Za’atar Tahini Chicken Thighs

A simple, tasty roast chicken with za’atar and tahini.

introduction

This recipe makes juicy chicken thighs flavored with tahini and za’atar. The sauce is creamy and herby. You can make it fast and it works for a weeknight or a small dinner.

why make this recipe

• It is simple and uses few ingredients.
• The sauce keeps the chicken moist.
• Za’atar gives a bright, herbal flavor that pairs well with lemon and garlic.
• It is easy to double or halve.

how to make Za’atar Tahini Chicken Thighs

1. Make the marinade by mixing tahini, olive oil, za’atar, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Add the chicken thighs and coat them well with the marinade.
3. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
4. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
5. Place the marinated chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Roast for 25–30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
7. Serve hot. Add fresh herbs if you like.

Ingredients :

• 4 chicken thighs
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons za’atar spice blend
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions :

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.
3. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
4. Place the marinated chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
6. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs.

how to serve Za’atar Tahini Chicken Thighs

• Serve with rice, couscous, or warm pita.
• Add a simple salad or steamed vegetables.
• Spoon a little extra tahini or plain yogurt on the side for dipping.

how to store Za’atar Tahini Chicken Thighs

• Cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm, or use a microwave for a quick reheat.

tips to make Za’atar Tahini Chicken Thighs

• Marinate longer for more flavor. Overnight works best.
• Pat the chicken dry before roasting for a crisper outside.
• If the tahini is very thick, thin it with a little warm water or extra lemon juice.
• Use bone-in, skin-on thighs for more flavor and juiciness.

variation (if any)

• Use chicken breasts, but reduce cook time and watch for dryness.
• Add a spoon of honey to the marinade for a sweet note.
• Mix in plain yogurt with the tahini for a creamier, tangier sauce.
• Try roasted vegetables on the same sheet pan for a one-pan meal.

FAQs

Q: Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
A: Yes. Boneless thighs cook a bit faster. Check for doneness after 20 minutes.

Q: Can I grill these instead of roasting?
A: Yes. Grill on medium heat 6–8 minutes per side, until cooked through.

Q: Is za’atar easy to find?
A: Many stores sell it in the spice aisle or in Mediterranean sections. You can also buy it online.

Q: Can I freeze the cooked chicken?
A: Yes. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Conclusion

For another simple take on za’atar chicken, try this Za’atar Roasted Chicken Thighs Recipe (4 Ingredients) – The Kitchn.

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.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

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.