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
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- ¼ 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.
Janet
I made this last night and it was a big hit! I cut the chicken breasts into chunks, marinated them for a couple of hours then skewered them with red peppers, mushrooms, zucchini and yellow squash (very pretty!) and did them in the air fryer rotisserie for about 25 minutes. I doubled the lemon juice and olive oil and reserved part of the marinade and mixed it with greek yogurt to use as a sauce and a dressing for salad. It was super yummy! Next time I’ll back off on the amount of zahtar and salt, but otherwise, it was amazing!!! Thank you for this recipe!!
Liz DellaCroce
So glad you enjoyed it!!!
Ann
I saw a comment that this would be good broiled instead of grilled (I don’t have a bbq). How long would you recommend grilling it and Lo or Hi? Thanks! Can’t wait to try this!
Liz DellaCroce
Yes broiling would be great! Probably 4-7 minutes per side depending on thickness.
Erin
This was so easy and yummy, I bought a bottle of zaatar at the beginning of quarantine and have been at a loss with what to do with it!
Liz DellaCroce
I’m so glad you found this!! I have TONs of others be sure to search “za’atar” to find them all on the search button!!
Dave
I’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
Oh interesting!! Mine has no salt!
Graciela Lara-Valverde
I have used Za’atar for many years and from different countries and none have had salt
Liz DellaCroce
Yes that’s correct – it’s a spice without salt.
Tracey Posner
I 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
How did it turn out Tracey?
Tracey
It 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
I’m so glad you loved it!
Janet
Although 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
Hi 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
We 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
Oh I’m so glad you enjoyed it Vivian! Let me know if you try any other recipes!
Kate
I’m not going to wait for grilling season to try this! Looks fantastic .
Liz DellaCroce
haha please don’t!!! Great under the broiler too!
Theresa
This 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
Ahhh 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
Looks delicious! I don’t think I’ve cooked with zaatar but now I want to make this grilled chicken asap!
Liz DellaCroce
It’s my favorite go-to spice for everything!
Rachel @ atheltic avocado
I love chicken and lemon together! I bet I would love this :)
Liz DellaCroce
Yes you would Rachel!
Gaby
Grilling season is my favorite!! This look so tasty!!
Liz DellaCroce
Mine too girl!
Megan {Country Cleaver}
Beka alwyas calls Zaatar “Tastes good on Chicken” spice, and I have no doubt that this chicken is OH SO GOOD!!
Liz DellaCroce
hahaha I love Beka!!
Phi @ The Sweetphi Blog
Love 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
Beautiful! Chicken is our most-grilled weeknight meal around here, and new and easy recipes are always welcome!
Dani @ DaniCaliforniaCooks
I really need to go out and buy a thing of zaatar. I think I would use it all the time!!
Liz DellaCroce
Yes you do!!
Aggie
I 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
Awwww!!!!! That’s the nicest thing anyone has ever told me!!!!!! I heart you!
KC
Hello! 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
I 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
Where can you find this Za’atar spice, besides on Amazon?
Liz DellaCroce
It’s at spice stores, international grocery stores or Middle Eastern markets. And of course Amazon.
spoontangkitchen
this looks incredible! i never thought to combine za’atar and chicken but it seems like a perfect summer spice rub.
Liz DellaCroce
I hope you love it!
Shawnna
Yummy!! Now this makes me hungry! It is almost lunch time!!
Liz DellaCroce
Perfect timing!!
Susan
This 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
Yes!!! I love pita bread with za’atar!
Charlotte Moore
I have never heard of this spice.
Liz DellaCroce
Let me know if you try it – you’ll love it!
Erin@WellPlated
I FINALLY own Za’atar now so this is coming soon. YAY!
Liz DellaCroce
Yay!!! I’m so glad you own za’atar now!!!
bridget {bake at 350}
I’ve never tried za-atar….will have to soon!
Liz DellaCroce
You would love it Bridget!
Liz@Virtually Homemade
This dish looks amazing and so healthy! Love Zaatar.
Liz DellaCroce
Thank you so much Liz!
haley @Cupcakes and Sunshine
Ahhh, this looks delicious!!!
Liz DellaCroce
Thank you!
Heather - Butter & Burlap
Yum! 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
Let me know if you try it!!
David @ CookingChat
Sounds like a great flavor for grilled chicken!
Liz DellaCroce
Thanks so much David!