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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
