Description
Za’atar Tahini Chicken Thighs offer a flavorful and juicy meal featuring tender boneless skinless chicken thighs marinated in a vibrant blend of tahini, za’atar, lemon, garlic, and vinegar, then oven-baked to perfection and garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a refreshing finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade
- 1/2 cup Tahini (mix with water if too clumpy)
- 2 tablespoons Za’atar (Mediterranean herb blend)
- 2 tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar (can substitute with more lemon juice)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice (use fresh for the best impact)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
Main
- 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (juicier and tender)
Garnish
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (chopped)
- 1 each Lemon Wedges (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preparation
Gather all the ingredients and prepare your workspace for marination and baking. - Make the Marinade
In a large mixing bowl, combine tahini, za’atar, red wine vinegar, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture thoroughly until it becomes smooth and well-blended. - Marinate the Chicken
Reserve a small portion of the marinade for later use. Add the chicken thighs to the remaining marinade in the bowl and toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly. Cover and refrigerate the chicken to marinate for at least 1 hour to infuse flavors. - Preheat the Oven and Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Place the marinated chicken thighs spaced out evenly on the prepared baking sheet. - Bake the Chicken
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 25-35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through and juicy. - Serve
Remove the chicken from the oven and drizzle the reserved tahini sauce over the hot chicken thighs. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and lemon wedges on the side for added zest and presentation.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for at least 1 hour helps deepen the flavor but you can marinate overnight for a richer taste.
- If the tahini is too thick, mix it with a little water to achieve a creamy consistency perfect for the marinade.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best brightness and acidity in the dish.
- Za’atar can be found at Middle Eastern grocery stores or specialty spice shops if not available locally.
- Ensure chicken thighs are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
