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
Scale
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
