Oven-Baked Za’atar Chicken Thighs
Bone-in or boneless chicken thighs are marinated in olive oil, garlic, lemon, and za’atar spice blend, then oven-baked until golden and tender. This dish is earthy, herby, and pairs beautifully with roasted veggies, rice, or a fresh salad.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 35–40 minutes
Total time: ~50 minutes–1 hour 10 minutes
Servings:4
Ingredients
6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless, skinless if preferred)
3 tbsp olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
3 garlic cloves, minced
2–3 tbsp za’atar spice blend
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Marinate chicken – In a bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, za’atar, paprika, salt & pepper. Add chicken thighs, coat well. Marinate at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight for deeper flavor).
Bake – Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange chicken thighs skin-side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet or roasting pan.
Roast – Bake 35–40 minutes (bone-in) or 25–30 minutes (boneless) until internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C) and skin is golden.
Rest & serve – Let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra za’atar. Serve warm.
Notes & Tips
For crispier skin: Broil chicken for the last 2–3 minutes.
Pair with: Lemon rice, tabbouleh, roasted potatoes, or a simple Greek salad.
Make it a sheet-pan meal: Roast chicken alongside zucchini, peppers, or carrots.
Store leftovers: Keeps 3–4 days in the fridge, great for wraps or grain bowls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken breasts?
Yes, but reduce cooking time (20–25 minutes for boneless breasts at 400°F) to avoid dryness.
Q: Can I make my own za’atar?
Yes — mix 2 tbsp dried thyme, 2 tbsp sesame seeds, 2 tbsp ground sumac, 1 tsp oregano, ½ tsp salt.
Q: Can this be grilled instead of baked?
Absolutely! Grill over medium-high heat 5–7 minutes per side until cooked through.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~340
Protein: 27g
Carbs: 2g
Fat: 24g
Fiber: 1g