Grilled Za’atar Chicken With Garlic Yogurt and Cilantro Recipe
Introduction
This Grilled Za’atar Chicken is bursting with Middle Eastern flavors, featuring fragrant herbs and spices that perfectly complement tender, juicy chicken thighs. Served alongside a tangy garlic yogurt sauce, it makes a simple yet impressive meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 6 garlic cloves, finely grated, pressed, or minced
- 2 lemons, zested
- 1 cup plain whole-milk yogurt
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus more sprigs for garnish
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for serving
- 1 1/2 tablespoons za’atar, plus more for serving
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano or marjoram, plus more sprigs for garnish
- 1 3/4 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 1/4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl or container, stir together 5 of the grated garlic cloves, half the lemon zest, 1/3 cup of the yogurt, cilantro, olive oil, za’atar, oregano or marjoram, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken thighs and toss until well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to marinate.
- Step 2: When ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium or heat your broiler with the rack positioned about 3 inches from the heat source. Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess, and grill or broil on one side until charred in spots, about 5 to 8 minutes.
- Step 3: Flip the chicken and grill or broil for another 5 to 8 minutes, until just cooked through and juices run clear.
- Step 4: While the chicken cooks, place the remaining 2/3 cup of yogurt in a small bowl. Stir in the reserved grated garlic clove and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cut one zested lemon in half and set aside for serving.
- Step 5: To serve, arrange the grilled chicken on a platter. Drizzle with extra olive oil and a generous squeeze of the zested lemon halves. Garnish with sprigs of cilantro and oregano or marjoram. Serve alongside the garlic yogurt sauce for dipping.
Tips & Variations
- For more intense flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. This also helps tenderize the meat.
- If you don’t have fresh oregano or marjoram, dried versions work fine—use about one-third of the fresh quantity.
- Try serving this chicken with warm pita bread or a fresh cucumber salad for a complete meal.
- To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the yogurt with a coconut yogurt alternative and check your marinade ingredients accordingly.
Storage
Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven to keep it moist. The garlic yogurt sauce can be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days—stir well before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but keep in mind they cook faster and can dry out more easily. Adjust cooking time accordingly and watch for doneness carefully.
What is za’atar?
Za’atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend typically made from dried thyme, oregano, marjoram, toasted sesame seeds, sumac, and salt. It adds a fragrant, earthy flavor that complements grilled dishes wonderfully.
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Grilled Za’atar Chicken With Garlic Yogurt and Cilantro Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Grilled Za’atar Chicken recipe features juicy boneless chicken thighs marinated in a fragrant blend of za’atar, fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon zest. The chicken is grilled to perfection and served with a tangy garlic yogurt sauce and fresh cilantro, making it a flavorful and refreshing dish perfect for outdoor dining or a simple weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Marinade and Chicken
- 6 garlic cloves, finely grated, pressed, or minced
- 2 lemons, zested
- 1 cup plain whole-milk yogurt
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus more sprigs for garnish
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for serving
- 1 1/2 tablespoons za’atar, plus more for serving
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano or marjoram, plus more sprigs for garnish
- 1 3/4 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 1/4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl or container, combine 5 of the grated garlic cloves, half of the lemon zest, 1/3 cup of the yogurt, chopped cilantro, 3 tablespoons olive oil, za’atar, chopped oregano or marjoram, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken thighs and toss until they are well coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to infuse the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: When ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium heat or set your broiler rack about 3 inches from the heat source. Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade, shaking off any excess. Place them on the grill or under the broiler and cook for 5 to 8 minutes on one side until charred in spots. Flip the chicken and continue cooking for another 5 to 8 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Prepare the Garlic Yogurt Sauce: While the chicken grills, mix the remaining 2/3 cup of yogurt with the reserve grated garlic clove and the remaining half of the lemon zest in a small bowl. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve the Chicken: Arrange the grilled chicken on a serving platter. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and a generous squeeze of the zested lemon halves. Garnish with additional sprigs of cilantro and oregano or marjoram. Serve alongside the garlic yogurt sauce for dipping or drizzling.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness.
- If you don’t have fresh oregano or marjoram, dried herbs can be used but may alter the flavor slightly.
- Whole-milk yogurt is preferred for creaminess, but Greek yogurt can be substituted for a thicker sauce.
- You can adjust the amount of za’atar to taste for more or less spice and herb intensity.
- Be careful not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Keywords: za’atar chicken, grilled chicken, Middle Eastern chicken recipe, garlic yogurt sauce, cilantro, healthy grilled chicken, marinated chicken thighs
