Baked Zaatar Yogurt Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Baked Zaatar Yogurt Chicken is a flavorful and juicy dish that combines the tanginess of yogurt with the aromatic spice of zaatar. It’s a simple yet impressive recipe perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.

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

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F. In a bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice and zest, crushed garlic, zaatar, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
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 or cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably overnight for more flavor.
3. Step 3: Lightly coat a baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil. Shake off any excess marinade from the chicken and arrange the pieces in a single layer in the dish.
4. Step 4: Bake uncovered for 45 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
5. Step 5: Garnish with the chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm with couscous and pita bread to soak up the delicious juices.

Tips & Variations

• Use bone-in chicken for extra juiciness, but increase baking time accordingly.
• Swap zaatar seasoning with a mix of thyme, sumac, and sesame seeds if you don’t have zaatar on hand.
• Marinate the chicken overnight to deepen the flavors and tenderize the meat.
• Add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of ground cumin to the marinade for a subtle sweetness or earthiness.

Storage

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave on medium power to avoid drying out the chicken.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, boneless chicken breasts work well and will cook in about the same time. Thighs tend to stay juicier, but breasts are a leaner option.

What if I don’t have Greek yogurt?

You can substitute regular plain yogurt, but Greek yogurt’s thickness helps the marinade cling better and creates a creamier texture.

Baked Zaatar Yogurt Chicken Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 147 reviews

This flavorful Baked Zaatar Yogurt Chicken recipe features tender chicken marinated in a tangy blend of Greek yogurt, zaatar seasoning, lemon juice, and garlic, then baked to golden perfection. A simple yet aromatic Middle Eastern-inspired dish perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, best served with couscous and warm pita bread to soak up the delicious juices.

• Author: mia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes (plus marinating time)
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Marinade

• 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 (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Marinade: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a mixing bowl, thoroughly 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 form the 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 prepared marinade over the chicken pieces, ensuring they are evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the container with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
3. Prepare for Baking: Lightly coat the inside of a baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade, shaking off the excess, and arrange them in a single layer inside the baking dish.
4. Bake the Chicken: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
5. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, garnish the chicken with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot alongside couscous and warm pita breads to dip into the flavorful juices.

Notes

• For best flavor, marinate chicken overnight but a minimum of 30 minutes will still impart good flavor.
• Using boneless, skin-on chicken thighs will yield juicier results, but breasts work well too.
• Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
• Serve with couscous and pita bread to complete the Middle Eastern-inspired meal experience.

Keywords: zaatar chicken, baked chicken, yogurt marinade, middle eastern chicken, chicken thighs, healthy chicken recipe