Description
This Roasted Za’atar Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs seasoned with a fragrant Middle Eastern za’atar spice blend, olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice. Roasted in the oven until the skin is crispy and golden, this dish is simple to prepare yet packed with vibrant flavors perfect for a delightful family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or drumsticks)
Za’atar Marinade
- 2 tablespoons za’atar spice blend
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Garnish
- Lemon slices
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for roasting the chicken to a crispy finish.
- Prepare Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, za’atar spice blend, salt, and black pepper until well combined. This marinade will infuse the chicken with aromatic flavors.
- Prep Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step helps achieve crispier skin. Place the chicken pieces in a baking dish or on a parchment-lined sheet pan for easy cleanup.
- Season Chicken: Rub the za’atar marinade all over the chicken, ensuring to get some of the mixture under the skin to maximize flavor penetration.
- Roast Chicken: Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Garnish with lemon slices and chopped fresh parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- You can use chicken drumsticks instead of thighs if preferred.
- For extra crispy skin, avoid overcrowding the pan and ensure the chicken pieces have space between them.
- Za’atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend typically containing thyme, oregano, sumac, and sesame seeds; it can be found at specialty stores or online.
- Allowing the chicken to rest after roasting helps retain moisture for juicier meat.
- Serve with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
