Grilled Za'atar Chicken Thighs
These grilled chicken thighs deliver an explosion of Middle Eastern flavor. Marinated to perfection and grilled to juicy tenderness, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges for a vibrant finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Marinating Time: 1 hour minimum, up to 8 hours
- Cook Time: 12-16 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 people 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling (with an alternative stovetop grilling method)
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons za'atar
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Aleppo pepper (optional)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon tahini
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for garnish)
Instructions
- Make the Za'atar Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, chopped garlic, za'atar, sea salt, black pepper, and Aleppo pepper (if using). Slowly whisk in the olive oil until the marinade is well combined.
- Prepare the Za'atar Tahini Sauce: Remove ¼ cup of the marinade and place it into a separate small bowl. Stir in the tahini until it is fully incorporated and has a runny consistency. Set aside for later.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the bowl with the remaining marinade. Toss the chicken to ensure they are thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken to a resealable bag. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or maximum flavor, up to 8 hours.
- Stovetop Cast Iron Grilling: Heat a lightly oiled cast-iron grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat until it's hot. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the used marinade. Place the chicken thighs flat-side down on the hot grill pan. Cook for 6-8 minutes on the first side, until golden brown. Flip the chicken and cook for another 6-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (73°C). Let the chicken rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the grilled chicken to a serving platter. Serve the reserved za'atar tahini sauce next to the chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
Notes
For Gas Grilling: Preheat your gas grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the used marinade. Place the chicken thighs on the preheated grill. Grill for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (73°C). Let the chicken rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Note for Gluten-Free: While the other ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, some commercially prepared za'atar seasoning blends can contain wheat flour as a filler or anti-caking agent. To ensure this recipe remains gluten-free, please check the ingredient list of your za'atar blend and choose one that is explicitly labeled gluten-free.
Find it online: https://crave-worthy.com/grilled-zaatar-chicken-thighs/