Za’atar Chicken
A simple yet flavorful dish, this Za'atar Chicken recipe features a traditional Middle Eastern spice blend, creating a deliciously aromatic meal that's ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds bone-in skin-on chicken pieces (e.g., chicken quarters)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses or alternatively, 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 1 teaspoon honey
- 2 tablespoons Za'atar spice blend
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 medium red onions peeled and quartered
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) or 170°C for fan ovens.
- In a large bowl or ziptop bag, combine the chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, pomegranate molasses, Za'atar spice blend, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
- Toss the chicken to ensure the marinade evenly coats all the pieces. For a more intense flavor, try to work some marinade beneath the skin if using skin-on chicken. If time permits, allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for anywhere between 1 to 24 hours.
- Arrange the marinated chicken pieces on a baking sheet. Add the quartered red onions to the pan and drizzle them with the remaining olive oil.
- Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with an instant-read thermometer. For a crispier top, broil for a few minutes at the end of cooking.
Notes
Marinating: For optimal flavor, allow the chicken to marinate for at least an hour, though it can be cooked immediately if needed. If using skin-on chicken, be sure to get some of the marinade underneath the skin.
Baking time: Cooking times may vary based on the size and type of chicken pieces. Larger cuts, such as bone-in breasts, may take longer, while smaller pieces like thighs or drumsticks might cook more quickly. Always use a thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Vegetable options: While red onions complement this dish well, feel free to substitute with other roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or cauliflower.
Lemon addition: For a fresh, zesty flavor, consider adding a few slices of lemon to the pan before baking.
Grilling alternative: If you prefer grilling, marinate the chicken and then cook it on the grill instead of baking it in the oven.
Baking time: Cooking times may vary based on the size and type of chicken pieces. Larger cuts, such as bone-in breasts, may take longer, while smaller pieces like thighs or drumsticks might cook more quickly. Always use a thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Vegetable options: While red onions complement this dish well, feel free to substitute with other roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or cauliflower.
Lemon addition: For a fresh, zesty flavor, consider adding a few slices of lemon to the pan before baking.
Grilling alternative: If you prefer grilling, marinate the chicken and then cook it on the grill instead of baking it in the oven.