Baked Zaatar Yogurt Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Baked Zaatar Yogurt Chicken is a flavorful and tender dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner. The tangy yogurt marinade combined with aromatic zaatar seasoning makes each bite deliciously vibrant and juicy.

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 one 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 serving)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice and zest, garlic, zaatar seasoning, 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 large container. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal or cover tightly, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
3. Step 3: Lightly coat the inside of a baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil. Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off excess, and arrange the pieces in a single layer in the dish.
4. Step 4: Bake uncovered for about 45 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If using bone-in chicken, extend baking time by 10–15 minutes.
5. Step 5: Garnish the cooked chicken with chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm with couscous and pita bread to soak up the flavorful juices.

Tips & Variations

• If chicken breasts are thick, slice them in half horizontally and gently pound to an even thickness for more even cooking.
• For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
• Try serving with roasted vegetables or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover baked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated 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 bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Yes, bone-in chicken thighs or breasts can be used. Just increase the baking time by 10 to 15 minutes to ensure they are fully cooked.

What can I substitute for zaatar seasoning?

If you don’t have zaatar, you can mix equal parts dried thyme, oregano, and sumac with a pinch of sesame seeds to create a similar flavor profile.

Baked Zaatar Yogurt Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 93 reviews

This Baked Zaatar Yogurt Chicken features tender, juicy chicken marinated in a flavorful blend of Greek yogurt, zaatar seasoning, garlic, lemon, and spices. Baking the chicken results in a golden brown crust and juicy interior, perfect for serving with couscous and warm pita bread.

• Author: Isla
• 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

• 2 lbs (8) boneless chicken thighs or breasts, skin on or off

Marinade

• 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)

Serving

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
2. Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice and zest, crushed garlic, zaatar seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
3. Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken pieces into a gallon size plastic food storage bag or large plastic container. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag or cover the container tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight for maximum flavor and tenderness.
4. Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly coat the inside of a baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
5. Arrange Chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade, shaking off excess, and place the pieces in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
6. Bake Chicken: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use an instant read thermometer for accuracy.
7. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the baked chicken and serve hot with couscous and warm pita bread to soak up the delicious juices.

Notes

• If using thick boneless chicken breasts over 6 ounces, slice them horizontally and gently pound to even thickness for uniform cooking.
• When using bone-in chicken thighs or breasts, increase the baking time by 10–15 minutes at 375°F to ensure they are cooked through.
• Use an instant read thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature for safe consumption.

Keywords: zaatar chicken, baked chicken thighs, yogurt marinade, Middle Eastern chicken, healthy chicken recipe