This simple, marinate and bake za'atar chicken recipe, is a favorite of mine from Yotam Ottolenghi. Mediterranean flavors, combined with lots of red onions and lemon, make this simple dinner totally mouthwatering.
I don't know about you but I'm always looking for uncomplicated recipes.
Even though I write about food doesn't mean I always have dinner planned!
So when I find a good recipe that requires not much thought, I totally embrace it.
This succulent chicken is very interesting with the variety of herbs and spices that it contains.
No, not that many, but probably a combination that you wouldn't have thought to throw together.
I hope by now you've tried za'atar-the zesty thyme and sesame mixture that amazingly contains so much flavor.
Yes, I use it on everything from cream cheese to top my bagels, scrambled eggs, avocado toast, grilled fish and yes, this chicken.
Once you try it I guarantee there is no going back.
When it first became popular I bought it at Middle Eastern markets, but now you can find it at most grocery stores, including Trader Joe's.
What does zaatar taste like?
Well, I always told my kids that everyone has their own tastes and tastes change so it was important to keep trying things, because one day you might like it.
That always worked for them, because only two bites were needed to see if one's taste had changed.
In any case, I have no doubt that zaatar which tastes sometimes a little salty, a little woodsy, sometimes citrusy, or nutty and well, zaatar is a bit complicated because it really depends on who made the mixture.
The zaatar I buy at the Middle Eastern market is always greener in color, never contains salt, and is often labeled just thyme and sesame.
Other spice makers add everything from sumac to salt and often oregano or marjoram. SO, you can see, each zaatar mixture is a bit different.
The truth is I like them all!
What other spices are in this Za'atar chicken recipe?
Besides za'atar this zaatar chicken recipe contains allsipce and cinnamon.
I've never used allspice in many savory dishes but it totally makes the flavor of this chicken unique.
And since I'm sure many of you have a jar of allspice that needs to be used, this is a good place to use it.
No, I don't recommend using old spices so taste it first to see if there is any flavor left in it.
The same with your cinnamon. Honestly, good cinnamon is so worth it.
After I started buying the Saigon cinnamon from Savory Spice, there was no going back and that was years ago!
Sumac is another ingredient that is also starting to become popular and for good reason.
It tastes like lemon and who doesn't love lemon?
If you don't have any fresh lemons on hand just add a dash of sumac for that lemony taste.
Of course it does make things a bit pinky, but who doesn't love the color pink?
How do you make Za'atar Chicken?
Truly it doesn't get much simpler!
Take your favorite pieces of chicken and place them in a big zip lock bag along with 2 sliced red onions, olive oil, garlic, the seasonings and a slice lemon.
Add a little chicken stock and let this marinate for as long as you can stand it.
Overnight is good, but even a few hours is better than nothing.
When you are ready to bake this preheat your oven to 400 and place the chicken on a baking sheet with a rim or in a cast iron skillet, like I did.
The more space between the pieces, the more browning you will get. After all you don't want stewed chicken!
Sprinkle with the za'atar and place in the oven.
Let this roast for 45 - 60 minutes. How long it takes depends on how the chicken you used.
This za'atar chicken recipe works great with boneless, skinless chicken breasts or even a spatchcocked chicken.
Once it's baked it's ready to serve.
I love serving it with these Lebanese potatoes or this very pretty and tasty saffron rice.
You may want to add my favorite spinach salad made with za'atar croutons, pickled red onions and pieces of sweet dates.
Za'atar is one of my favorite seasonings so it's about time that I updated this post from 2015!
This is a great chicken and onions dish from Ottolenghi's book, Ottolenghi.
I am a fan and I know you know it.
Now bookmark or pin this zaatar chicken. It's a good one to have in your back pocket even if you have time to cook dinner!
Other Ottolenghi Recipes:
I'd Love it if You'd Follow Me and Pin and Share:
Recipe
Za'atar Chicken with Lemon and Red Onions
- Prep Time: 15 Minutes
- Cook Time: 60 Minutes
- Total Time: 75 Minutes*
- Yield: 4 - 6 Servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Description
This za'atar chicken recipe from Yotam Ottolenghi is easily made by marinating the chicken and then baking. Made with lots of Middle Eastern spices, this is one delicious chicken recipe!
Ingredients
1 4-5 lb chicken cut as desired
2 red onions thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, crushed
4 T olive oil
1 ½ t ground allspice
1 t cinnamon
1 T sumac
1 lemon, thinly sliced
¾ c water or chicken stock
1 ½ t salt
1 t freshly ground pepper
2 T za'atar
To Garnish: (Optional)
Pine nuts sauteed in butter
Fresh chopped parsley
Drizzle of olive oil
More za'atar and sumac
Instructions
In a large zip lock bag mix chicken with onions, garlic, olive oil, spices, lemon, stock, salt and pepper, (not the za'atar).
Let marinate for a few hours or even overnight.
Preheat oven to 400. Transfer the chicken and marinade to a baking sheet large enough to accommodate all of the chicken lying flat and spaced apart, skin side up.
Sprinkle with za'atar and place in oven. Roast for 45-60 minutes, until the chicken is colored and cooked through.
Transfer the chicken and onions to a serving platter and finish with your chosen garnishes. I always sprinkle on more za'atar and sumac!
