Middle Eastern Za’atar Chicken & Rice Recipe
This za’atar chicken and rice recipe features crispy, golden chicken thighs seasoned with Middle Eastern spices, baked over fragrant rice infused with garlic, onion, and lemon.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
Scale
- 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp za’atar spice blend
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups basmati or long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 2½ cups chicken broth
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- ½ tsp ground cumin (optional)
- Chopped parsley and pine nuts for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Season chicken with za’atar, salt, and pepper.
- Sear chicken in oil until golden on both sides. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté onion and garlic in the same pan until soft.
- Stir in rice and cumin. Toast for 1–2 minutes.
- Add broth, lemon zest/juice, and bring to a simmer. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Nestle chicken on top, cover tightly, and bake 35 minutes.
- Uncover and bake 10–15 more minutes to crisp the skin.
- Rest 10 minutes. Fluff rice and garnish before serving.
Notes
- Add vegetables like spinach or peas during last 10 minutes of baking.
- Serve with yogurt, salad, or tahini sauce.
- Keeps well for up to 4 days refrigerated.
Find it online: https://yumnexio.com/middle-eastern-zaatar-chicken-rice-recipe/