Za’atar Spiced Grilled Chicken breasts are tender and juicy thanks to a simple marinade of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic and za’atar.
Za’atar is one of my favorite spice blends of all time which is why it thrills me beyond belief to see it becoming trendy these days. The truth is, when I open up a bag of fresh za’atar, the earthy, smoky aroma immediately transports me back into my Great Aunt Vieve’s kitchen.
I have countless memories of being a little girl watching her as she masterfully sprinkled za’atar over her famous Middle Eastern Salad with Lemon, Mint and Garlic.
If you’re not familiar with za’atar, think of it as an all-in-one Middle Eastern spice blend, similar to my All-Purpose Lebanese Spice Blend. In addition to spicing up any salad, it is an ideal rub for grilled meats and vegetables.
When combined with olive oil, lemon juice and fresh garlic it turns chicken breasts into a tender, juicy and flavor-packed weeknight dinner the whole family will devour. Be sure to grill a little extra chicken – it’s great the next day in sandwiches, salads or pitas.
Your fork is waiting.
Za'atar Spiced Grilled Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 six ounce boneles sskinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup za'atar
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in a large glass baking dish or resealable plastic bag.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, za'atar, garlic, salt and pepper then pour marinade over the chicken. Move chicken breasts around to ensure they are evenly coated in mixture. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or up to overnight.
- Grill chicken breasts on medium-high heat for 7-8 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 155 degrees or higher. Let rest 5-10 minutes before serving to allow juices to re-distribute.
Dave
May 8, 2019 at 3:04 pmI’ve never seen za’atar that doesn’t include salt, so I omit the salt altogether. Salt is easy to add, hard to remove!
Liz DellaCroce
May 12, 2019 at 2:44 pmOh interesting!! Mine has no salt!
Tracey Posner
April 22, 2019 at 9:41 pmI can already tell that this is going to DELICIOUS! I am marinating my chicken as I’m writing this. Tomorrow, it will go on the grill 😁
I decided to make this recipe instead of another that actually called for chicken thighs. I just went with it since I already had the thighs waiting in the fridge. I see no reason why these won’t be just as awesome as a boneless, skinless breast or thigh would be. In fact, I think the bone and the skin will just add to the deliciousness 😁
I’ll let you know how it comes out!
Liz DellaCroce
April 25, 2019 at 10:20 amHow did it turn out Tracey?
Tracey
June 6, 2019 at 2:39 pmIt was AMAZING! everything was spot on and my husband loved It ! In fact, I’m making it again right now!
Sorry it took me so long to reply. I didn’t know there was a comment 😁
Liz DellaCroce
June 10, 2019 at 7:35 amI’m so glad you loved it!
Janet
May 21, 2018 at 8:13 amAlthough this was super easy to throw together, and was quite tasty, I honestly thought that there was WAY too much salt in the marinade. I will definitely make this again, but I will probably cut the salt in 1/2, maybe more. I also think that adding a bit of lemon zest in addition to the lemon juice would give it just a bit more sparkle. Overall, it was okay, but this recipe could use a bit of tweaking…
Liz DellaCroce
May 21, 2018 at 11:49 amHi Janet,
Thanks so much for letting me know! In general, I recommend one teaspoon of salt for every one pound of meat. You’re certainly welcome to lower the amount though! Either way I’m glad you enjoyed it!
vivian
March 20, 2016 at 7:50 pmWe had this for dinner tonight, along with fattoush and roasted potatoes, and it was a big hit. Not only that, but it was so simple to make too. Thank you!
Liz DellaCroce
March 27, 2016 at 4:20 pmOh I’m so glad you enjoyed it Vivian! Let me know if you try any other recipes!
Kate
February 1, 2016 at 6:52 amI’m not going to wait for grilling season to try this! Looks fantastic .
Liz DellaCroce
February 1, 2016 at 1:41 pmhaha please don’t!!! Great under the broiler too!
Theresa
October 22, 2015 at 5:02 pmThis is one of my favorites. I’ve made this several times for my family. The flavors are just delicious! A definite dinner keeper!
Liz DellaCroce
October 27, 2015 at 5:16 pmAhhh this is a go-to for us too!!! You can use a broiler or indoor grill pan during the winter! :)
Bianca @ Confessions of a Chocoholic
June 23, 2015 at 10:17 amLooks delicious! I don’t think I’ve cooked with zaatar but now I want to make this grilled chicken asap!
Liz DellaCroce
June 24, 2015 at 7:47 amIt’s my favorite go-to spice for everything!
Rachel @ atheltic avocado
June 23, 2015 at 7:39 amI love chicken and lemon together! I bet I would love this :)
Liz DellaCroce
June 24, 2015 at 7:45 amYes you would Rachel!
