Description
Baked Zaatar Yogurt Chicken is a flavorful and tender dish where chicken is marinated in creamy Greek yogurt and aromatic Middle Eastern zaatar seasoning, then baked to juicy perfection. It’s easy to prepare, versatile, and perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs or breasts, skin on or off
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp lemon juice plus 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
Instructions
- Whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, zaatar, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to make the marinade.
- Place chicken in a large plastic bag or container and pour marinade over it. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best flavor.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray. Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer, shaking off excess marinade.
- Bake uncovered for about 45 minutes or until chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken longer for deeper flavor and tenderness.
- Use bone-in chicken with adjusted cooking time if preferred.
- If zaatar is unavailable, substitute with a mix of dried oregano, thyme, and sesame seeds.
- Fresh garlic is preferred, but garlic powder works in a pinch.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Reheat in oven to maintain crispiness; microwave will soften skin.
- Freeze cooked chicken in freezer-safe bags for up to 2-3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 150-180g chicken)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Baked Zaatar Yogurt Chicken, Middle Eastern chicken recipe, yogurt marinated chicken, zaatar chicken bake, easy chicken dinner