Name: Baked Zaatar Yogurt Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 9 h 15 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 2 lbs (8 pieces) boneless chicken thighs or breasts (skin on or off); 1 cup plain Greek yogurt; 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 tbsp lemon juice + zest from 1 lemon; 2 cloves garlic, crushed and chopped; 2 tbsp zaatar seasoning; 1 tsp kosher salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (or Aleppo flakes); 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 70 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with vibrant Middle Eastern flavors while remaining incredibly simple to prepare, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this Baked Zaatar Yogurt Chicken Recipe. Tender chicken thighs soaked in a luscious, tangy yogurt marinade blended with fragrant zaatar, lemon zing, and garlic come together in a golden, baked masterpiece that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner or weekend feast. This recipe combines the wonderful creaminess of Greek yogurt with the earthy, herbal notes of zaatar, creating a harmonious dance of tastes and textures that will make your kitchen smell like a Mediterranean market. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this is one dish that promises comfort, freshness, and that unmistakable cozy glow of homemade goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with several pieces of raw chicken thighs, each covered in a thick, creamy white marinade with visible black and brown spices mixed throughout, creating a textured look. The chicken pieces are placed closely together, some partially overlapping, with the marinade unevenly spread, leaving bits of pink chicken skin and meat showing. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Baked Zaatar Yogurt Chicken Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role — from the creamy tang of yogurt tenderizing the chicken, to the zesty lemon and aromatic zaatar seasoning that give it a distinctive Middle Eastern flair. You won’t need a pantry full of exotic spices, just a handful of essentials that come together effortlessly.

2 lbs (8) boneless chicken thighs or breasts (skin on or off): Thick cuts work best to absorb all the marinade flavors and stay juicy after baking.
1 cup plain Greek yogurt: The creamy base that tenderizes the chicken while adding a subtle tang.
2 tbsp olive oil: Adds richness and helps keep the chicken moist as it bakes.
3 tbsp lemon juice + zest from lemon: Brings brightness and a fresh citrus punch to balance the earthiness of zaatar.
2 cloves garlic (crushed and chopped): Infuses a mellow but essential garlic flavor for depth.
2 tbsp zaatar seasoning: An aromatic blend of herbs, sumac, and sesame seeds that provides the star flavor of the dish.
1 tsp kosher salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering.
1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds mild spice and warmth.
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (or Aleppo flakes): Gives just enough gentle heat for excitement on the palate.
1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped): The finishing touch for a burst of color and herbal freshness at the end.

How to Make Baked Zaatar Yogurt Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Then, in a mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice and zest, garlic, zaatar, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until you have a smooth, fragrant marinade that really showcases the vibrant flavors of zaatar and citrus.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place your chicken thighs or breasts into a large plastic food storage bag or container. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is generously coated. Seal the bag or cover the container tightly, then refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes — though letting it marinate for up to 9 hours or overnight will develop even deeper flavors and tenderize the chicken beautifully.

Step 3: Bake the Chicken

Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray. Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade, shaking off any excess, and arrange them in a single layer in the dish. Place the dish in the oven uncovered and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the chicken is a gorgeous golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures the chicken stays juicy and cooked perfectly through.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Once baked, sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley over the chicken pieces to add a pop of color and freshness. Your Baked Zaatar Yogurt Chicken Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed!

How to Serve Baked Zaatar Yogurt Chicken Recipe

This image shows a dish in a white pan with six pieces of cooked chicken on top. The chicken is golden brown with some herbs sprinkled on top. Underneath the chicken is a layer of small round couscous pearls mixed with yellow and green diced vegetables and scattered red pomegranate seeds. Fresh green chopped herbs are sprinkled over the whole dish. The white pan rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is a simple yet beautiful garnish that adds a lively green burst and bright herbal notes. If you want to go a step further, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of sesame seeds complements the zaatar flavor wonderfully.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs perfectly with fluffy couscous or steaming rice that can soak up the flavorful juices. Warm pita bread is a must-have to scoop up every bit of marinade that lingers on your plate. For some vibrant crunch, a fresh cucumber and tomato salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil balances the rich chicken perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a family-style dinner, serve the baked chicken on a large platter surrounded by garnishes and sides, inviting guests to help themselves. You could also shred the chicken and stuff it inside a warm pita with yogurt sauce and chopped greens for a delicious twist on a sandwich or wrap. Adding a dollop of labneh with zaatar sprinkled on top makes the presentation even more inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it refrigerated promptly to maintain freshness and flavor. The yogurt marinade keeps the chicken moist and flavorful even when reheated.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, place the cooked chicken pieces in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Frozen baked chicken will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to preserve its delicious texture.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chicken gently in the oven at 325°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through, which helps retain crisp edges and moist centers. Alternatively, use a microwave on medium power, but be careful not to overcook or dry it out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?

Absolutely! Both chicken breasts and thighs work well. Thighs tend to stay juicier and more forgiving, but breasts will soak up the marinade beautifully too. Just be careful not to overcook breasts to avoid dryness.

What is zaatar, and where can I find it?

Zaatar is a Middle Eastern spice blend made from dried thyme, sumac, sesame seeds, and other herbs. It has a tangy, earthy flavor and is often used as a seasoning or sprinkled on bread. You can find it in specialty grocery stores, Middle Eastern markets, or online.

Can I skip the marinating time if I’m short on time?

You can bake the chicken after just 30 minutes of marinating and still get good flavor, but the longer it marinates, ideally several hours or overnight, the more tender and flavorful the chicken will become.

Is this recipe spicy?

The level of heat is quite mild, coming from just a small amount of red pepper flakes or Aleppo flakes. You can adjust the quantity up or down based on your preference for spice.

What sides go best with Baked Zaatar Yogurt Chicken Recipe?

Fluffy couscous, warm pita bread, fresh salads, or roasted vegetables all complement this dish wonderfully. The light citrus and zaatar flavors make it versatile and easy to pair with many Mediterranean-style sides.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Zaatar Yogurt Chicken Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly spectacular and comforting. It’s a crowd-pleaser with a beautiful balance of tangy, herbal, and savory notes that feels both exotic and familiar. Give this recipe a try, and I promise it will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Whether for a cozy dinner or impressing guests, it delivers on flavor and ease every single time.