**Baked Za'atar Chicken Thighs: A Flavorful and Aromatic Mediterranean Delight**
Embark on a culinary journey to the vibrant shores of the Mediterranean with this tantalizing recipe for Baked Za'atar Chicken Thighs. These succulent chicken thighs are generously seasoned with a fragrant blend of za'atar, a Middle Eastern spice mix that captivates the senses with its earthy, nutty, and slightly tangy notes. Marinated in a vibrant combination of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and fresh herbs, the chicken thighs are then roasted to perfection, resulting in a tender and juicy interior enveloped in a crispy, golden-brown skin. Accompanying the chicken is a medley of roasted vegetables, including zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes, which soak up the flavorful juices from the chicken and become irresistibly caramelized. This delectable dish is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visual masterpiece, sure to impress dinner guests and family members alike. In addition to the main recipe, this article also includes variations for Baked Za'atar Chicken Breast and Za'atar Roasted Vegetables, providing options for different preferences and dietary needs.
ZA'ATAR CHICKEN THIGHS
Chicken thighs that are ridiculously simple yet packed with flavor thanks to a generous amount of za'atar. I like to serve this chicken with a fresh green salad of romaine, red onion, and tomato with a tahini-lemon dressing.
Provided by Diana Moutsopoulos
Categories Meat and Poultry Recipes Chicken Chicken Thigh Recipes
Time 35m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Place chicken in a bowl and coat with olive oil. Season liberally with sea salt and black pepper on all sides.
- Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs, skin-side down, to the hot skillet. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon za'atar immediately over each chicken thigh. Cook chicken, without turning, until skin is crispy and browned, 7 to 10 minutes.
- Turn chicken so skin side faces up and remove skillet from heat. Sprinkle remaining za'atar quickly and evenly over each chicken thigh. Spoon some of the rendered chicken fat from the pan over the top of the za'atar.
- Place the skillet in the preheated oven and roast until juices run clear and chicken is no longer pink near the bone, about 15 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 193.9 calories, Carbohydrate 2.1 g, Cholesterol 70.3 mg, Fat 11.7 g, Fiber 1.2 g, Protein 19.5 g, SaturatedFat 2.8 g, Sodium 146.9 mg, Sugar 0.1 g
ONE SHEET PAN ROASTED ZA'ATAR CHICKEN AND POTATOES
A one sheet pan roasted za'atar chicken and potatoes dinner. Chicken crusted with za'atar spices, olive oil, garlic and lemon juice. I toss it all into a zip-top bag and give it a good shake before baking it. It's a crowd pleaser
Provided by Marzia
Categories 30 Minute Meals
Time 1h
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Position a rack near the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 400ºF. You can line a sturdy baking sheet with heavy duty foil for easier clean up if you'd like.
- Combine the olive oil, lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of za'atar seasoning, and garlic powder in a zip-top bag. Give the marinade a taste. If if the seasoning is salt-free like mine was, add in 1 teaspoon or as desired. Add the chicken pieces and the potatoes to the bag. Seal the bag and give it a good shake so the marinade evenly coats the chicken and potatoes. Allow the chicken and potatoes to marinate for 20 minutes or up to 3 hours (see notes).
- Spread the chicken and potato pieces out onto the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle the remaining tablespoon of za'atar on the chicken and potatoes. You could even sprinkle some chopped fresh thyme on top of you'd like.
- Bake the roasted za'atar chicken for 35-45 minutes or until the internal temperature registers 165ºF, you may need to turn the baking sheet half way through the baking if your oven has heat spots. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and lemon slices or wedges, serve warm.
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh, flavorful ingredients will make your dish taste better. Look for organic, free-range chicken thighs, and fresh herbs and spices.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: When baking the chicken thighs, make sure they have enough space to cook evenly. If you overcrowd the pan, the chicken will steam instead of roast.
- Don't overcook the chicken: Chicken thighs are best when they are cooked through but still juicy. Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough.
- Let the chicken rest before serving: After baking, let the chicken thighs rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavorful.
Conclusion:
Baked za'atar chicken thighs are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. The chicken is tender and juicy, and the za'atar spice blend gives it a flavorful, aromatic crust. This dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
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