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Za'atar Tahini Chicken Thighs served with fresh herbs and lemon

Za'atar Tahini Chicken Thighs

A simple, tasty roast chicken thighs flavored with tahini and za'atar, served with a creamy herby sauce for a delicious weeknight meal.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the marinade
  • 1/4 cup tahini
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons za'atar spice blend
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 juice lemon
  • to taste salt and pepper
For the chicken
  • 4 chicken thighs Use bone-in, skin-on for more flavor and juiciness.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a bowl, whisk together tahini, olive oil, za'atar, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  2. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
Cooking
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Place the marinated chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
Serving
  1. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs.
  2. Serve with rice, couscous, or warm pita. Add a simple salad or steamed vegetables.
  3. Spoon a little extra tahini or plain yogurt on the side for dipping.

Notes

Marinate longer for more flavor. Pat the chicken dry before roasting for a crisper outside. If tahini is thick, thin it with warm water or extra lemon juice. For variations, you can use chicken breasts, add honey to the marinade, mix in yogurt, or roast vegetables on the same pan.