Zaatar Tahini Chicken Thighs

Experience the vibrant flavors of the Middle East with these Zaatar Tahini Chicken Thighs. Bone-in, skin-on thighs are seasoned with an earthy spice blend and roasted until the skin is perfectly crispy and golden. The dish is elevated by a luscious, garlic-infused tahini sauce that adds a creamy richness to every bite, making it a sophisticated yet simple meal choice.

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This recipe focuses on the balance of textures—the crunch of the roasted chicken skin paired with the velvet-smooth tahini drizzle. It is a hearty main dish that brings restaurant-quality Middle Eastern cuisine right into your home kitchen.

Ingredients

• 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp zaatar spice blend
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp sea salt
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• ⅓ cup tahini (sesame paste)
• 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 2 tbsp water (plus more as needed)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ¼ tsp sea salt
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and place in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Drizzle chicken with olive oil. Add zaatar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat thoroughly.

Step 3: Arrange for Roasting

Arrange the chicken thighs, skin side up, on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a large ovenproof skillet.

Step 4: Roast

Roast for 45–55 minutes, or until the skin is golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Prepare Tahini Sauce

While the chicken roasts, prepare the tahini-garlic sauce: In a bowl, whisk together tahini, minced garlic, lemon juice, water, olive oil, and salt until smooth and creamy. If needed, add more water 1 tsp at a time to reach a pourable consistency.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

When the chicken is done, let it rest for 5 minutes. Drizzle with tahini-garlic sauce, garnish with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the spice mixture for up to 8 hours in the refrigerator before roasting.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can substitute boneless chicken thighs for this recipe; however, you should reduce the cooking time to approximately 30–35 minutes.

Serviervorschläge

Complete the meal by serving the chicken with roasted vegetables or a simple cucumber-tomato salad for a fresh contrast.

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Whether you are hosting a dinner party or preparing a family meal, these Zaatar Tahini Chicken Thighs are sure to impress with their bold presentation and complex, satisfying flavor profile.

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Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What is the best cut of chicken for this dish?

Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are recommended for juiciness and crisp skin, but boneless can be used with shorter cooking times.

→ How can I make the tahini sauce smoother?

Whisk tahini slowly with lemon juice, water, and olive oil, adding water gradually to reach a creamy, pourable consistency.

→ Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?

Yes, marinating the thighs in the zaatar spice blend for up to 8 hours enhances flavor and tenderness.

→ What side dishes pair well with this chicken?

Roasted vegetables, cucumber-tomato salad, or lemony grains complement the spices and creamy sauce nicely.

→ Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, ensure all spice blends and tahini are certified gluten-free for sensitive dietary needs.