Grilled Zaatar Chicken Recipe
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Marinade
1 hr
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Servings
4
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Calories
719 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Middle Eastern
Grilled Zaatar Chicken Recipe
Description
This recipe marinates chicken thighs with a mixture of olive oil, minced garlic, freshly squeezed lemon juice, zaatar seasoning, and salt. The zaatar, a spice blend of herbs and sesame, imparts aromatic complexity. The chicken is pierced with small slits to better absorb the marinade. After marinating one to six hours, the chicken is grilled over medium-high heat until cooked through, about 12-13 minutes total, developing a lightly charred exterior and juicy interior.
The accompanying yogurt herb sauce melds plain yogurt with lemon juice, garlic, tahini, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley and cilantro. This sauce adds creamy acidity and herb freshness to complement the spice-rubbed chicken. The combination produces a balanced dish with bold herbal and citrus notes, tender grilled meat, and cooling sauce.
Boneless skinless thighs are preferred for their juiciness, but skinless breasts can be substituted. The chicken is done when fully firm and reaches 165°F at the thickest point. Fresh herbs elevate the sauce, but variations are possible depending on availability. The recipe yields tender grilled chicken ideal for dinners, served with the yogurt sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 lb chicken thighs boneless and skinless
- 3 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 lemon juice of
- 1/4 cup zaatar
- 1/2 tsp salt
Yogurt Herb Sauce
- 3/4 cup yogurt
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp tahini
- 2 tbsp parsley chopped
- 2 tbsp cilantro chopped
Instructions
- Cut a few small slits on each chicken thigh and set aside. In a large bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, zaatar and salt. Place the chicken in the marinade and make sure all pieces are coated with the zaatar and olive oil mixture. Marinade for at least one hour up to six hours.
- When ready to grill, preheat the grill to 400°F and clean the grates. Using tongs and an oiled kitchen paper towel, grease the grates.
- Place the chicken thighs on the grill. Grill for about 6 minutes on one side, then flip and grill for another 6 to 7 minutes on the other side until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Mix yogurt, lemon juice, salt, pepper, tahini, parsley and cilantro in a bowl and serve with grilled zaatar chicken.
Notes
- Use boneless skinless chicken thighs for juicier results; breasts can be substituted if preferred.
- The chicken is fully cooked when firm and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Greek yogurt or any plain yogurt works well in the accompanying herb sauce.
- If cilantro isn’t available, substitute with other fresh herbs such as parsley or oregano.
- Marinate the chicken for at least one hour and up to six hours for best flavor absorption.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 719 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 719kcal | 36% |
| Carbohydrates | 18g | 6% |
| Protein | 42g | 84% |
| Fat | 55g | 85% |
| Saturated Fat | 14g | 70% |
| Cholesterol | 228mg | 76% |
| Sodium | 645mg | 27% |
| Potassium | 748mg | 16% |
| Fiber | 7g | 28% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 958IU | 19% |
| Vitamin C | 29mg | 32% |
| Calcium | 380mg | 38% |
| Iron | 20mg | 111% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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