This recipe for baked zaatar chicken is really easy to make and gives a nice Middle Eastern flavor to your everyday chicken dinner.
You know when you go to a nice Italian restaurant they sometimes give you bread with olive oil and herb blend dipping sauce. Well, growing up I watched my father do something just like this with pita bread and Zaatar. I remember asking for a taste every time. Zaatar is a Middle Eastern spice blend traditionally an herb with the same name. However, now it's more like curry, combining several ingredients such as oregano, thyme, sumac, and sesame seeds.
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Not too long ago I picked up a container of this yummy spice mix in a middle eastern store down in the strip district of Pittsburgh.
I used the zaatar to make a marinade for chicken and it turned out great. So easy, and such great flavor. Though I baked it in the oven, I"m sure it would also be great on the grill.
Give it a try.
If you can't find zaatar in a nearby store you can purchase it online or make your own.

Baked Zaatar Chicken
Ingredients
- chicken parts from one chicken
- 2 tablespoons zaatar
- Juice of one lemon
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 large clove of garlic - minced or grated
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients together in a large plastic zip bag and marinate in the refrigerator for a couple of hours.
- Preheat oven at 425.
- Place chicken, skin side up in a large baking pan.
- Bake for 30 minutes.Â
- Remove and turn chicken parts.
- Continue baking for 20-30 additional minutes.
- Remove and serve.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although attempts have been made to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
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Terri
This sounds so delicious and I really need to try za'atar!
Patti Estep
Thanks Terri. It's a fun spice.
Carole West
This looks amazing and I would probably serve with a nice salad and rice. Looks easy too! I like the ingredients you use - always simple and combined perfectly.
Patti Estep
Thanks Carole. This is an easy one and would be perfect with a salad and rice.