Name: Za’atar Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-491976H6M1S
Total time: 2 h 55 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 5 Chicken legs (chicken quarters) (about 2.4lb / 1kg); 1½ Tablespoons Za’atar seasoning; Juice of 1 Lemon; Zest of 1 Lemon; 1 Tablespoon Garlic paste; 1 Tablespoon Tomato paste; ¼ cup Olive oil; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 Medium Onion (sliced into rounds)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 15 reviews

If you are searching for a vibrant dish that beautifully combines bold flavors and comforting textures, this Za’atar Chicken Recipe is an absolute gem to add to your culinary repertoire. Featuring tender chicken legs marinated in a fragrant blend of za’atar seasoning, zesty lemon, and savory garlic, this recipe promises a delightful balance of herbal, tangy, and savory notes that will enchant your taste buds. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing friends, this recipe turns simple ingredients into an unforgettable meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white deep bowl shows five different sauces and spices: a light yellow oil, coarse white salt, dark brown ground pepper, a small red paste dollop, and another brown spice, all placed in separate rough piles forming a colorful mix. The next image shows the ingredients mixed into a thick, deep reddish-brown sauce with a few white specks and a rough texture covering the bottom of the white bowl. The third image shows raw chicken pieces coated in the thick reddish sauce inside the white bowl, with the sauce unevenly spread across the chicken’s surface. The fourth image shows the same white bowl with the chicken covered tightly by clear plastic wrap. The fifth image shows a white baking dish with slices of onion and lemon wedges arranged on the bottom in layers. The sixth image shows the white baking dish filled with the sauced chicken pieces layered on top of the onion and lemon slices. The whole setting is on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Za’atar Chicken Recipe lies in its simplicity and quality ingredients. Each item plays a crucial role, from the earthy za’atar seasoning that imparts that uniquely aromatic Middle Eastern flavor, to fresh lemon juice that adds brightness and the juicy chicken legs that soak up all those delicious tastes.

Chicken legs (5 pieces, about 2.4lb/1kg): Choose high-quality cuts for the juiciest, most tender results.
Za’atar seasoning (1½ tablespoons): This blend of herbs, sesame seeds, and sumac is the star that defines the dish’s flavor profile.
Lemon juice and zest (from 1 lemon): Provides zesty brightness that cuts through the richness of the chicken.
Onion (1 medium, sliced into rounds): Adds a sweet and slightly caramelized layer during roasting.
Garlic paste (1 tablespoon): Brings a deep, aromatic savoriness to the marinade.
Tomato paste (1 tablespoon): Introduces a subtle tangy richness and beautiful color.
Olive oil (¼ cup): Helps to coat the chicken and keep it moist while roasting.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that enhance and balance all the other flavors.

How to Make Za’atar Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Begin by combining the za’atar seasoning, fresh lemon juice and zest, garlic paste, tomato paste, olive oil, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Mix everything together until you have a beautifully aromatic, slightly thick marinade bursting with herbal, tangy, and savory notes. This marinade is the heart of your Za’atar Chicken Recipe.

Step 2: Prep the Chicken

Remove any excess fat and skin from the chicken legs to ensure a lean but juicy result. Using a sharp knife, carefully make three small incisions on each leg. These cuts are crucial because they allow the marinade to penetrate deeply into the meat, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor and the chicken cooks evenly throughout.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken legs in the bowl with the marinade, using your hands to coat them thoroughly. Don’t rush this step—massage the marinade into every crevice and incision. Cover the bowl with cling film and refrigerate for at least two hours, or better yet, overnight. This resting period lets the chicken soak up all those wonderful flavors, creating a mouthwatering depth that’s impossible to resist.

Step 4: Preheat and Prepare for Roasting

When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Meanwhile, in a rimmed baking tray, scatter the sliced onions and the lemon shaft left after squeezing. These not only add flavor but also create a natural rack that infuses the chicken with subtle sweetness and citrus aroma as it roasts.

Step 5: Roast the Chicken

Arrange the marinated chicken legs atop the onions and lemon in the tray, making sure the marinade drips onto the veggies below. Place the tray in the oven and roast for 35-45 minutes, until the chicken has turned a gorgeous golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Halfway through cooking, baste the chicken with the pan juices to keep it luxuriously moist and flavorful. There’s no need to flip the chicken—just let that heat work its magic.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about five minutes. This step is key—resting allows the juices to redistribute, making every piece tender and juicy. Your Za’atar Chicken Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed!

How to Serve Za’atar Chicken Recipe

A white bowl holds a vibrant meal with two main layers: at the top, there is a bright salad made of spiral pasta, cherry tomato halves, chopped cucumber, diced red onion, and small pieces of red bell pepper, showing a mix of yellow, red, green, and purple colors with a creamy texture; below and partly overlapping the salad are two pieces of richly browned grilled chicken, showing a textured, slightly crispy skin with charred spots and tender white meat inside, one piece being partially pulled apart with a fork, held by a woman's hand on the side. The whole dish rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few extra pinches of za’atar brighten up the plate and add a fresh herbal pop. A few lemon wedges on the side help anyone craving just a little extra zing.

Side Dishes

This Za’atar Chicken Recipe pairs perfectly with vibrant, wholesome sides. Think fluffy couscous with toasted pine nuts, a fresh cucumber and tomato salad drizzled with olive oil, or even warm pita bread to soak up all those delicious pan juices. Roasted vegetables or a dollop of creamy hummus also make excellent companions to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive gathering, arrange the chicken legs on a large platter surrounded by colorful roasted peppers, olives, and fresh herbs. Alternatively, shred the cooked chicken to stuff warm flatbreads or pita pockets with cucumbers, pickled turnips, and a drizzle of tahini sauce for a casual, crowd-pleasing wrap. No matter how you present it, this Za’atar Chicken Recipe shines both in flavor and appearance.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Za’atar Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store the chicken separately from any sides or garnishes to maintain freshness and texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to two months. Wrap the pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor retention.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, using a microwave on medium power can do the trick quickly, but be careful not to dry it out. Adding a splash of water or chicken broth before reheating will help retain moisture.

FAQs

What is za’atar seasoning?

Za’atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend typically made from dried thyme, oregano or marjoram, toasted sesame seeds, and sumac. It offers a unique herbal, nutty, and slightly tangy flavor that elevates many dishes including this Za’atar Chicken Recipe.

Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! While chicken legs are ideal for their juiciness and flavor, chicken thighs or drumsticks work wonderfully with this marinade as well. Adjust cooking times accordingly based on the cut.

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken overnight?

Marinating for a minimum of two hours will impart good flavor, but letting the chicken sit overnight allows the za’atar and lemon to deeply infuse the meat, making the dish even more flavorful and tender.

Can I use dried lemon zest in place of fresh?

Fresh lemon zest is highly recommended for its vibrant aroma and flavor. However, if you only have dried lemon zest, use a smaller amount as it can be more concentrated and less zesty.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

This Za’atar Chicken Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use a za’atar blend without any added wheat fillers. Double-check the ingredient labels to be certain.

Final Thoughts

This Za’atar Chicken Recipe is a shining example of how a handful of simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary. Its bright, aromatic flavors and juicy, tender chicken make it a standout favorite any day of the week. I warmly encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just find a new go-to dish that feels like a little celebration in every bite.