Zaatar Chicken Thighs with Tahini Sauce Recipe
Introduction
Zaatar Chicken Thighs with Tahini is a flavorful and simple dish that combines aromatic Middle Eastern spices with a creamy tahini sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken with a tangy, nutty drizzle.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons zaatar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Rub the chicken thighs with olive oil, zaatar, and salt until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Place the seasoned chicken thighs on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Step 3: While the chicken roasts, prepare the tahini sauce by whisking together tahini, minced garlic, and a small amount of water until smooth and pourable.
- Step 4: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and drizzle generously with the tahini sauce before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in zaatar and olive oil for 1 hour before roasting.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the tahini sauce for a brighter taste.
- Serve with warm pita bread or a fresh salad to complete the meal.
Storage
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep the chicken moist. The tahini sauce is best made fresh but can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 2 days.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used, but adjust the roasting time to 20-25 minutes since they cook faster than bone-in thighs.
How spicy is zaatar?
Zaatar is typically a blend of herbs, sesame seeds, and sumac, offering a tangy and earthy flavor rather than heat. If you prefer spice, you can add a pinch of chili flakes.
PrintZaatar Chicken Thighs with Tahini Sauce Recipe
This recipe features succulent chicken thighs seasoned with fragrant zaatar and roasted to perfection, then drizzled with a creamy garlic tahini sauce. It’s a delicious Mediterannean-inspired dish that combines bold flavors with simple preparation, perfect for a flavorful dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons zaatar spice blend
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Tahini Sauce
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 to 4 tablespoons water (to thin sauce)
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crisping. In a bowl, toss the chicken with the zaatar spice blend and olive oil until evenly coated.
- Roast the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up on a baking sheet or oven-safe skillet. Roast in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached.
- Make the Tahini Sauce: While the chicken is roasting, whisk together the tahini, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Slowly add water, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Serve: Once the chicken is done, transfer to a serving plate and drizzle generously with the prepared tahini sauce. Serve warm with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- For extra crispy skin, allow chicken to come to room temperature for 15 minutes before roasting.
- You can adjust the thickness of the tahini sauce by varying the amount of water added.
- Zaatar can be found at Middle Eastern markets or specialty spice stores.
- Leftover chicken and tahini sauce make a great filling for pita sandwiches.
Keywords: zaatar chicken, tahini sauce, roasted chicken thighs, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean chicken
