Baked Zaatar Yogurt Chicken Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly coat the inside of a baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Arrange Chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade, shaking off excess, and place the pieces in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://islawhite.com/baked-zaatar-yogurt-chicken-recipe/
