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Crispy Zaatar Chicken Thighs Recipe with Easy Tangy Lemon Yogurt Dip

crispy zaatar chicken thighs - featured image
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This recipe features crispy, herby za’atar-spiced chicken thighs paired with a bright and tangy lemon yogurt dip, perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs / 680 g)
  • 3 tbsp za’atar spice blend
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup (240 ml) full-fat Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and place them skin-side up in a large bowl.
  2. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the chicken. Sprinkle the za’atar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper evenly. Toss gently to coat each piece well, about 2 minutes.
  3. Warm your skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until hot but not smoking.
  4. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the pan without crowding. Cook undisturbed for 8-10 minutes until the skin is golden and releases easily.
  5. Flip the thighs and cook for another 7-8 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For extra crispiness, sear skin-side down for 1-2 more minutes if desired.
  6. While the chicken cooks, combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, and chopped mint in a small bowl. Stir well and season with salt to taste. Chill until serving.
  7. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking. Serve warm with a generous dollop of the tangy lemon yogurt dip on the side.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure crispy skin. Cook skin-side down undisturbed for at least 8 minutes to develop a golden crust. Use medium heat to avoid burning spices. Rest chicken before serving to lock in juices. The lemon yogurt dip can be made ahead and kept chilled. For dairy-free dip, substitute Greek yogurt with coconut or almond-based yogurt.

Nutrition

Keywords: zaatar chicken, crispy chicken thighs, lemon yogurt dip, Middle Eastern chicken, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, healthy chicken

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/crispy-zaatar-chicken-thighs-recipe-with-easy-tangy-lemon-yogurt-dip/