Baked Zaatar Yogurt Chicken Recipe
This Baked Zaatar Yogurt Chicken recipe combines tender boneless chicken thighs or breasts marinated in a flavorful blend of Greek yogurt, zaatar seasoning, garlic, lemon, and spices, then baked to golden perfection. The marinade imparts a tangy, herbaceous aroma while keeping the chicken juicy and tender. Serve this Middle Eastern-inspired dish with couscous and warm pita bread to soak up the delicious juices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes to 12 hours (including marinating time)
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken & 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 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
Garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare marinade: Preheat the oven to 375°F. 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.
- Marinate the chicken: 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 tightly, and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes or up to overnight to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Prepare for baking: Lightly coat the inside of a baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil. Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off excess marinade, and arrange the pieces in a single layer in the baking dish.
- Bake the chicken: Bake the chicken uncovered in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring it is fully cooked and juicy.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the baked chicken as a fresh garnish. Serve hot with couscous and warm pita bread to soak up the flavorful juices.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken longer for more intense flavor; ideally, refrigerate overnight.
- Check the chicken internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- You can use either chicken thighs or breasts based on preference; thighs tend to stay juicier.
- Serve with couscous and warm pita bread for a complete Mediterranean meal.
- Adjust red pepper flakes for desired spice level.
Keywords: Baked chicken, Zaatar chicken, Greek yogurt marinade, Middle Eastern chicken, healthy baked chicken
Find it online: https://miarosetti.com/baked-zaatar-yogurt-chicken-recipe/
