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Baked Zaatar Yogurt Chicken

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4.4 from 70 reviews

This Baked Zaatar Yogurt Chicken is a juicy, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken marinated in a creamy blend of Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon, garlic, and aromatic za’atar seasoning. The marinade helps keep the chicken moist and infuses it with Middle Eastern flavors. Perfect for a simple yet elegant weeknight dinner, it pairs wonderfully with couscous and warm pita bread to savor every bit of the delicious juices.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 lbs (8) boneless chicken thighs or breasts, skin on or off

Marinade

  • 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)

Serving

  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Marinade: Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a mixing bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice and zest, crushed garlic, zaatar seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until smooth and well combined.
  2. Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken thighs or breasts into a large gallon-size resealable plastic bag or a large container. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal tightly or cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Marinate for at least 30 minutes but preferably up to 8 hours for maximum flavor and juiciness.
  3. Prepare to Bake: Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil. Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess, and arrange the pieces in a single layer in the baking dish.
  4. Bake the Chicken: Bake the chicken uncovered in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. If using bone-in pieces, extend baking time by 10–15 minutes.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Remove chicken from oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve hot. Accompany with couscous and warm pita bread to enjoy the flavorful juices.

Notes

  • If boneless chicken breasts are large or thick (over 6 ounces), slice them horizontally and gently pound to even thickness for uniform cooking.
  • Bone-in chicken thighs or breasts will require an additional 10–15 minutes of baking time at 375°F for thorough cooking.
  • Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F.

Find it online: https://yumfoodusa.com/baked-zaatar-yogurt-chicken/