Baked Zaatar Yogurt Chicken Recipe
This Baked Zaatar Yogurt Chicken is a flavorful and tender dish featuring succulent chicken marinated in a tangy blend of Greek yogurt, zaatar seasoning, lemon, and garlic. The marination process infuses the meat with herbs and spices, while baking ensures juicy, golden-brown chicken perfect for serving alongside couscous and warm pita bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 9 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 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)
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a mixing bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, crushed and chopped garlic, zaatar seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until fully combined, creating a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken thighs or breasts into a gallon-sized plastic food storage bag or a large plastic container. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken pieces. Seal the bag or cover the container with plastic wrap, then refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes or up to overnight—this allows the chicken to absorb the flavors and tenderize.
- Prepare for baking: Lightly coat the inside of 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 baking dish to promote even cooking.
- Bake the chicken: Place the baking dish uncovered into the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the chicken turns golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Garnish and serve: Once baked, garnish the chicken with freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm alongside couscous and warm pita bread to soak up the delicious juices.
Notes
- For best results, marinate the chicken for several hours or overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
- Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe eating.
- You can use bone-in chicken if preferred, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Zaatar seasoning can be bought pre-made or homemade with a blend of thyme, sumac, sesame seeds, and oregano.
- Red pepper flakes can be adjusted to taste for spiciness.
Keywords: zaatar chicken, baked chicken recipe, yogurt marinated chicken, Middle Eastern chicken, healthy baked chicken
Find it online: https://foodbylina.com/baked-zaatar-yogurt-chicken-recipe/
