Nigella's Za Atar Chicken

Infused with the bold, earthy flavors of the Middle East, Nigella's Za'atar Chicken is a simple yet stunning dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. This recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs marinated in a creamy blend of Greek yogurt, tangy lemon, minced garlic, and a generous sprinkling of aromatic za’atar spice blend. Roasted to perfection, the chicken boasts golden, crisp skin that makes every bite irresistible. With minimal prep time and a cooking process that lets the oven do the work, this dish is as hassle-free as it is flavorful. Garnished with fresh parsley, it pairs beautifully with sides like roasted vegetables, rice, or a light salad, making it a versatile centerpiece for any meal. Perfect for those looking to explore Mediterranean flavors, this za'atar chicken recipe delivers ease, taste, and a touch of elegance all in one pan.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 6 pieces Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
• 200 grams Plain Greek yogurt
• 3 cloves Garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 tablespoons Za'atar spice blend
• 1 whole Lemon (zested and juiced)
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoons Black pepper (freshly ground)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, za'atar spice blend, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.

Step 2

Add the chicken thighs to the bowl, ensuring they are fully coated in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight for the best flavor.

Step 3

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil.

Step 4

Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side up. Discard any excess marinade.

Step 5

Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the skin is golden and crispy and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).

Step 6

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 7

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with your favorite side dishes like roasted vegetables, rice, or a refreshing salad.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1220.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2357.6

Total Fat 174.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 46.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.8g
Cholesterol 749mg	0%
Sodium 3187.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 23.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 5.3g	0%
Total Sugars 8.7g
Protein 186.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 429.2mg	0%
Iron 12.3mg	0%
Potassium 2183.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 65.2%

Protein: 30.9%

Carbs: 3.9%