Za’atar Roasted Chicken Thighs with Lemon and Sumac Recipe
This Za’atar Chicken Thighs recipe features juicy, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs marinated in a fragrant blend of za’atar, sumac, and a unique 7-spice mix, then oven-roasted to achieve crispy, golden skin and tender meat. Infused with lemon and garlic, this Middle Eastern-inspired dish is perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner or special occasion, served alongside rice, potatoes, or your favorite sides.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 8 Chicken thighs (bone-in and skin-on)
- 1 Red onion (cut into wedges)
- 2-3 Garlic cloves (minced finely, adjust to taste)
- 3 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 Lemon (juiced)
- 1 Lemon (sliced into rings)
- 2 tbsp Za’atar seasoning
- 1 tbsp Sumac
- 2 tsp 7-Spice blend (see notes)
- Salt (to taste)
- Fresh cracked pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Marinate chicken. In a large bowl, combine the chicken thighs, red onion wedges, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon slices, za’atar, sumac, 7-spice blend, salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Toss everything together thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly. Cover and refrigerate to marinate for 1 to 2 hours, allowing the flavors to infuse into the meat.
- Prepare for roasting. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the marinated chicken thighs along with the onions and all the marinade into a baking dish, braiser, or a large oven-safe pan, spreading everything out evenly.
- Roast the chicken. Place the baking dish in the oven and roast for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 170°F (77°C). The skin should be nicely browned and crispy. If the skin isn’t as crispy as you like, switch the oven to broil and broil the chicken for an additional 5 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve and garnish. Remove the chicken from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve the za’atar chicken thighs with your choice of sides such as rice, roasted potatoes, or steamed vegetables for a complete and delicious meal.
Notes
- The 7-spice blend typically includes warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, black pepper, coriander, and cardamom. You can find pre-made blends or create your own.
- Adjust garlic quantity according to your preference for a milder or stronger garlic flavor.
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for best flavor and crispy texture.
- Broiling at the end is optional but recommended to achieve extra crispy skin.
- Serve with traditional Middle Eastern sides like rice pilaf, roasted vegetables, or flatbreads to complement the dish.
