Name: Baked Zaatar Yogurt Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 9 h
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 2 lbs (8) boneless chicken thighs or breasts, skin on or off; 1 cup plain Greek yogurt; 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 tbsp lemon juice + 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

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that bursts with vibrant Middle Eastern flavors while remaining incredibly simple to prepare, the Baked Zaatar Yogurt Chicken is an absolute winner. This recipe combines the fresh tang of Greek yogurt with the aromatic punch of zaatar seasoning, enveloping tender chicken pieces in a marinade that promises juicy, flavorful results every time. It’s the kind of dish that feels both exotic and comforting, perfect for a casual dinner that looks and tastes like you went the extra mile.

Baked Zaatar Yogurt Chicken - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every great dish starts with a foundation of thoughtfully selected ingredients, and this recipe is no exception. The ingredients here are simple yet essential, each one bringing its own magic to the dish’s vibrant taste, creamy texture, and wonderful aroma.

2 lbs boneless chicken thighs or breasts (skin on or off): Choose your favorite cut, keeping in mind thighs stay juicier while breasts are leaner.
1 cup plain Greek yogurt: This creamy base tenderizes the chicken while balancing the spices.
2 tbsp olive oil: Adds richness and helps with browning.
3 tbsp lemon juice plus zest: Brightens the dish with fresh citrus notes.
2 cloves garlic, crushed and chopped: For that deep, savory foundation.
2 tbsp zaatar seasoning: The star spice mix that combines thyme, sumac, sesame, and a hint of earthiness.
1 tsp kosher salt: Enhances all other flavors.
½ tsp black pepper: Adds a subtle, warming kick.
¼ tsp red pepper flakes or Aleppo flakes: Optional, for gentle heat and complexity.
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A burst of color and fresh herbaceousness when serving.

How to Make Baked Zaatar Yogurt Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Start by whisking together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice plus zest, garlic, zaatar, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes in a large bowl until everything is perfectly blended. This marinade is the heart of the Baked Zaatar Yogurt Chicken, infusing each bite with rich, tangy, and fragrant flavors that beautifully tenderize the meat.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place your chicken pieces into a large plastic bag or container and pour the marinade over them, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Seal it tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes but ideally up to 8 hours or overnight. This gives the flavors time to fully penetrate while making the chicken incredibly juicy and soft.

Step 3: Preheat and Prepare for Baking

When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking and to help with that golden finish. Don’t forget to shake off any excess marinade so the chicken can crisp up nicely instead of steaming.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken

Arrange the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer in the baking dish and pop it into your preheated oven. Bake uncovered for roughly 45 minutes, or until the chicken is golden and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This step ensures the chicken remains tender while achieving a delicious crust from the zaatar spices and yogurt caramelizing slightly.

How to Serve Baked Zaatar Yogurt Chicken

Garnishes

Once out of the oven, fresh chopped parsley sprinkled on top adds a lively pop of green and a fresh herbal bite that balances the baked spices perfectly. You can also add a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to give it a beautiful sheen and a hint of richness.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with fluffy couscous, warm pita bread, or even simple roasted vegetables. These sides soak up the flavorful juices of the Baked Zaatar Yogurt Chicken and complement the spices with their gentle textures and subtle tastes.

Creative Ways to Present

For a colorful presentation, serve your chicken over a bed of mixed greens or alongside a vibrant tabbouleh salad. Another fun way is to use it as the centerpiece for a mezze platter with hummus, olives, pickled vegetables, and warm flatbreads, turning your meal into a delightful shared experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for a delicious next-day meal.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked Baked Zaatar Yogurt Chicken pieces for up to 2 months. Make sure to cool it completely before sealing tightly to preserve the texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep that lovely baked texture intact.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Bone-in thighs or breasts work well but will require about 10 to 15 extra minutes in the oven at 375°F to cook through.

Do I have to marinate the chicken overnight?

While you can marinate for as little as 30 minutes, letting the chicken soak overnight allows the yogurt and zaatar flavors to really sink in and tenderize the meat deeply.

Is zaatar seasoning difficult to find?

Zaatar is becoming more common in grocery stores and specialty markets, especially those with Middle Eastern ingredients. You can also order it online or make your own blend using thyme, sumac, sesame seeds, and salt.

Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?

Greek yogurt is preferred for its creaminess and thick texture, which clings well to the chicken. Using regular yogurt might make the marinade thinner but can still work in a pinch.

What if I want less spice?

You can easily reduce or omit the red pepper flakes if you want a milder flavor without losing the core charm of the Baked Zaatar Yogurt Chicken.

Final Thoughts

The Baked Zaatar Yogurt Chicken is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug from the kitchen. Its blend of tangy yogurt, earthy zaatar, and fresh lemon zest creates a harmony of flavors that’s both exciting and comforting. I can’t recommend it enough to anyone wanting an easy, delicious, and impressive meal. Give it a try—you might just find a new favorite for your weeknight dinners or weekend entertaining!