MIDDLE EASTERN-INSPIRED HERB AND GARLIC CHICKEN
This recipe was inspired by the Middle Eastern dried seasoning mix called za'atar, a combination of herbs (usually thyme, oregano and marjoram), sesame seeds and sumac, often spiked with salt. Here, fresh herbs are substituted for the dried, which, along with fresh parsley and mint and plenty of lemon and garlic, are used to marinated boneless chicken thighs. If you can't find sumac, just leave it out. It does add a nice tang and vibrant color, but the dish will work without it. Optimum marinating time here is 8 hours. But feel free to leave it for as little as 15 minutes or as long as 24 hours. If you would rather use white meat, substitute boneless skinless breasts but reduce the cooking time by a few minutes.
Provided by Melissa Clark
Categories weekday, weeknight, main course
Time 40m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Combine chicken with all but 1 teaspoon of the grated garlic (save that teaspoon for the yogurt sauce), the zest and juice of 1 lemon, oil, parsley, mint, thyme, oregano, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and the sesame seeds and sumac, if using. Cover and marinate for 15 to 30 minutes at room temperature; you can refrigerate it for up to 24 hours.
- Heat grill or broiler. If grilling, cook chicken over high heat until charred in spots, 4 to 7 minutes. Flip pieces and continue grilling until just cooked through, another 4 to 7 minutes. If broiling, arrange a rack 3 to 4 inches from flame. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and spread chicken out in a single layer. Broil chicken, turning halfway through cooking, until well colored and charred in spots, 4 to 7 minutes per side. Be careful that it doesn't burn.
- While chicken cooks, place yogurt in a small bowl. Stir in the reserved grated garlic and lemon zest and season to taste with salt. Serve the chicken drizzled with olive oil, remaining lemon juice to taste, black pepper, parsley and sesame seeds and sumac, if using, with the yogurt alongside for dipping.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 187, UnsaturatedFat 8 grams, Carbohydrate 5 grams, Fat 11 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 17 grams, SaturatedFat 2 grams, Sodium 447 milligrams, Sugar 2 grams, TransFat 0 grams
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Rizza Rosales
[email protected]This recipe is a great way to use up leftover chicken. I made it with a rotisserie chicken and it was delicious. I served it with rice and roasted vegetables. It was a quick and easy meal that the whole family enjoyed.
Mahamed Abdikadir
[email protected]I'm a beginner cook and this recipe was easy to follow. The chicken turned out moist and flavorful. I will definitely be making this again.
Tara Thakur
[email protected]This dish was easy to make and very flavorful. I followed the recipe exactly and it turned out perfectly. I served it with rice and a side salad. It was a delicious and healthy meal.
Nazeer ali Ali
[email protected]I'm not a big fan of cilantro, so I omitted it from the recipe. The dish was still delicious! I also used boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs. It turned out great.
Hussain Hussain
[email protected]This recipe is a keeper! I've made it several times now, and it's always a hit. The chicken is always tender and juicy, and the sauce is so flavorful. I love serving it with rice and a side of roasted vegetables.
Hycent Tim Ndah
[email protected]I'm so glad you enjoyed the recipe! I love how versatile it is. You can adjust the spice level to your liking, and you can also add different vegetables to the dish. It's a great way to use up leftover chicken, too.
Jesue Viveros
[email protected]This dish was a bit too spicy for my taste, but my husband loved it. He said it was the best chicken he's ever had. I would recommend using less cayenne pepper if you don't like spicy food.
Paradise Nesty
[email protected]This recipe was easy to follow and the results were amazing. The chicken was tender and moist, and the sauce was delicious. I served it with rice and roasted vegetables, and it was a perfect meal.
Visions media
[email protected]I'm not usually a fan of chicken, but this dish changed my mind. The marinade made the chicken so flavorful and juicy. I'll be making this again soon.
Stryder 13
[email protected]This chicken dish was a hit at my dinner party! The flavors were bold and complex, and the chicken was cooked perfectly. I will definitely be making this again.