This recipe for Zaatar chicken breasts makes a healthy and comforting meal that requires very little effort.  No need to heat up the grill, just marinate, toss in the oven, and enjoy! 

You may now ask what is zaatar? It's a Mediterranean spice mix with mainstay ingredients (if classic blend) of wild thyme (native to Middle East region), sumac, and roasted sesame seeds. Za'atar is a great way to add a delicious Mediterranean flair to chicken and just about any dish. (It is believed also that the herb Zaatar offers health benefits.)  Because there are no standards, however, on what may be called a zaatar spice mix, it’s important to choose a reputable zaatar brand that is honest about its ingredients with no unknown fillings and substitutes.

We hope you try this recipe and agree with us that a quality zaatar mix gives the chicken breasts a delicious zing and creates a crust which helps to lock in moisture, making them perfectly tender and juicy, and elevates bland chicken breasts to a whole new level.  

Zaatar Baked Chicken Breasts  

Recipe Category: Entree
Recipe Cuisine: Mediterranean
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Servings: 3
Serving Size: 2 chicken breast cutlets
Calories: 352, Fat: 27g, Protein: 30g, Carbs: 1g, Fiber: 0g

 

Ingredients

3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the marinade:
4 tablespoons Za'atar
5 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
4 garlic cloves, minced

preparation: 

1-  gather all the ingredients.  

2- Combine the marinade ingredients in a small bowl and mix well.

3- Slice the chicken breasts in half widthwise. To do this, use a sharp knife held parallel to the cutting board and carefully slice the chicken breast from the thicker end to the thinner end. The result will be 6 chicken breast cutlets about ¼ - ½ inch in thickness. 

 4- Place the chicken in a baking dish or large, shallow bowl, coat with the marinade and rub with hands to ensure all sides of the chicken breasts are fully coated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1-3 hours.

5- Preheat oven to 375°F/190°C and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.

6- Place the marinated chicken breasts onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-30 minutes, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F/75°C.

7- place the cooked chicken in a plate cover with a foil and rest for 3-5 minutes. while mixing your simple salad vinaigrette.

8- Serve with your choice of side dishes. We love steamed or roasted asparagus and a simple side salad.  (See below for a quick and easy vinaigrette recipe!)

Quick and Easy Za'atar Vinaigrette

 Ingredients

3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

½ cup olive oil

1 tablespoon Zaatar

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

Pinch of sea salt