Grilled za’atar chicken thighs are a quick, easy, and flavorful way to grill your chicken. At just 4 ingredients, this recipe is too easy not to try!
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I’m having a lot of fun with these low-ingredient recipes, and I hope you are too!
This week, I am bringing you one of my new favorites I have been working on for a while– grilled za’atar chicken thighs! This recipe is a quick, easy, and flavorful way to grill your chicken.
Speaking of chicken, you should check out my post on baking a chicken. It is definitely going to help you with certain techniques!
Wait, Hold up. What is za’atar?
Za’atar is a middle eastern seasoning that has sumac, thyme, sea salt and sesame seeds. Recipes always vary, but these are your core ingredients. (source)
Sumac has a lemony flavor to it, which goes very well with chicken! Another bonus about za’atar is when heat is applied, the sesame seeds toast, changing the flavor of the mix.
When we grill the chicken seasoned with za’atar, we are creating the best of both worlds!
Where can I get za’atar?
If you’re feeling ambitious, you can always make it yourself! Try this recipe from Kevin Lynch at Closet Cooking.
If you do want to buy it and have a middle-eastern grocer in your area, I would start there. If not, try your local grocery store. I recommended the middle-eastern grocer first because chances are, it’s not only going to be more authentic, but probably cheaper too! Well that, and you get a chance to be around different food cultures. I can guarantee that there are food items that you won’t be able to find at your standard grocery store.
I recommended the middle-eastern grocer first because chances are, it’s not only going to be more authentic, but probably cheaper too! Well that, and you get a chance to be around different food cultures. I can guarantee that there are food items that you won’t be able to find at your standard grocery store.
Another option is to just skip all of the grocery store rigmarole and buy it online! Try this za’atar.
Do the grilled za’atar chicken thighs have to be made on the grill, or can I cook them in the oven?
Yes and no. You could make this in an oven; however, the dry heat of the grill helps toast those sesame seeds and crisp up the chicken skin! So if you do make it in the oven, make sure it cooks above its fats and juices.
You can do this recipe with a whole chicken too! The oil mixture is good for a 5-6 lb. chicken.
We’re losing grilling season fast, but I am still holding out for grilled za’atar chicken thighs! Have you tried using za’atar before? Let me know in the comments down below!
Cheers dears!
Gem
Grilled Za'atar Chicken Thighs
4 ingredients, very easy, and very tasty! If you never tried za’atar before, these za’atar grilled chicken thighs are a good place to start!
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/3 Tbsp. Za'atar
- 1/4 cup oil (preferably high heat, like avocado oil)
Set grill to about 400⁰F.
In a small bowl, combine the za'atar, salt, and oil. set aside.
Rinse and pat dry the chicken thighs. Separate the skin from the meat.
Using a basting brush, a spoon, or your hands, spread the oil mixture underneath the skin, on top of the skin, and on the inside of the chicken.
Place the chicken on the grill skin side down. allow to cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until temperature inside reaches 175⁰F.
If the chicken begins to char too much but is not done on the inside, allow to cook covered on indirect heat.
Allow rest for about 10 minutes before consuming.
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
Love za’atar! This looks so easy and delicious.
It is very easy! And I’m glad you’ve gotten a chance to use za’atar. I like how no-fuss it is to use 🙂