Notes
*Does not include time to marinate
Gerlinde de Broekert says
This looks fantastic, Zaatar is wonderful for so many dishes. Pinned!
Linger says
Yuuuum!! I love anything Mediterranean. And this recipe looks fabulous. I can almost smell the aroma through this computer! Thanks so much for sharing.
John / Kitchen Riffs says
Zaatar is good stuff, and I love it with chicken. Perfect seasoning for this dish! Thanks.
Lea Ann (Cooking On The Ranch) says
As you know, I just discovered Zaatar this Fall and I'm totally smitten. What wonderful flavors. You know I'll be making this chicken. And I made your carrot zaatar appetizer for Thanksgiving ... the crowd went wild. 🙂 Thanks for my favorite recipe find this year.
Lei Angeles says
I will let my husband see this! Looks so good and delicious!
SavoringTime in the Kitchen says
I bought some za'atar a while back and still haven't cooked with it! This chicken dish looks like the perfect way to start, Abbe. Happy Hanukkah!
Daniela Grimburg says
All those gorgeous spices,just reading the ingredients list makes my mouth water!
This is a must try.
Hope you spend a wonderful Hanukkah!
Amy (Savory Moments) says
What a delicious looking meal! I hope you enjoy your Hanukkah!
ChgoJohn says
I made a similar dish a couple of years ago, Abbe. The recipe came from a fellow blogger. It called for preserved lemons in place of fresh. I'd never used za'atar before that and loved the dish. I'm sure this dish is every bit as good, if not better, and so much more accessible being fresh lemon is used. I can't wait to give your dish a try. Thanks for sharing.
Wishing you and your family a very Happy Hanukkah, Abbe.
Anu-My Ginger Garlic Kitchen says
What a delicious looking festive chicken! have not heard of za'atar before, but looks and sounds droolicious. My husband would love this! Thanks for this awesome share! 🙂
nicole branan says
I love sumac on chicken, it's the most delicious flavor combination and this dish sounds again fantastic. (Speaking of, I did make your bagel bombs for Thanksgiving and they were a smasher!) Have to check out Ottolenghi's stuff, I don't know much about him at all. My favorite cookbook at the moment is Nordstrom Flavors. 🙂
Abbe Odenwalder says
Sumac's lemony tart taste is awesome, isn't it? This is a great dish and so easy to make! So glad the bagel bombs turned out! I could use some more! I need to check this book out because I always love the Nordstrom's cafe. They do a great job!
Dawn Yucuis says
This chicken looks really tasty. I have not heard of za'atar before. I need to look it up.
Abbe Odenwalder says
Silly me to assume that everyone knows za'atar. It is a thyme sesame blend that is so good. You must try it Dawn!
Cathleen says
This looks delicious! I am getting so hungry just looking at this!
Abbe Odenwalder says
Thanks Cathleen!
Liz Berg says
I've been meaning to buy and try za'atar since I realized I could buy it down the way at Penzey's. Roast chicken sounds like a delicious place to start!
Abbe Odenwalder says
Liz, I know you told me that last year! HaHa! Go get it. I think even Bill would like it!
beyondkimchee says
I never tried Za'atar seasoing before and this dish got me very curious. Looks delcious with all the spices.
Abbe Odenwalder says
Za'atar is a thyme and sesame blend. Sometimes it may have salt or cumin in it, but I am not a huge fan of cumin. I love the unique and fresh taste of it. I buy mine at a Middle Eastern grocery, but it is starting to show up in some specialty stores. Love it. It is also great sprinkled on bread with olive oil. Check out my ma'aneesh recipe for bread. Yum!
Cheri Savory Spoon says
Hi Abbe, I adore Ottolenghi's recipes and the spices he uses. I make a chicken dish similar to this too, love sumac and za' atar. It's funny because my kids are grown too and I feel like I am running around like a chicken with my head cut off trying to keep up.
Abbe Odenwalder says
He has a lot of fans and I am one of them! You are totally describing how I feel! I love the order that kids brought to a house. I so miss it and them!
Karen Harris says
Beautiful recipe. love me some baked chicken and you are a master with za'atar. i can just taste it.
Abbe Odenwalder says
Oh-you know I love my za'atar! Tell you the truth I need to make it again, because I took these photos last year! Can't you tell?
Angie Schneider says
Ottolenghi never let me down. His recipes are keepers. The chicken looks so very tempting, Abbe.
Abbe Odenwalder says
Totally agree, Angie!
Holly says
I love cookbooks too and will have to check this one out that you've mentioned. Will your whole family be home for Hannukah? Or hopefully some of your family? It is hard when everyone is spread out around the world I am sure. Enjoy the special times ahead!
Abbe Odenwalder says
Great cookbook, but I love all of his! Zoe will be home and Alex will fly home on the 29th. Just in time for him to ski before we jet to Costa Rica for a wedding. Can't wait! Thanks Holly!
Rebecca Subbiah says
looks delicious happy Hannukah
Abbe Odenwalder says
Thanks Rebecca!
Kitchen Riffs says
I could make an entire meal out of latkes too. Or anything fried, for that matter. 🙂 Although with this great chicken around, I'll bet the latkes might be a bit neglected. But just a bit. 🙂
Abbe Odenwalder says
Well, latkes are always the star but this chicken doesn't take a back seat to anyone!