Easy Za’atar Chicken
This easy sheet pan za’atar chicken features juicy, crispy-skinned thighs coated in a bold, herby za’atar and olive oil marinade, then roasted with garlic and lemon for a bright, Mediterranean-inspired dinner.
Servings 4 -6
Calories 354kcal
Ingredients
For the chicken marinade
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- juice of one lemon
- 2 garlic cloves, pressed or grated
- 2 tbsp za'atar
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp ground pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
For the baking dish
- 2 heads of garlic, skin on, halved crosswise
- 1 large lemon, sliced into 6 slices
For serving
- Fresh parsley leaves and fresh chopped mint for garnish
- Pita or thick/crusty bread to dip into sauces in the pan or spread softened garlic cloves on your pita or bread
Instructions
- Dab the chicken skin dry with a paper towel to remove any moisture.
- Marinate the chicken: In the baking dish, add the chicken marinade ingredients and whisk together to combine. Add the bone-in skin-on chicken thighs, toss the thighs in the marinade and then let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.Alternatively, you can whisk all of the marinade ingredients together in a small bowl or jar, pour over the chicken thighs in the baking dish, toss to coat and then marinate.
- While the chicken is marinating, preheat the oven to 400F.
- After the chicken has marinated for 30 minutes, toss the chicken in the juices in the pan a few times and then put the chicken thighs skin side up. Add the halved garlic heads and toss in the juices in the pan and then put them cut-side up. Nestle the lemon slices in between the chicken thighs.
- Bake in the preheated oven uncovered for 35-45 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through, an internal temperature should reach 165F (cooking time will vary based on the size of the chicken thighs). Optional: If needed, broil on low a bit at the end to get crispy skin on the chicken if desired.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and fresh mint. Serve chicken thighs with pita or thick/crusty bread for dipping into sauces from the pan. Alternatively, squeeze out softened garlic cloves from heads of garlic and spread on pita or bread.
Notes
- This recipe pairs perfectly with a fresh salad like Maroulosalata aka my Mama's Salad or Greek Cabbage Salad. Or, try our Greek Potatoes!
- If you love this recipe, try our Greek Chicken Thighs + Butter Bean Sheet Pan Meal
Nutrition
Serving: 1chicken thigh | Calories: 354kcal | Carbohydrates: 1.4g | Protein: 24.1g | Fat: 27.6g | Saturated Fat: 7.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12.5g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 141.9mg | Sodium: 272.7mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 0.2g
