Best 7 Zaatar Chicken Nigel Slater Recipes

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**Za'atar Chicken: A Culinary Journey Through the Flavors of the Middle East**

Embark on a tantalizing culinary adventure with our carefully curated collection of Za'atar Chicken recipes, inspired by the vibrant flavors of the Middle East. From succulent grilled chicken infused with aromatic za'atar spice blend to hearty stews and flavorful one-pan dishes, our recipes cater to every taste and skill level. Discover the perfect balance of tangy, earthy, and nutty notes in each dish, as you explore the versatility of this delectable spice blend. Let your taste buds rejoice as you savor the tender chicken, marinated in fragrant herbs and spices, grilled to perfection. Indulge in the comforting warmth of stews simmering with rich tomatoes, aromatic spices, and succulent chicken pieces. For a quick and easy weeknight meal, try our one-pan wonders that combine succulent chicken, colorful vegetables, and zesty za'atar seasoning. Each recipe promises a unique culinary experience, inviting you to explore the diverse culinary traditions of the Middle East.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

ZA'ATAR CHICKEN WITH CHICKPEAS AND GARLIC YOGHURT



Za'atar chicken with chickpeas and garlic yoghurt image

A quick and easy chicken supper using the Middle Eastern spice blend, za'atar and a sprinkling of sesame seeds on chicken thighs.

Provided by Nigel Slater

Categories     Main course

Yield Serves 4

Number Of Ingredients 8

3 tbsp za'atar
6 tbsp olive oil
4 chicken thighs
2 tbsp sesame seeds
2 x 400g tins chickpeas, drained and rinsed
6 garlic cloves, peeled
250ml/9fl oz thick plain yoghurt
20 small mint leaves

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 220C/200C Fan/Gas 7.
  • Mix the za'atar with the oil in a small bowl.
  • Put the chicken in a deep roasting tray, brush with the za'atar glaze and scatter over the sesame seeds. Add the chickpeas and garlic and bake for 30-40 minutes.
  • Remove the tray from the oven, take the garlic out and set aside. Brush the chicken with the za'atar oil that has gathered at the bottom of the tray.
  • Return the chicken to the oven for a further 15-20 minutes.
  • Pound the roasted garlic into a paste using a mortar and pestle. Scrape the garlic paste into a bowl, then mix in the yoghurt.
  • Serve the chicken on bed of chickpeas, with the garlic yoghurt trickled over and the mint leaves scattered on top.

ROAST CHICKEN WITH LEMON AND ZA'ATAR



Roast Chicken With Lemon and Za'atar image

This plump and juicy roast chicken benefits from tenderizing in a yogurt-lemon-garlic marinade for as long as 24 hours, but if you don't have a lot of time, slathering it with the mixture before sliding it into the oven will still add flavor, and give the spices something to stick to. Za'atar, a Middle Eastern herb-and-spice blend, can still be hard to find in the supermarket, so make your own by combining sumac, sesame seeds, thyme, coriander, oregano and cumin. You can buy sumac, a garnet-colored lemony spice, in Middle Eastern markets or online, but the rest of the ingredients are most likely already on your spice rack, and leaving out one or two of them is perfectly O.K. If you have a premade za'atar blend on hand, you'll need about 1/2 cup to coat the chicken.

Provided by Susan Spungen

Categories     dinner, poultry, roasts, main course

Time 4h

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 cup plain full- or reduced-fat Greek yogurt
3 lemons (1 lemon zested and juiced; 2 lemons, halved)
2 large garlic cloves, finely grated
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 (4- to 5-pound) whole chicken
Kosher salt and black pepper
2 tablespoons toasted white sesame seeds (see Tip)
2 tablespoons sumac (optional)
1 tablespoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon ground coriander
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons ground cumin
3 medium shallots, peeled and halved lengthwise

Steps:

