Zaatar Chicken Middle Eastern Recipes

MIDDLE EASTERN-INSPIRED HERB AND GARLIC CHICKEN

This recipe was inspired by the Middle Eastern dried seasoning mix called za'atar, a combination of herbs (usually thyme, oregano and marjoram), sesame seeds and sumac, often spiked with salt. Here, fresh herbs are substituted for the dried, which, along with fresh parsley and mint and plenty of lemon and garlic, are used to marinated boneless chicken thighs. If you can't find sumac, just leave it out. It does add a nice tang and vibrant color, but the dish will work without it. Optimum marinating time here is 8 hours. But feel free to leave it for as little as 15 minutes or as long as 24 hours. If you would rather use white meat, substitute boneless skinless breasts but reduce the cooking time by a few minutes.

Provided by Melissa Clark

Categories weekday, weeknight, main course

Time 40m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

Middle Eastern-Inspired Herb and Garlic Chicken image

Steps:

Combine chicken with all but 1 teaspoon of the grated garlic (save that teaspoon for the yogurt sauce), the zest and juice of 1 lemon, oil, parsley, mint, thyme, oregano, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and the sesame seeds and sumac, if using. Cover and marinate for 15 to 30 minutes at room temperature; you can refrigerate it for up to 24 hours.
Heat grill or broiler. If grilling, cook chicken over high heat until charred in spots, 4 to 7 minutes. Flip pieces and continue grilling until just cooked through, another 4 to 7 minutes. If broiling, arrange a rack 3 to 4 inches from flame. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and spread chicken out in a single layer. Broil chicken, turning halfway through cooking, until well colored and charred in spots, 4 to 7 minutes per side. Be careful that it doesn't burn.
While chicken cooks, place yogurt in a small bowl. Stir in the reserved grated garlic and lemon zest and season to taste with salt. Serve the chicken drizzled with olive oil, remaining lemon juice to taste, black pepper, parsley and sesame seeds and sumac, if using, with the yogurt alongside for dipping.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 187, UnsaturatedFat 8 grams, Carbohydrate 5 grams, Fat 11 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 17 grams, SaturatedFat 2 grams, Sodium 447 milligrams, Sugar 2 grams, TransFat 0 grams

Ingredients

6 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 1 3/4 pounds)
6 garlic cloves, grated on a Microplane or minced
Juice and zest of 2 lemons
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, more for serving
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley, more for serving
2 tablespoons minced fresh mint
1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme
1 tablespoon minced fresh oregano or marjoram
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, more as needed
1 tablespoon sesame seeds, more for garnish (optional)
3/4 teaspoon sumac, more for garnish (optional)
2/3 cup plain Greek yogurt, preferably whole milk yogurt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

OVEN-ROASTED ZA'ATAR CHICKEN BREASTS

This za'atar-marinated chicken gets an extra dose of za'atar seasoning right before being roasted in the oven for a tender and juicy meal. Za'atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend found in most spice shops or you can make your own using one of the many recipes found online. Serve the za'atar chicken with couscous, roasted potatoes, or atop a salad.

Provided by France C

Categories Meat and Poultry Recipes Chicken Chicken Breast Recipes

Time 2h30m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 7

Oven-Roasted Za'atar Chicken Breasts image

Steps:

Pound chicken breasts to a 1-inch thickness for even cooking. Place in a large resealable plastic bag.
Combine 2 tablespoons za'atar seasoning, lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic in a small bowl. Pour mixture over the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Seal the bag and refrigerate for 2 to 8 hours.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and coat with cooking spray.
Place chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet and sprinkle with remaining za'atar seasoning.
Roast in the preheated oven until chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, 23 to 25 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Season with salt.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 201.9 calories, Carbohydrate 3 g, Cholesterol 67.2 mg, Fat 9.8 g, Fiber 1.2 g, Protein 24.9 g, SaturatedFat 1.8 g, Sodium 100.3 mg, Sugar 0.2 g

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3 tablespoons za'atar seasoning, divided
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
cooking spray
salt to taste