Dinner

Baked Zaatar Yogurt Chicken Recipe

Name: Baked Zaatar Yogurt Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 9 h 55 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
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 (for garnish)

Bylina moretti January 9, 2026January 9, 2026

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

Baked Zaatar Yogurt Chicken is a flavorful and tender dish that combines tangy yogurt with fragrant Middle Eastern spices. Marinated for hours to soak up the zaatar seasoning, this chicken is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends.

Close-up of cooked chicken pieces on a baking tray, showing browned and slightly crispy skin with a creamy, light brown sauce coating each piece. The chicken looks juicy with specks of black pepper and herbs visible on the surface, and some parts glistening with melted butter or oil. The edges of the tray show slight browning, suggesting the chicken was roasted or baked. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 plus 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

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F. 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.
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 the bag or cover the container, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight to let the flavors develop.
Step 3: Lightly coat 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. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes, or until the chicken turns golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 4: Sprinkle the baked chicken with chopped fresh parsley before serving. This dish pairs beautifully with couscous and warm pita bread to soak up the delicious juices.

Tips & Variations

For extra tenderness, marinate the chicken overnight to allow the yogurt and spices to deeply infuse the meat.
If you can’t find zaatar seasoning, mix equal parts thyme, oregano, sesame seeds, and sumac as a homemade substitute.
Use skin-on chicken for a crispier texture, or skinless for a lighter dish.
Serve with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad to add more color and nutrients to your meal.

Storage

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. The chicken is also suitable for freezing; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

The image shows golden-brown baked chicken thighs in a white baking tray with crispy edges and a creamy sauce covering the top. The chicken pieces have a rich texture with browned spots and seasoning specks all over, sitting in a shallow pool of light golden juices. The close-up shot highlights the tender, juicy surface of the chicken, with a slightly charred and bubbling sauce making the dish look rich and flavorful. The background consists of a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?

Greek yogurt is preferred for its thick texture and tanginess, which helps tenderize the chicken. If using regular yogurt, strain it to remove excess liquid for best results.

Is zaatar seasoning spicy?

Zaatar has a warm, herby flavor with a slight tanginess but is not typically spicy. The heat in this recipe comes from the red pepper flakes, which you can adjust to your taste.