Grilled Zaatar Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Grilled Zaatar Chicken is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines tender chicken thighs with a vibrant yogurt and zaatar marinade. Perfect for a summer barbecue or a weeknight dinner, this recipe offers bold Middle Eastern spices with a refreshing yogurt dip on the side.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup whole plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano leaves (chopped)
• 6 garlic cloves (pressed)
• The zest of 1 lemon
• 1 1/2 tablespoons za’atar
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 2-3 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup whole plain Greek yogurt (for the dip)
• 1 garlic clove (pressed, for the dip)
• The juice of 1 lemon (for the dip)
• 1/4 teaspoon za’atar (for the dip)
• Salt and pepper to taste (for the dip)
• Olive oil (for drizzling)
• 1 lemon (for drizzling and serving)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, chopped cilantro, oregano, pressed garlic cloves, lemon zest, za’atar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to make the marinade.
2. Step 2: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight for the best flavor.
3. Step 3: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill.
4. Step 4: Grill the chicken for 5 to 8 minutes on each side, until it is slightly charred and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Step 5: While the chicken cooks, prepare the yogurt dip by mixing 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, pressed garlic clove, lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon za’atar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
6. Step 6: When cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and drizzle it with olive oil and fresh lemon juice.
7. Step 7: Serve the grilled chicken with the yogurt dip alongside grilled pita, rice, or your favorite grilled vegetables.

Tips & Variations

• For an extra smoky flavor, cook the chicken over charcoal or add a wood chip pack to your grill.
• You can substitute chicken thighs with boneless chicken breasts, but be careful not to overcook them as they dry out faster.
• If fresh herbs aren’t available, dried oregano and cilantro can be used, but reduce the quantity by half.
• To make the dish spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.

Storage

Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave to avoid drying out the meat. The yogurt dip can also be refrigerated but stir well before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use boneless skinless chicken breasts. Adjust grilling time to avoid overcooking, as breasts cook faster and can dry out.

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken overnight?

Marinating overnight is recommended for the best flavor and tenderness, but if short on time, marinate for at least 2 hours.

Grilled Zaatar Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 396 reviews

• Author: Isabella
• Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Halal

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Description

This Grilled Zaatar Chicken recipe features succulent boneless skinless chicken thighs marinated overnight in a flavorful mixture of Greek yogurt, fresh herbs, garlic, lemon zest, and za’atar spice. Grilled to perfection, the chicken is charred and juicy, served alongside a tangy za’atar yogurt dip. Perfect for a Mediterranean-inspired meal, this dish pairs beautifully with grilled pita, rice, or vegetables.

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Ingredients

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Marinade

• 1/2 cup whole plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano leaves, chopped
• 6 garlic cloves, pressed
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 1/2 tablespoons za’atar
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 2–3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Yogurt Dip

• 1/2 cup whole plain Greek yogurt
• 1 garlic clove, pressed
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 teaspoon za’atar
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil, for drizzling
• 1 lemon, fresh, for drizzling

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, chopped cilantro leaves, chopped oregano leaves, pressed garlic cloves, lemon zest, za’atar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to create a smooth marinade. Reserve the lemon zest to use later in the yogurt dip.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the marinade and stir to coat each piece evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 8 hours, to allow the flavors to deeply infuse the chicken.
3. Preheat the Grill: When ready to cook, heat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
4. Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs onto the grill. Cook for 5 to 8 minutes on each side, flipping carefully, until the chicken is slightly charred and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures juicy and safe-to-eat chicken.
5. Prepare the Yogurt Dip: While the chicken cooks or after removing it from the grill, mix together the Greek yogurt, pressed garlic clove, lemon juice, za’atar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Stir until well combined.
6. Finish the Chicken: Remove the grilled chicken from the heat and transfer to a serving dish. Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and fresh lemon juice for added brightness and richness.
7. Serve: Serve the grilled zaatar chicken alongside the yogurt dip. This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled pita bread, fluffy rice, or mixed grilled vegetables for a complete Mediterranean-style meal.

Notes

• Marinating overnight yields the best flavor and tenderness, but if short on time, marinate for at least 2 hours.
• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are preferred for their juiciness and flavor, but chicken breasts can be substituted if desired.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Extra za’atar can be sprinkled on top before serving for bold flavor.
• If you don’t have a grill, cooking on a grill pan or broiling in the oven are good alternatives.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Keywords: Grilled chicken, zaatar chicken, Mediterranean chicken, yogurt marinade, grilled chicken thighs, Greek yogurt dip, healthy chicken recipe