Baked Zaatar Yogurt Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Baked Zaatar Yogurt Chicken brings together tender chicken marinated in a tangy, fragrant blend of yogurt and zaatar spices. It’s a simple, flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.

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 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)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice and zest, garlic, zaatar, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to create the marinade.
2. 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 or cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight to let the flavors develop.
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 in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
5. Step 5: Garnish the baked chicken with fresh chopped parsley. Serve with couscous and warm pita bread to soak up the delicious juices.

Tips & Variations

• Use skin-on chicken for extra crispy edges, or skinless if you prefer leaner meat.
• If you can’t find zaatar, substitute with a mix of thyme, sesame seeds, sumac, and a pinch of salt.
• Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor and even more tender results.
• Add a splash of honey to the marinade for a hint of sweetness balancing the tangy yogurt.

Storage

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to maintain moisture. This dish also freezes well; thaw completely before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts. Keep in mind that breasts may cook faster and can dry out if overcooked, so check for doneness earlier.

Is it necessary to use Greek yogurt for the marinade?

Greek yogurt works best because it’s thick and creamy, helping to tenderize the chicken and carry the spices well. Regular yogurt can be used but may result in a thinner marinade.

Baked Zaatar Yogurt Chicken Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 130 reviews

Baked Zaatar Yogurt Chicken is a flavorful and tender Middle Eastern-inspired dish featuring juicy chicken marinated in a mixture of Greek yogurt, zaatar seasoning, lemon juice, and garlic, then baked to golden perfection. This recipe offers a deliciously tangy and aromatic meal perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests, served best with couscous and warm pita bread to soak up the savory juices.

• Author: Elias
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes to overnight (including marinating time)
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

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)

Garnish

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
2. Make the marinade: 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.
3. Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken pieces into a gallon-size plastic food storage bag or a large plastic container. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, seal the bag or cover the container with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight, allowing the flavors to deeply penetrate the chicken.
4. Prepare for baking: Lightly coat a baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking. Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess, and arrange the pieces in a single layer in the dish.
5. Bake the chicken: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 45 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.
6. Garnish and serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve with couscous and warm pita bread to soak up the flavorful juices for a complete meal.

Notes

• Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
• You can marinate the chicken overnight for more intense flavor and tenderness.
• Using skin-on chicken can add extra flavor and moisture but can be omitted if preferred.
• Red pepper flakes can be adjusted based on preferred spice level.
• This dish pairs wonderfully with couscous, rice, or a simple salad.

Keywords: Baked chicken, Zaatar chicken, Greek yogurt marinade, Middle Eastern chicken, Easy baked chicken recipe