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

Description

This Baked Zaatar Yogurt Chicken is a flavorful Middle Eastern-inspired dish featuring tender chicken marinated in a zesty blend of Greek yogurt, zaatar seasoning, lemon juice, and garlic. The marinade tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with bright, aromatic flavors. Baked until golden and juicy, this dish pairs perfectly with couscous and warm pita bread to soak up the delicious juices.

Ingredients

Chicken

2 lbs (8 pieces) boneless chicken thighs or breasts (skin on or off)

Marinade

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)

Garnish

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

Prepare Marinade: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice and zest, crushed garlic, zaatar seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until fully combined to create a flavorful marinade.
Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken pieces into a gallon-size plastic food storage bag or a large plastic container. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the container tightly, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight, to let the flavors deeply infuse and tenderize the meat.
Prepare for Baking: Lightly grease the inside of a baking dish with cooking spray or a brush of olive oil. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off, and arrange the pieces in a single layer in the baking dish.
Bake Chicken: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
Garnish and Serve: Once baked, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the chicken for a fresh herbal note. Serve the baked zaatar yogurt chicken alongside couscous and warm pita bread to enjoy the delicious juices.

Notes

The marinade time can be adjusted from a minimum of 30 minutes to up to 9 hours for deeper flavor and more tender chicken.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken to prevent under or overcooking.
Skin-on chicken will yield a slightly crispier texture while skinless will be leaner.
Zaatar seasoning can vary by brand; adjust the quantity to suit your taste preference.