Name: Baked Zaatar Yogurt Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: PT-491951H10M46S
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
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 of 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

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Introduction

This Baked Zaatar Yogurt Chicken is a flavorful and tender dish infused with Middle Eastern spices and creamy yogurt. It’s easy to prepare and makes a wonderful weeknight dinner served alongside couscous or warm pita bread.

A white pan filled with a dish where the bottom layer is small round pasta mixed with yellow and green pieces, topped with scattered red pomegranate seeds. Above this, there are six golden brown chicken pieces with a light sauce on top, sprinkled with green chopped herbs. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Preheat your 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 until well combined.
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 to allow flavors to develop.
Step 3: Lightly grease the inside of a baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil. Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off the excess, and arrange the pieces in a single layer in the dish.
Step 4: Bake the chicken uncovered for about 45 minutes, or until it is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 5: Garnish the baked chicken with chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm with couscous and pita bread to soak up the flavorful juices.

Tips & Variations

For extra crisp skin, broil the chicken for the last 2–3 minutes of cooking, watching closely to prevent burning.
If you can’t find zaatar, substitute with a mix of thyme, sesame seeds, sumac, and oregano.
Use boneless skin-on thighs for juicier, more flavorful chicken, but breasts work well too if you prefer leaner meat.
Marinating overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness, but 30 minutes is sufficient if short on time.

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. This dish doesn’t freeze well because of the yogurt marinade.

How to Serve

The image shows six pieces of cooked chicken thighs in a white baking dish with a red outer edge. The chicken pieces are golden brown with a creamy, herb-speckled sauce coating them, giving a slightly glossy texture. The background surface is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, boneless chicken breasts work well with this recipe. Just watch the cooking time as breasts may cook a little faster and can dry out if overcooked.

What is zaatar seasoning?

Zaatar is a Middle Eastern spice blend typically made from dried thyme, oregano, marjoram, sesame seeds, and sumac. It adds a tangy, aromatic flavor that complements the yogurt marinade beautifully.