Za'atar Chicken
{"Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours (or overnight) for best flavor and tenderness.","Score each chicken leg three times to help the marinade penetrate and to promote even cooking.","Bake at 400F/200C and baste halfway; the chicken is done when it reaches 165F/74C in the thickest part. Rest 5 minutes before serving.","Arrange chicken over the sliced onions and the squeezed lemon to infuse flavor; the onions can be served as a tasty side.","This recipe can also be cooked in an air fryer; cook until the internal temperature reaches 165F/74C, adjusting time based on your model.","Leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3–4 days or freeze up to 3 months. Reheat to 165F/74C.","Adjust za'atar to taste; different blends vary in saltiness and intensity."}
Time: Prep: 10 mins, Cook: 45 mins, Total: 55 mins
Servings: 5
Ingredients
- 5 chicken legs (chicken quarters), about 2.4 lb (1 kg)
- 1.5 tbsp za'atar seasoning
- juice of 1 lemon
- zest of 1 lemon
- 1 medium onion, sliced into rounds
- 1 tbsp garlic paste
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine zaatar seasoning, lemon juice and zest, garlic paste, tomato paste, olive oil, salt, and black pepper, then mix to combine.
- Remove any unwanted fat and excess skin from the chicken. With a sharp knife, make three incisions on each leg. This allows the marinade to penetrate the meat and ensures even cooking.
- Add the chicken legs to the marinade and coat them well on all sides, rubbing the marinade into the crevices. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let them marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 400F / 200C.
- Add the sliced onions and the squeezed lemon shaft to the rimmed baking tray. Arrange the marinated chicken leg on top of the onions and lemon.
- Place in the oven and cook for 35-45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown and has an internal temperature of 165F/74C when checked with a meat thermometer. Baste the chicken halfway through the cooking time, there is no need to flip the chicken. Remove the chicken from the oven and rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Serve with your choice of sides, and enjoy!