Za’atar Chicken with Garlicky Yogurt
Za’atar Chicken with Garlicky Yogurt
Lately I’m obsessed with Middle Eastern and Greek flavors. Things like sumac, za’atar and sesame seeds are amazing flavor boosters no doubt, but I find it’s also all about everyday ingredients like tons of lemon, parsley, mint, garlic and good olive oil. To me it’s all about simple yet flavor-packed recipes which is truly how I like to cook so it’s really a match made in heaven!
Since I can’t get enough of these flavors, I whipped up this easy peasy weeknight recipe for za’atar chicken and garlicky yogurt and WOW were my taste buds impressed. First of all, you’re probably thinking to yourself, “uh, Ali - this is just a modest ‘weeknight’ meal for you? Girl, you fancy!” But once you hear how easy it was to pull off this gorgeous and impressive meal you will be jumping at the opportunity to add this to your weeknight meal routine in a heartbeat.
Once you can get your hands on some za’atar - which you can find in just about any grocery store in the spice aisle or you can Amazon some for convenience - throwing together the chicken is really as simple as could be. I use chicken thighs in this recipe as they are truly superior to chicken breasts (fat = flavor). But of course chicken breasts or really any protein would work just perfectly! Za’atar, lemon juice, garlic and olive oil is all it takes to throw an easy marinade together.
Then let’s talk about the garlicky yogurt sauce which sounds sexy and fancy but is as easy as can be! Just take your standard, full-fat Greek yogurt and combine with lemon juice and zest, tons of grated garlic and a drizzle of olive oil for extra creaminess.
To finish the chicken and yogurt sauce off, make it rain with fresh parsley, and more za’atar and olive oil as you please. Before you know it you’ll be enjoying a restaurant quality meal at home for a fraction of the cost and with little to no effort.
If this pic of laser-focused pups is any indication of how delicious this recipe is, then you just know it’s gonna be a good one!
Za’atar Chicken with Garlicky Yogurt
Ingredients
Za’atar Chicken
2-3 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
Juice of two lemons
3 tablespoons za’atar
3 garlic cloves minced
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons Kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Chopped parsley to serve
Garlicky Yogurt
1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
Zest and juice of one lemon
3 garlic cloves
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for serving
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Pinch of za’atar, flaky sea salt and chopped parley for garnish
Directions
For chicken: In a large shallow baking dish, combine lemon juice, za’atar, garlic cloves, olive oil, salt and pepper and whisk to combine. Add chicken thighs to mixture and toss to evenly coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Remove from fridge 10-15 minutes before cooking to come to room temp.
Meanwhile, make yogurt sauce: in a medium bowl add yogurt, lemon zest and juice and olive oil. Grate garlic cloves over a microplane grater into yogurt mixture and mix well to combine. Season to taste with Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cover and refrigerate before serving.
Heat an outdoor grill or indoor grill pan/large skillet to medium. Add the chicken in a single layer. Cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken registers 165 degrees.
Let chicken rest for 10 minute before serving. Drizzle yogurt sauce with more olive oil, flaky sea salt, a pinch of za’atar and chopped parsley. Garnish chicken with a nice handful of fresh chopped parsley. Enjoy chicken and yogurt sauce together as is, or with toasted pita/naan and grilled veggies.
