Za'atar chicken

This za'atar/ zaatar chicken is easy to make, wonderfully moist and the flavors are gentle but fragrant. It's a delicious way to prepare chicken that pairs well with a whole range of sides.

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I wasn't brought up with Middle Eastern flavors, but they are definitely ones I have grown to love. Like Spanish food, which I have been lucky enough to try a lot of, I love that so many are relatively simple recipes that rely on good quality ingredients.

And in the case of many Middle Eastern foods, plenty of herbs. In many cases, this means fresh herbs such as in a Persian herb frittata or tabbouleh salad. But in this case, dried herbs take a turn to shine.

What is za'atar?

Za'atar is both a herb and a spice blend found in the Levant region. The herb is a kind of wild thyme and it is traditionally used as part of the spice blend of the same name. However it has become more scarce due to over-harvesting and it not generally commercially cultivated.

As a result, za'atar spice blend often uses other herbs in its place. In all cases, the herbs are blended with sumac and sesame seeds, plus sometimes a little salt and/or aromatic spices like cumin.

It's pretty widely available to buy these days, though do take care to check the ingredients, as not all versions are as good as others. Some skimp on sumac and use citric acid, or add other unnecessary fillers. You can also make it very easily at home (check out my recipe linked above!).

You can use the herb blend in a number of ways and it makes a lovely simple seasoning for chicken, with just a few small additions.

I first discovered this dish from an Ottolenghi recipe, although you'll find a few versions from the region (such as this one which I also drew on).

I've adapted this in a few ways, generally to make things easier but keeping the essential flavors of the dish. I also wasn't as keen on a heavily za'atar-crusted chicken as I have seen as I felt it could be overly bitter.

See how it comes together in the short video!

This combination is easy to make and with a delicious balance of flavors. You have citrus from the sumac and lemon and the gentle aromatics of the herbs.

If you like easy chicken recipes (who doesn't?!) then why not also try chicken saltimbocca (topped with prosciutto), orange rosemary chicken or almond chicken.

Za'atar chicken pairs perfectly with couscous and salads (especially Middle Eastern ones, or relatively simple as we had here). It also works with a range of vegetables and legumes like chickpeas, green beans or cauliflower. Whatever you serve it with, this is one delicious meal.

Try these other chicken recipes:

• Palestinian sumac chicken, mussakhan
• Aji de gallina (Peruvian chicken stew with a chili, walnut and cheese sauce)
• Chicken Provençal (with tomatoes, herbs, olives and wine)
• Goat cheese stuffed chicken with spinach and cranberries
• Plus get more mains recipes in the archives.

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