Baked Zaatar Yogurt Chicken is a dish that brings bold Middle Eastern flavors straight to your table with minimal effort. The magic lies in the marinade—Greek yogurt makes the chicken unbelievably tender, while za’atar, a fragrant spice blend, adds an earthy, tangy depth of flavor. A touch of lemon brightens everything up, and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes keeps it exciting.
This is the kind of dish that feels fancy but is actually incredibly easy to make. The yogurt does all the work for you, ensuring juicy, flavorful chicken every time. Just marinate, bake, and enjoy!
Is this Baked Zaatar Yogurt Chicken for you? Let’s see. Baked Zaatar Yogurt Chicken is…
- Melt-in-your-mouth tender. The yogurt marinade makes the chicken unbelievably juicy.
- Packed with bold Middle Eastern flavors. Za’atar, garlic, and lemon make every bite delicious.
- Easy to prep ahead. Marinate the chicken the night before for even more flavor.
- Oven-baked to perfection. No need for complicated cooking techniques.
- Perfect for meal prep. Great for making ahead and enjoying throughout the week.
Ingredients in Baked Zaatar Yogurt Chicken
Here’s what makes this dish so flavorful:
Chicken: Use boneless thighs or breasts, with or without skin—both work beautifully.
Greek Yogurt: The secret ingredient for ultra-tender, flavorful chicken.
Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps the marinade cling to the chicken.
Lemon Juice & Zest: Brightens the dish with a fresh, citrusy kick.
Garlic: Crushed and chopped for deep, aromatic flavor.
Za’atar Seasoning: A fragrant Middle Eastern blend of thyme, sumac, and sesame seeds.
Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all the flavors.
Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a touch of heat—adjust to your spice preference.
Fresh Parsley: For a fresh, herby finishing touch.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
How to Make Baked Zaatar Yogurt Chicken
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, za’atar, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally overnight, for maximum flavor.
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish.
Arrange the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece for even cooking.
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 25–30 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. If using chicken breasts, check for doneness at 20 minutes to avoid drying out.
Optional Broil: For extra color and crispness, broil the chicken for the last 2–3 minutes of baking.
Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm with your favorite sides.
How to Serve Baked Zaatar Yogurt Chicken
This chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas:
- With Rice: Serve with fluffy basmati or turmeric rice for a hearty meal.
- With a Fresh Salad: A simple cucumber-tomato salad with lemon dressing complements the flavors.
- With Flatbread: Enjoy with warm pita or naan to soak up any extra marinade.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- As a Wrap: Slice and tuck into a warm pita with hummus and pickled onions for a delicious sandwich.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Additional Tips
Marinate Longer for More Flavor: Letting the chicken marinate overnight makes a huge difference in taste and tenderness.
Use Bone-In Chicken: If you prefer, bone-in thighs or drumsticks work well too—just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Don’t Skip the Broil: Those last few minutes under the broiler add a beautiful golden finish.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge. Reheat gently to keep the chicken moist.
Make It a Meal Prep Staple: This chicken tastes even better the next day and is perfect for meal prep!
Tips & Variations
- Want extra crispy skin? Use skin-on thighs and bake them on a wire rack for better airflow.
- Like it spicier? Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne.
- No za’atar? Mix dried thyme, sumac, sesame seeds, and a pinch of salt as a substitute.
- Dairy-free option: Swap Greek yogurt for coconut yogurt or a dairy-free alternative.
- Grill it instead: This recipe works great on the grill—just cook over medium heat until done.
This Baked Zaatar Yogurt Chicken is bursting with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for any night of the week. Whether you serve it with rice, salad, or warm pita, it’s guaranteed to be a new favorite. Try it tonight you won’t regret it!
Baked Zaatar Yogurt Chicken
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs 8 pieces boneless chicken thighs or breasts (skin on or off)
- For the Marinade:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp lemon juice + zest from 1 lemon
- 2 cloves garlic crushed and chopped
- 2 tbsp za’atar seasoning
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes or Aleppo flakes
- For Serving:
- ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, za’atar, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken in a gallon-sized plastic bag or a large container. Pour the marinade over, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Bake the chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade, shaking off excess. Arrange in a single layer in the baking dish. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes, or until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) (See Note 1).
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with couscous, warm pita, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Note 1: Cooking time may vary based on the thickness of the chicken pieces. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
- For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.
- Substitute Aleppo flakes for a milder, fruitier spice kick.
