15g

Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Protein: 25g

Carbohydrates: 3g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g

Sodium: 150mg
Cholesterol: 120mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use.

How to Store and Reheat Zaatar Chicken

Leftover za’atar chicken is fantastic, and storing it properly ensures it stays delicious for your next meal. Once the chicken has cooled down completely, transfer it to an airtight container. This will keep it fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or another easy za’atar chicken for dinner later in the week. If you want to save it for longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and place them in a freezer-safe bag.

When you’re ready to enjoy your stored za’atar chicken, reheating is simple. For refrigerated chicken, you can gently warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat for a few minutes until heated through, or pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. For frozen chicken, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator first, then reheat using either of the methods above. Be careful not to overheat, as the chicken can dry out.

Frequently Asked Questions About Zaatar Chicken

What is zaatar chicken?

Za’atar chicken refers to chicken that has been seasoned or marinated with za’atar, a popular Middle Eastern spice blend. This blend typically includes dried thyme, oregano, marjoram, sumac, and toasted sesame seeds, giving the chicken a unique, savory, tangy, and herbaceous flavor profile. It’s a simple yet incredibly flavorful way to prepare chicken.

What is the best zaatar chicken seasoning?

The “best” za’atar chicken seasoning really depends on personal preference, as za’atar blends can vary slightly by region and brand. However, a good quality blend will have a balanced flavor that’s not too salty or overpowering. Look for blends that highlight the fresh aroma of herbs and the tang of sumac. My favorite involves mixing the za’atar with a little olive oil to create a paste that adheres beautifully to the chicken.

Can I use za’atar chicken seasoning on other meats?

Absolutely! Za’atar chicken seasoning is incredibly versatile. You can use it to season lamb, beef, fish, or even vegetables. It’s also fantastic sprinkled on roasted potatoes, mixed into dips like hummus, or added to salad dressings. Its complex flavor profile works wonderfully across many different dishes, making it a staple in my kitchen. You can find more latest recipes here.

How do I make sure my Zaatar chicken is moist?

To ensure your za’atar chicken stays moist, especially if you’re using chicken breasts, don’t overcook it. Use a meat thermometer and aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Chicken thighs, as used in this recipe, are naturally more forgiving and tend to stay moister due to their higher fat content. Patting them dry and letting them rest after baking also helps retain juices.

Variations of Zaatar Chicken You Can Try

While this recipe focuses on simple oven-baked chicken thighs, the wonderful flavor of za’atar opens up a world of possibilities! You can easily adapt this dish to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

Za’atar Chicken Breast: If you prefer a leaner cut, swap the thighs for boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Just be mindful that breasts cook faster, so keep an eye on them to prevent drying out; usually, about 20-25 minutes at 400°F (200°C) is sufficient.
Grilled Za’atar Chicken: Take your za’atar chicken to the grill for a smoky, char-grilled flavor! Marinate the chicken as directed, then grill over medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and nicely charred. This is perfect for summer cookouts.

Za’atar Chicken Skewers: Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, marinate them in the za’atar and olive oil mixture, and thread them onto skewers. Grill or bake until tender and slightly caramelized. These are great for appetizers or served over a fresh salad.
Spicy Za’atar Chicken: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the za’atar marinade. It adds a lovely warmth that complements the herbaceous notes of the za’atar blend.