Name: Za’atar Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: Main Ingredients: 5 Chicken legs (chicken quarters) about 2.4lb (1kg); 1½ Tablespoons Za’atar seasoning; juice of 1 Lemon; Zest of 1 lemon; 1 medium Onion sliced into rounds; 1 Tablespoon Garlic paste; 1 Tablespoon tomato paste; ¼ cup olive oil; Salt and black pepper to taste

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Za’atar Chicken is a flavorful and aromatic dish that is sure to impress your taste buds. With a combination of savory Za’atar seasoning and zesty lemon, this recipe is not only delicious but also easy to make. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

The flavors in this dish are out of this world. The Za’atar seasoning adds a unique and delicious taste to the chicken.
This recipe requires minimal prep time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep for the week ahead.

Za’atar Chicken is versatile and can be enjoyed on its own or paired with your favorite side dishes.

Ingredient Notes:

Chicken legs (chicken quarters): Provide a juicy and flavorful base for this dish.

Za’atar seasoning: Adds a Middle Eastern flair with a blend of herbs and spices.

Lemon juice and zest: Brightens up the dish with a zesty kick.

Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the flavor profile.
Garlic paste and tomato paste: Enhance the savory notes of the dish.

Olive oil: Helps to marinate the chicken and keep it moist.

Salt and black pepper: Season to taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking dish with foil.

In a bowl, mix together the Za’atar seasoning, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic paste, tomato paste, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Place the chicken legs in the baking dish and pour the marinade over them, making sure they are well coated.
Arrange the onion slices on top of the chicken.

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
Serve hot and enjoy!

Helpful Tips:

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the Za’atar seasoning mixture for a few hours or overnight.

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Feel free to customize the dish with your favorite herbs or spices.

Expert Tips for the Best Results:

To achieve crispy skin, broil the chicken for a few minutes at the end of cooking.

Add a splash of white wine to the marinade for a more complex flavor.
Serve the Za’atar Chicken with a side of couscous or a fresh salad.

Serving Suggestions:

Pair this Za’atar Chicken with a side of fluffy rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. For drinks, a crisp white wine or a refreshing lemonade would complement the flavors perfectly.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken legs? Yes, you can use chicken breast, but adjust the cooking time accordingly as they cook faster.

Can I make this recipe on the grill? Absolutely! Marinate the chicken as directed and grill until cooked through.

Is Za’atar seasoning spicy? Za’atar seasoning is not spicy, but it does have a flavorful blend of herbs and spices.

Conclusion:

Try this Za’atar Chicken recipe for a delicious and aromatic meal that is sure to impress. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish is a winner. Share your feedback and enjoy the flavors of this Middle Eastern-inspired dish!

Za’atar Chicken

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Author: Emily

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins

Total Time: 1 hour

Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main-course

Method: Baking

Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Diet: Halal

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Description

Za’atar Chicken is a flavorful and aromatic dish that features tender chicken legs seasoned with za’atar, lemon, and spices, then roasted to perfection. The combination of herbs and spices creates a delicious Middle Eastern-inspired meal that is sure to impress.

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, mix the za’atar seasoning, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic paste, tomato paste, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken legs with the marinade.

Arrange in a baking dish: Place the sliced onions in the bottom of a baking dish and arrange the marinated chicken legs on top.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.

Serve: Serve the Za’atar Chicken hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

You can adjust the seasoning to suit your taste preferences, adding more za’atar or lemon for a bolder flavor.
For a crispy skin, broil the chicken for a few minutes at the end of cooking.