  • In a shallow bowl, stir together yogurt, zest and juice of 1 lemon, garlic and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Season the chicken inside and out with 1 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the bowl and coat with the yogurt mixture inside and out. Cover and refrigerate until cooking, up to 24 hours.
  • Heat oven to 400 degrees. Make the za'atar: In a small bowl, mix sesame seeds, sumac (if using), thyme, coriander, oregano, cumin and 1 tablespoon salt. Remove chicken from marinade and gently scrape off excess yogurt while leaving a nice coating. Transfer chicken to a sheet of parchment or wax paper. Coat chicken all over with the za'atar blend. Scrape up any spices that fall off and pack them on. Drizzle with remaining tablespoon oil and pat gently.
  • Put 1 lemon half in the cavity of the bird. Tie legs together using butcher's twine, if desired, and place chicken in a small roasting pan. Arrange remaining 3 lemon halves and shallots cut-sides down in the pan surrounding the chicken. Add 1/4 cup water to the pan and roast on the middle rack for 30 minutes.
  • Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees, gently baste the chicken and add another 1/4 cup water. Roast for an additional 60 to 75 minutes, rotating the pan periodically. Turn the lemon and shallots occasionally, basting once or twice and add 1/4 cup water whenever the pan juices dry out. Cook until until the legs wiggle easily and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
  • Let chicken rest 10 to 15 minutes before carving. Pour the pan juices (add a few tablespoons of water first, if they are very reduced) into a small gravy boat, degreasing or skimming some fat, if desired. Serve the chicken with the juices and the roasted shallots.

ZA'ATAR CHICKEN



Za'atar Chicken image

It's hard to find a dinner that both my husband and kids will enjoy-and even harder to find one that's fast and easy. This is it! No matter how much I make of this dish, it's gone to the last bite. -Esther Erani, Brooklyn, New York

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 5h20m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

1/4 cup za'atar seasoning
1/4 cup olive oil
3 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
3 pounds bone-in chicken thighs
1 cup pimiento-stuffed olives
1/2 cup dried apricots
1/2 cup pitted dried plums (prunes)
1/4 cup water
Hot cooked basmati rice, optional

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the first 6 ingredients. Add chicken; toss to coat., Arrange olives, apricots and plums on the bottom of a 4- or 5-quart slow cooker. Add 1/4 cup water; top with chicken. Cook, covered, on low until chicken is tender, 5-6 hours. If desired, serve with rice.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 484 calories, Fat 32g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 107mg cholesterol, Sodium 1367mg sodium, Carbohydrate 18g carbohydrate (10g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 30g protein.

OVEN-ROASTED ZA'ATAR CHICKEN BREASTS



Oven-Roasted Za'atar Chicken Breasts image

This za'atar-marinated chicken gets an extra dose of za'atar seasoning right before being roasted in the oven for a tender and juicy meal. Za'atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend found in most spice shops or you can make your own using one of the many recipes found online. Serve the za'atar chicken with couscous, roasted potatoes, or atop a salad.

Provided by France C

Categories     Meat and Poultry Recipes     Chicken     Chicken Breast Recipes

Time 2h30m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 7

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3 tablespoons za'atar seasoning, divided
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
cooking spray
salt to taste

Steps:

  • Pound chicken breasts to a 1-inch thickness for even cooking. Place in a large resealable plastic bag.
  • Combine 2 tablespoons za'atar seasoning, lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic in a small bowl. Pour mixture over the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Seal the bag and refrigerate for 2 to 8 hours.
  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and coat with cooking spray.
  • Place chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet and sprinkle with remaining za'atar seasoning.
  • Roast in the preheated oven until chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, 23 to 25 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Season with salt.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 201.9 calories, Carbohydrate 3 g, Cholesterol 67.2 mg, Fat 9.8 g, Fiber 1.2 g, Protein 24.9 g, SaturatedFat 1.8 g, Sodium 100.3 mg, Sugar 0.2 g

NIGELLA'S ZA'ATAR CHICKEN



Nigella's Za'atar Chicken image

This recipe delivers amazing results with virtually no effort. It's from Nigella Lawson's cookbook "Forever Summer". Za'atar is an addictive Middle Eastern spice blend that you can buy or prepare yourself. Chicken requires at least 2 hours of marinating time. Serve with pita crisps and salad.

Provided by blucoat

Categories     Chicken Breast

Time 50m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 4

1 chicken, cut into 8 pieces or 8 mixed chicken pieces
1/4-1/2 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons za'atar spice mix
salt, to taste (Maldon salt is recommended)

Steps:

  • In large mixing bowl or resealable plastic bag, combine chicken, oil and za'atar. Rub spices and oil all over chicken pieces. Cover (or close) and refrigerate 2 hours to overnight.
  • Transfer chicken to baking sheet, skin side up. Roast in preheated 425°F oven 45 minutes.
  • Sprinkle with salt.

