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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://ellaeatsdaily.com/baked-zaatar-yogurt-chicken-recipe/