Description
This Za’atar Chicken with Yogurt Sauce recipe features tender, marinated chicken breasts infused with the aromatic Middle Eastern za’atar spice blend. Cooked quickly in a pan, the chicken is served with a creamy, tangy yogurt sauce made from Greek yogurt, fresh herbs, and garlic, creating a perfectly balanced and flavorful dish ideal for a quick weeknight meal or casual dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 20 ounces Chicken breast (4 portions of 5 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons Za’atar spice
- 4 tablespoons Lemon juice (divided)
- 3 cloves Garlic (finely minced, divided)
- 1 tablespoon Finely chopped chives (divided)
- 3/4 teaspoon Kosher salt (divided)
- ½ teaspoon Black pepper (divided)
Yogurt Sauce
- ½ cup Plain Greek yogurt (full fat recommended)
- 1 tablespoon Finely chopped fresh parsley
Cooking
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken Portions: Cut chicken into four 5-ounce portions. Ensure uniform thickness for even cooking by slicing thick breasts in half horizontally or pounding them gently with a mallet covered in plastic wrap.
- Marinate Chicken: Place chicken breasts in a large bowl and add 3 tablespoons of lemon juice. Toss to coat the chicken evenly in the citrus juice.
- Add Spices: Sprinkle the za’atar spice, half the minced garlic, half the chopped chives, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper over the chicken. Toss well so the chicken is fully coated with the seasoning.
- Rest and Marinate: Allow the chicken to marinate for 20 minutes to absorb the flavors of the spices and lemon juice.
- Make Yogurt Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, remaining garlic, chives, parsley, remaining salt, and pepper. Stir until thoroughly mixed into a smooth sauce.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook 3-5 minutes on each side, until an internal temperature of 165°F is reached and the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve: Slice the cooked chicken and arrange on a plate. Drizzle generously with the prepared yogurt sauce and serve immediately.
Notes
- For best flavor, use full-fat Greek yogurt in the sauce to add richness.
- Adjust marinating time longer for more intense flavor if desired (up to 1 hour).
- Ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F for food safety.
- You can serve this dish with warm pita bread, salad, or rice for a complete meal.
- If za’atar spice is unavailable, a mix of thyme, oregano, sesame seeds, and sumac can be used as a substitute.
