Description
Zaatar Chicken with Roasted Vegetables and Tahini Delight is a flavorful Middle Eastern-inspired dish featuring juicy chicken thighs marinated in a fragrant zaatar spice blend, roasted to golden perfection alongside colorful bell peppers, red onions, and carrots. The dish is beautifully complemented by a creamy, tangy tahini sauce, making it a wholesome and delicious meal perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 4-6 pieces Chicken Thighs (Skin-on or skinless, about 1.5 to 2 pounds)
- 2-3 tablespoons Zaatar Spice Blend (a blend of dried thyme, oregano, marjoram, sesame seeds, and sumac)
- 3 tablespoons Olive Oil (Extra virgin olive oil)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (to taste)
- 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper (to taste)
Vegetables
- 2 cups Bell Peppers (Sliced into strips, mixed colors for visual appeal)
- 1 medium Red Onion (Cut into wedges)
- 2 medium Carrots (Sliced into rounds)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (for vegetables)
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
Tahini Sauce
- 0.5 cup Tahini (Ground sesame seeds for creamy sauce)
- 1 clove Garlic (Minced)
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (Freshly squeezed)
- 2-4 tablespoons Water (To adjust consistency of tahini sauce)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure even roasting for both chicken and vegetables.
- Marinate Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken thighs with the zaatar spice blend, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Marinate the chicken for 15-30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
- Prepare Vegetables: Toss the sliced bell peppers, red onion wedges, and carrot rounds with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated for roasting.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the marinated chicken thighs in the center of a baking sheet and surround them evenly with the seasoned vegetables.
- Roast: Roast in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C) and the vegetables are tender.
- Make Tahini Sauce: While the chicken and vegetables roast, whisk together tahini, minced garlic, lemon juice, and water in a bowl until smooth and creamy, adjusting water to reach desired consistency.
- Rest: Once roasted, let the chicken and vegetables rest for a few minutes to allow juices to redistribute for optimal flavor and texture.
- Serve: Arrange the chicken and roasted vegetables on a platter and drizzle generously with the prepared tahini sauce.
- Enjoy: Serve warm and savor the harmonious blend of zaatar-spiced chicken, caramelized vegetables, and creamy tahini.
Notes
- Zaatar spice blend can often be found at Middle Eastern grocery stores or online, but homemade blend works great too.
- Skin-on chicken thighs add extra crispiness; remove skin if preferred for a leaner option.
- Tahini sauce can be customized by adding a pinch of salt, cumin, or a dash of water-based hot sauce for extra kick.
- Vegetables can be varied based on seasonality, such as adding zucchini or cherry tomatoes.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or stovetop.
