This 3 ingredient baked za’atar chicken is easy to make and absolutely jam packed with flavor. It showcases juicy chicken thighs, with crispy skin and a flavor packed seasoning. Let the za’atar spice blend do the heavy lifting, so you don’t have to!
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What does za’atar taste like?
Za’atar spice blend is made from a combination of oregano, thyme, sumac, and toasted sesame seeds. Unlike most spice mixes, it has a nice crunch to it, thanks to the added seeds. It’s also quite zesty. Keep in mind, that every spice mix will be different, we absolutely love Morton & Bassett’s mix.
Ingredient Notes for Za’atar Chicken Thighs
Not much is needed to make this incredibly delicious za’atar chicken recipe. Here’s what to collect, and a few potential swaps:
- The chicken: We love chicken quarters here, which can be pretty hard to find. If you’re struggling, you can always purchase 4 drumsticks and 4 thighs, or all thighs/drumsticks. You can make za’atar chicken breast, however, the bake time will vary and the basting step will be difficult, as chicken breasts won’t release the same amount of fat (i.e. yummy flavor!) into the pan.
- The oil: Opt for a good quality olive oil, one that’s so good it’s bread dipping worthy.
- The spice: As mentioned, all spice mixes are made from a different combination of ingredients, in varying amounts. We love Morton & Bassett’s za’atar spice blend and highly recommend it.
What else is za’atar good on?
You bought the spice mix, now here’s how to use it. You could make this za’atar chicken recipe dozens of times, or switch it up with some of these ideas:
- The classic answer is za’atar bread (i.e. manakish za’atar), and it’s sooo good.
- Over fried, scrambled, or baked eggs. You can even sprinkle it on shakshuka.
- Roasted vegetables do so well with the added texture and flavor of za’atar seasoning.
- As a garnish for dipping yogurt, or better yet labneh. You can also use it for hummus like my cauliflower hummus.
How to Make Baked Za’atar Chicken
Only 3 ingredients AND easy to make?! This za’atar chicken recipe is a weeknight dream. Here’s how to throw it together with a few photos to guide you along the way:
- Rub chicken with oil and salt, and bake.
- Baste the za’atar chicken thighs in juices.
- Sprinkle with za’atar seasoning.
- Return to the oven until cooked through, then broil to get the skin crispy.
Serving Recommendations
As simple as the ingredient list for these za’atar chicken thighs are, their flavor is strong. Here’s how best to compliment it:
- If you ordered this za’atar recipe from a restaurant, you’d get a small serving of pickled onions, olives, pita, and labneh.
- With simple Middle Eastern salads, such as tabouleh, cauliflower tabouleh, or cauliflower salad.
- Other dips such as hummus or baba ganoush.
More Mediterranean Chicken Recipes
- Mediterranean Chicken
- Mediterranean Chicken Marinade
- Oven Baked Chicken Kabobs
- Chicken Kofta
- Harissa Honey Chicken
Za’atar Chicken
Print Recipe Pin RecipeIngredients
- 4 chicken leg quarters {drumstick and thigh still attached} bone in, skin on
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons za’atar seasoning
Instructions
- Prepare top oven rack so it's 10" from bottom of the broiler, and the lower rack so it's in the middle lower portion of the oven. Preheat oven to 425 F.
- Place chicken skin side up on baking sheet and rub all over with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt. Bake on the lower rack of your oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove from oven (keeping oven on). Carefully tilt the pan to collect the juices on one side. Use either a baster or a spoon to collect the juices, and pour them over the top of each chicken leg. Sprinkle the chicken with za'atar seasoning.
- Return to the oven and continue to cook until the internal temp of your chicken reaches 165 F.
- Turn broiler on, and transfer chicken to the top rack of your oven. Broil until the chicken skin gets crispy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve with labneh, pickled onions, and olives. Enjoy!
