Za’atar Chicken Recipe
Za’atar Chicken is a flavorful and aromatic Middle Eastern dish featuring succulent chicken legs marinated in a zesty blend of za’atar seasoning, lemon, garlic, and tomato paste. Oven-roasted to golden perfection atop a bed of onions and lemon slices, this recipe yields tender, juicy meat infused with vibrant tangy and herbal notes, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or special occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 5 Chicken legs (chicken quarters) (about 2.4lb / 1kg)
- 1½ Tablespoons Za’atar seasoning
- Juice of 1 Lemon
- Zest of 1 Lemon
- 1 Tablespoon Garlic paste
- 1 Tablespoon Tomato paste
- ¼ cup Olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Additional
- 1 medium Onion, sliced into rounds
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a large bowl, combine za’atar seasoning, lemon juice and zest, garlic paste, tomato paste, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Prep Chicken: Remove any excess fat and skin from the chicken legs. Using a sharp knife, make three incisions on each leg to allow better marinade penetration and even cooking.
- Marinate Chicken: Add the chicken legs to the marinade and thoroughly coat them on all sides, making sure to rub marinade into the incisions. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for best flavor infusion.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to preheat while the chicken marinates.
- Prepare Baking Tray: Arrange the sliced onions and the squeezed lemon halves on a rimmed baking tray to create a flavorful bed for the chicken.
- Roast Chicken: Place the marinated chicken legs on top of the onions and lemon. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes until the chicken is cooked through, golden brown, and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Baste the chicken midway through cooking for extra moisture, but flipping is not necessary.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Pair with your favorite sides and enjoy the juicy, aromatic za’atar chicken.
Notes
- Marinating overnight enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure proper doneness for safety and juiciness.
- You can substitute chicken thighs if preferred, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- Serve with rice, salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Za’atar seasoning can vary in salt content, so adjust salt accordingly.
Keywords: Za'atar chicken, Middle Eastern chicken, oven-roasted chicken, za'atar marinade, lemon chicken, garlic chicken
Find it online: https://frommamamaya.com/zaatar-chicken-recipe/