GRILLED ZA'ATAR CHICKEN WITH GARLIC YOGURT AND CILANTRO



Grilled Za'atar Chicken With Garlic Yogurt and Cilantro image

This garlicky, herby chicken is full-flavored and very tender, thanks to its piquant yogurt marinade. It's flexible, too - marinate the meat for as little as a couple of hours, or as long as overnight. And the chicken is just as good cooked under the broiler as it is on the grill (see Tip). You can serve this dish with almost anything, but it's especially nice with pita or other flatbread and a big cucumber and tomato salad. And if you're looking to substitute chicken breasts for the thighs, you can. Just watch them carefully; they're likely to cook faster than the dark meat.

Provided by Melissa Clark

Categories     poultry, main course

Time 30m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

6 garlic cloves, finely grated, pressed, or minced
2 lemons, zested
1 cup plain whole-milk yogurt
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus more sprigs for garnish
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for serving
1 1/2 tablespoons za'atar, plus more for serving
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano or marjoram, plus more sprigs for garnish
1 3/4 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 1/4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Steps:

  • In a large bowl or container, stir together 5 of the grated garlic cloves, half the lemon zest, 1/3 cup yogurt, the cilantro, oil, za'atar, oregano or marjoram, salt and black pepper. Add chicken and toss until well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  • When ready to cook, light the grill to medium or heat your broiler with the rack 3 inches from the heat source. Remove chicken from bowl, shaking off any excess marinade, and grill or broil on one side until charred in spots, 5 to 8 minutes. Flip the chicken and grill or broil for another 5 to 8 minutes, until just cooked through.
  • While the chicken is cooking, place remaining 2/3 cup yogurt in a small bowl. Stir in the reserve grated garlic clove and lemon zest, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Cut one zested lemon in half and set aside for serving (save the other zested lemon for another use).
  • To serve, place chicken on a serving platter and drizzle with olive oil and a large squeeze of the zested lemon. Top with cilantro and oregano or marjoram sprigs and serve with yogurt sauce.

CRISPY ZA'ATAR CHICKEN PILAF WITH POMEGRANATE



Crispy za'atar chicken pilaf with pomegranate image

Nestle crispy za'atar chicken pieces amongst pistachio pilaf rice for an irresistible supper. It's a riot of colour, texture and flavour

Provided by Esther Clark

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h35m

Number Of Ingredients 14

8 skin-on chicken thighs
3 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 lemon, juiced
3 tbsp za'atar
70g pomegranate seeds
½ small bunch of parsley, finely chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
50g butter
2 large onions, sliced
220g basmati rice
350ml hot chicken stock
70g pistachios, chopped
1 tsp chilli flakes

Steps:

  • Toss together the chicken thighs oil, 1 tsp salt, garlic and lemon juice in a large bowl. Cover and chill for at least 1 hr, or up to 12 hrs.
  • Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4, and heat a frying pan over a high heat. Fry the chicken, skin-side down, for 5-7 mins, or until golden and crisp. Transfer to a baking tray and sprinkle with the za'atar, then roast for 10 mins.
  • For the rice, heat the oil and butter in a large, shallow casserole or frying pan over a low-medium heat. Fry the onions with a pinch of salt for 15 mins until caramelised and sticky. Stir in the rice, stock, pistachios and chilli flakes. Season. Arrange the roasted chicken thighs on top of the rice, and pour over any roasting juices from the tray. Cook in the oven for 45 mins, or until the rice is tender. Remove from the oven, cover and rest for 5 mins.
  • Scatter the chicken pilaf with the pomegranate seeds and parsley, then serve in shallow bowls.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 743 calories, Fat 39 grams fat, SaturatedFat 12 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 60 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 11 grams sugar, Fiber 7 grams fiber, Protein 36 grams protein, Sodium 2.1 milligram of sodium

Tips:

  • Use fresh, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor in the tomato sauce.
  • Don't overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken. This will prevent the chicken from cooking evenly.
  • Use a good quality za'atar spice blend. This will make all the difference in the flavor of the dish.
  • If you don't have any za'atar, you can make your own by combining oregano, thyme, sumac, and sesame seeds.
  • Serve the chicken with rice, pita bread, or your favorite side dish.

Conclusion:

Za'atar chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. The chicken is tender and flavorful, and the tomato sauce is rich and tangy. This dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

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