Gaby
June 15, 2015 at 5:43 pmGrilling season is my favorite!! This look so tasty!!
Liz DellaCroce
June 16, 2015 at 1:59 pmMine too girl!
Megan {Country Cleaver}
June 15, 2015 at 2:44 pmBeka alwyas calls Zaatar “Tastes good on Chicken” spice, and I have no doubt that this chicken is OH SO GOOD!!
Liz DellaCroce
June 15, 2015 at 2:57 pmhahaha I love Beka!!
Phi @ The Sweetphi Blog
June 10, 2015 at 1:48 pmLove the simplicity and flavor combination, I legit can’t wait to make this. And girl, you have to tell me where you buy your Za’atar, I’m always on the lookout :)
Brenda @ a farmgirl's dabbles
June 8, 2015 at 8:37 amBeautiful! Chicken is our most-grilled weeknight meal around here, and new and easy recipes are always welcome!
Dani @ DaniCaliforniaCooks
June 7, 2015 at 12:05 pmI really need to go out and buy a thing of zaatar. I think I would use it all the time!!
Liz DellaCroce
June 11, 2015 at 6:59 amYes you do!!
Aggie
June 6, 2015 at 7:31 amI have this suspicion that you may be somewhat behind za’atar becoming trendy…at least it became trendy at my house because of you!! What a delicious simple chicken. I am so ready to make this!
Liz DellaCroce
June 6, 2015 at 9:22 amAwwww!!!!! That’s the nicest thing anyone has ever told me!!!!!! I heart you!
KC
June 4, 2015 at 8:21 pmHello! I just wanted to double check is it 1/4c of za’atar? It seemed like a lot to me. Thanks for your help! Hoping to make it tommorow!!
Liz DellaCroce
June 5, 2015 at 4:05 pmI used 1/4 cup because I really wanted it to form a nice crust and be flavorful BUT you can certainly use 2 tablespoons if you prefer! Enjoy!!
Jordan
June 6, 2015 at 7:33 amWhere can you find this Za’atar spice, besides on Amazon?
Liz DellaCroce
June 6, 2015 at 9:22 amIt’s at spice stores, international grocery stores or Middle Eastern markets. And of course Amazon.
spoontangkitchen
June 4, 2015 at 4:50 pmthis looks incredible! i never thought to combine za’atar and chicken but it seems like a perfect summer spice rub.
Liz DellaCroce
June 5, 2015 at 4:05 pmI hope you love it!
Shawnna
June 4, 2015 at 12:03 pmYummy!! Now this makes me hungry! It is almost lunch time!!
Liz DellaCroce
June 4, 2015 at 4:40 pmPerfect timing!!
Susan
June 4, 2015 at 12:00 pmThis is definitely one I’ll be making when I get home to my supply of za’atar! It sounds spectacularly delicious. A good za’atar is probably my favorite spice mix. A former roommate of mine, who had lived in Israel for a while, introduced me to za’atar – she would brush a pita with olive oil, sprinkle it with za’atar, and then toast it. I’m getting hungry for it just writing about it…
Liz DellaCroce
June 4, 2015 at 4:40 pmYes!!! I love pita bread with za’atar!
Charlotte Moore
June 4, 2015 at 11:49 amI have never heard of this spice.
Liz DellaCroce
June 4, 2015 at 4:43 pmLet me know if you try it – you’ll love it!
[email protected]
June 4, 2015 at 11:12 amI FINALLY own Za’atar now so this is coming soon. YAY!
Liz DellaCroce
June 4, 2015 at 4:40 pmYay!!! I’m so glad you own za’atar now!!!
bridget {bake at 350}
June 4, 2015 at 10:29 amI’ve never tried za-atar….will have to soon!
Liz DellaCroce
June 4, 2015 at 4:41 pmYou would love it Bridget!
[email protected] Homemade
June 4, 2015 at 9:44 amThis dish looks amazing and so healthy! Love Zaatar.
Liz DellaCroce
June 4, 2015 at 4:42 pmThank you so much Liz!
haley @Cupcakes and Sunshine
June 4, 2015 at 9:43 amAhhh, this looks delicious!!!
Liz DellaCroce
June 4, 2015 at 4:42 pmThank you!
Heather - Butter & Burlap
June 4, 2015 at 8:34 amYum! I love this grilled chicken recipe! We had chicken last night and didn’t know what to marinade it with, but now we have a perfect dish!
Liz DellaCroce
June 4, 2015 at 4:42 pmLet me know if you try it!!
David @ CookingChat
June 4, 2015 at 7:19 amSounds like a great flavor for grilled chicken!
Liz DellaCroce
June 4, 2015 at 4:42 pmThanks so much David!