Zaatar-Grilled Chicken with Yogurt & Pita Rice
Charred chicken thighs coated in aromatic za'atar rest on a bed of fluffy rice, flanked by warm pita rounds and a cool garlic-yogurt drizzle. The chicken is smoky and herbaceous, the rice is subtly seasoned, and the yogurt sauce adds tangy creaminess. This Middle Eastern‑inspired plate balances protein, carbs, and fresh flavor in a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 thighs bone-in, skin-on chicken 600g
- 2 tbsp za'atar seasoning 12g
- 2 tbsp olive oil 30g
- 1 tbsp lemon juice 15g
- ½ tsp salt 3g
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper 1g
- 1 cup greek yogurt 240g
- 1 clove garlic cloves, minced 3g
- 1 tbsp lemon juice 15g
- 1 tsp za'atar seasoning 6g
- ¼ tsp salt 2g
- 1 cup long-grain white rice 185g
- 2 cups water 480g
- 1 tbsp olive oil 15g
- ½ tsp salt 3g
- 4 whole wheat pita breads 240g
Steps
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Step 1
In a bowl, combine olive oil, za'atar, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper; whisk to form a paste. Rub the mixture evenly over the chicken thighs, coating both sides.
- 2 tbspolive oil
- 2 tbspza'atar seasoning
- 1 tbsplemon juice
- ½ tspsalt
- ¼ tspground black pepper
- 4 thighsbone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
-
Step 2
Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium‑high heat (about 400°F). Grill the chicken thighs skin‑side down for 6‑7 minutes, then flip and cook another 6‑7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the exterior is nicely charred.
- 4 thighsbone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
-
Step 3
While the chicken rests, combine Greek yogurt, minced garlic clove, lemon juice, za'atar, and salt in a small bowl; stir until smooth. Refrigerate briefly to let flavors meld.
- 1 cupGreek yogurt
- 1 clovegarlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsplemon juice
- 1 tspza'atar seasoning
- ¼ tspsalt
-
Step 4
Rinse rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a saucepan, bring 2 cups water, olive oil, and salt to a boil. Add the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, then remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes.
- 1 cuplong-grain white rice
- 2 cupswater
- 1 tbspolive oil
- ½ tspsalt
-
Step 5
Warm the pita breads on the grill for 30 seconds per side or in a preheated oven at 350°F for 3‑4 minutes until soft and pliable.
- 4whole wheat pita breads
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Step 6
To serve, place a mound of rice on each plate, top with a grilled chicken thigh, drizzle generous spoonfuls of the yogurt‑za'atar sauce, and arrange a warm pita on the side. Garnish with a sprinkle of extra za'atar if desired.
- 1 cuplong-grain white rice
- 4 thighsbone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 cupGreek yogurt
- 2 tbspza'atar seasoning
- 4whole wheat pita breads
Nutritional info
Estimated nutritional value per serving. Not medical advice. Learn more.
Prepful
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