Zaatar Chicken with Cucumber Salad & Harissa Sauce
This flavorful Mediterranean–Middle Eastern dish features juicy za’atar-spiced chicken roasted (or grilled) to perfection. It’s paired with a cool, refreshing cucumber herb salad and finished with a smoky, spicy harissa yogurt sauce.
⏱️ Time
Prep time: 15 minutes
Marinate time (optional): 30 minutes
Cook time: 20–25 minutes
Total time: 35–45 minutes
Ingredients
Zaatar Chicken
4 chicken breasts or 6 chicken thighs
2 tbsp za’atar seasoning
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 garlic clove, minced
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Cucumber Herb Salad
2 cups cucumber, diced (Persian or English)
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
2 tbsp fresh parsley or mint, chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt & pepper to taste
Harissa Yogurt Sauce
½ cup Greek yogurt
1–2 tsp harissa paste (adjust to heat level)
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp olive oil
1 garlic clove, grated
Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
1. In a bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon, garlic, za’atar, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Coat chicken thoroughly.
3. Marinate 15–30 minutes (optional but enhances flavor).
2. Cook the Chicken
Option A: Pan-sear & Roast (best texture)
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
2. Sear chicken in a hot skillet with a little oil, 2 minutes per side.
3. Transfer to oven and bake 12–18 minutes until internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
Option B: Grill
Grill on medium-high heat for 5–7 minutes per side until cooked through.
Option C: Air Fry
Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 14–18 minutes, flipping halfway.
Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
3. Make the Cucumber Salad
1. Combine cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and herbs in a bowl.
2. Toss with olive oil, lemon, salt, and pepper.
3. Chill while chicken cooks.
4. Make the Harissa Sauce
Stir Greek yogurt, Harrisa, lemon, garlic, olive oil, and salt until creamy and uniform.
5. Serve
Plate sliced za’atar chicken alongside the cucumber salad.
Drizzle or serve with harissa yogurt sauce on the side.
Finish with a sprinkle of za’atar or fresh herbs.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes — replace Greek yogurt with tahini or a dairy-free yogurt alternative.
What if I don’t have harissa?
Use sriracha + smoked paprika or chili garlic sauce as a substitute.
Can I substitute the salad?
Mint-yogurt slaw, fattoush, or tabbouleh work great here.
Tips for Best Results
Don’t skip the rest time — it keeps the chicken juicy.
Add lemon zest to the marinade for extra brightness.
Use fresh za’atar if possible; its flavor is more vibrant.
Slice cucumbers evenly for the best crunch and visual appeal.
For extra smokiness, add ½ tsp smoked paprika to the harissa sauce.
Estimated Nutrition
Calories: ~380
Protein: ~36 g
Carbohydrates: ~10 g
Fat: ~22 g
Fiber: ~2 g
Sugar: ~4 g
Sodium: ~480 mg