Go Back
For Za'atar Roasted Chicken, you need fresh and simple ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds) - 3 tablespoons za'atar seasoning - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 4 garlic cloves, minced - 1 lemon, juiced - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon black pepper - 1 large onion, quartered - 2 cups baby potatoes, halved - 1 cup cherry tomatoes - Fresh parsley, for garnish Each ingredient plays a key role. The chicken is the star, providing juicy meat. Za'atar gives it a unique, earthy taste. Olive oil adds richness while helping the spices stick. Garlic and lemon shine, brightening the dish. Salt and black pepper enhance all the flavors. Onion, potatoes, and tomatoes add texture and sweetness. Finally, fresh parsley brings a pop of color. Together, these ingredients create a meal that is both simple and packed with flavor. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat helps the chicken cook evenly and get crispy. In a small bowl, mix together these ingredients: - 3 tablespoons za'atar seasoning - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 4 garlic cloves, minced - 1 lemon, juiced - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon black pepper Stir well until all ingredients blend into a smooth marinade. This mix brings great flavor to the chicken. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Place it in a large roasting pan. Rub the marinade all over the chicken. Make sure to get some under the skin for extra taste. This step is key for juicy meat. Now, chop up your vegetables. Use: - 1 large onion, quartered - 2 cups baby potatoes, halved - 1 cup cherry tomatoes Scatter the onion, potatoes, and tomatoes around the chicken in the pan. Drizzle a little olive oil over the veggies. Sprinkle them with a pinch of salt and pepper. This adds color and flavor. Put the roasting pan in the preheated oven. Roast for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. You want the chicken to reach 165°F (74°C) inside. The skin should look golden brown and crispy. Baste the chicken halfway through cooking. This keeps it juicy and moist. After roasting, take the chicken out of the oven. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This helps the juices settle. Lastly, garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with roasted vegetables on the side for a complete meal. Enjoy your delicious Za'atar Roasted Chicken! When you pick a chicken, look for one that feels heavy for its size. A fresh chicken has a pink skin and no bad smells. Check the sell-by date to ensure it's fresh. Organic or free-range chickens often taste better. They have more flavor and are raised in better conditions. Za'atar is a mix of herbs, sesame seeds, and salt. To get the best taste, rub it under the skin of the chicken. This lets the flavor soak in. Also, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. The longer it sits, the more flavor it gets. Mixing the za'atar with olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice gives a tasty boost. Basting helps keep the chicken moist. Halfway through cooking, use a spoon to drizzle the pan juices over the chicken. This helps the skin stay crispy and adds flavor. You can baste every 20 minutes if you want. Just be careful not to open the oven too often, so it stays hot inside. Pro Tips Marinate Overnight: For deeper flavor, consider marinating the chicken overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the spices to penetrate the meat more thoroughly. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure perfect doneness, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh, and it should read 165°F (74°C). Crispier Skin: For extra crispy skin, make sure to pat the chicken dry before applying the marinade and avoid covering it while roasting. Vegetable Variations: Feel free to mix in other vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini to customize your roast and add more flavor. {{image_2}} You can change the veggies to suit your taste. Try carrots for a sweet crunch. Broccoli adds a nice green touch. Sweet potatoes give a lovely flavor too. You can even use bell peppers for color. Just remember to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking. Za'atar brings a great taste, but you can mix it up. Try garlic powder for a stronger garlic flavor. Paprika adds a smoky hint that is delicious. If you like heat, chili powder gives a nice kick. Use fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a fresh twist. Serve the chicken with rice or couscous for a filling meal. A simple salad pairs well too. You can add yogurt on the side for creaminess. For a fun twist, serve in pita pockets with veggies. Don’t forget to drizzle some lemon juice on top for extra zing. After enjoying your Za'atar roasted chicken, let it cool first. Place leftovers in an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure to store the chicken and veggies together for easy meals. If you have more leftovers, freezing is a great option. Cut the chicken into pieces for easier storage. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. Label the bag with the date. This way, you always know what you have. When ready to enjoy again, reheating is simple. Thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge if frozen. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warm. For crispy skin, remove the foil for the last five minutes. Enjoy your meal as if it just came out of the oven! Za'atar is a blend of herbs and spices. It often includes thyme, oregano, and sesame seeds. It adds a bright, tangy flavor to dishes. You can find it in many grocery stores or make your own. Mixing dried herbs with sumac gives it a unique taste. This seasoning is popular in Middle Eastern cuisine and pairs well with meat and vegetables. Yes, you can use chicken parts. Legs, thighs, or breasts work well. Just adjust the cooking time based on the size of the pieces. Smaller parts may cook faster. Ensure each piece is coated in the za'atar marinade for great flavor. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (74°C) to be safe. The juices should run clear, not pink. The skin should look golden brown and crispy. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part. If the meat is white and clear, it’s done. Serve the chicken with the roasted veggies for a complete meal. A fresh salad adds a nice touch. You can also pair it with rice or couscous. Flatbreads or pita are great for scooping up flavors. A yogurt sauce can also enhance the dish. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days. Make sure to let the chicken cool down before putting it away. Reheat it in the oven for the best texture. You can also use a microwave, but the skin may not stay crispy. This blog post shared a tasty recipe for Za'atar Roasted Chicken. We covered ingredients, step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and more. You discovered how to choose the best chicken and how to enhance flavor with Za'atar. Feel free to try different veggies and spices to make it yours. Remember, leftovers can be stored and reheated easily. I hope this helps you create a delicious meal that your family will love. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Za'atar Roasted Chicken

A flavorful roasted chicken seasoned with za'atar and accompanied by roasted vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Middle Eastern
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
  • 3 tablespoons za'atar seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 whole lemon, juiced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 large onion, quartered
  • 2 cups baby potatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
  • 1 bunch fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • In a small bowl, mix together the za'atar seasoning, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to create a marinade.
  • Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then place it on a large roasting pan. Rub the marinade all over the chicken, including under the skin for maximum flavor.
  • In the roasting pan, scatter the quartered onion, halved baby potatoes, and cherry tomatoes around the chicken. Drizzle a little olive oil over the vegetables and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  • Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown and crispy. Baste the chicken halfway through cooking for extra juiciness.
  • Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with the roasted vegetables on the side.

Notes

Baste the chicken halfway through cooking for extra juiciness.
Keyword chicken, dinner, easy, roasted, za'atar