Baked Zaatar Yogurt Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Baked Zaatar Yogurt Chicken is a flavorful and juicy dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests. The tangy yogurt marinade combined with aromatic zaatar seasoning creates a deliciously tender chicken that pairs wonderfully with sides like couscous or warm pita.

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 one 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 seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to make 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 the bag or cover the container, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
3. Step 3: Lightly coat a baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil. Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess, and arrange the pieces in a single layer in the dish.
4. Step 4: Bake the chicken uncovered for 45 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
5. Step 5: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy with couscous and warm pita bread to soak up the flavorful juices.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crisp skin, broil the chicken for the last 2–3 minutes of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
• Use chicken thighs for more juiciness or breasts for a leaner option; adjust baking time slightly if using very thick breasts.
• Substitute zaatar seasoning with a mix of thyme, oregano, sesame seeds, and sumac if you can’t find it locally.
• Marinate overnight whenever possible to maximize tenderness and flavor infusion.

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 does not freeze as well due to the yogurt marinade, which may separate after thawing.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken drumsticks or wings instead?

Yes, you can substitute drumsticks or wings, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. Drumsticks may take about 50–55 minutes, and wings around 35 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Is it necessary to use Greek yogurt for the marinade?

Greek yogurt is ideal because it’s thick and creamy, helping the marinade cling to the chicken and tenderize it effectively. You can use regular plain yogurt, but the marinade will be thinner and may not stick as well.

Baked Zaatar Yogurt Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 132 reviews

This Baked Zaatar Yogurt Chicken recipe combines tender chicken thighs or breasts marinated in a flavorful blend of Greek yogurt, zaatar seasoning, lemon, garlic, and spices. Baked to golden perfection, the chicken is juicy and infused with Middle Eastern zest, making it perfect served alongside couscous and warm pita bread for a satisfying and aromatic meal.

• Author: Ella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Marinade

• 2 lbs (8 pieces) 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

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, crushed garlic, zaatar seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until well combined to create a flavorful marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the boneless chicken thighs or breasts into a large 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 tightly with plastic wrap, then refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb the flavors, or for up to overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
3. Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease the inside of a baking dish using cooking spray or olive oil to prevent the chicken from sticking during baking.
4. Bake the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, gently shaking off any excess marinade, and arrange the pieces in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Bake uncovered for 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 and juicy.
5. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, garnish the chicken with chopped fresh parsley. For a complete meal, serve the chicken alongside couscous and warm pita bread to soak up the delicious juices.

Notes

• Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer for safe consumption.
• For added flavor, marinate the chicken overnight, but at least 30 minutes is necessary.
• Use skin-on chicken thighs for extra moist and flavorful results, but skinless works well too.
• Zaatar seasoning can be found in Middle Eastern grocery stores or made at home with a mix of thyme, sesame seeds, sumac, and salt.
• Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: zaatar chicken, baked yogurt chicken, Middle Eastern chicken, healthy chicken recipe, Greek yogurt chicken, easy baked chicken