For Any Occasion! The Best Grilled Chicken Recipe

Emily Carter

If you're looking for a fresh take on grilled chicken, this za’atar-grilled chicken brings bold flavor with minimal effort. It's juicy, herby, slightly tangy, and perfect for weeknight dinners or summer cookouts.

What Is Za’atar?

Za’atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend made from thyme, oregano, sesame seeds, sumac, and salt. It’s earthy, lemony, and adds a unique kick to anything you sprinkle it on—especially grilled meat.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

  • Big flavor, simple prep

  • Healthy and protein-packed

  • Perfect for meal prep or entertaining

  • Pairs well with salads, rice, or flatbread

Ingredients

For the marinade:

  • 2 tablespoons za’atar

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • Juice of 1 lemon

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the chicken:

  • 4 chicken thighs (or breasts if preferred)

How to Make Za’atar-Grilled Chicken

1. Make the marinade

In a small bowl, mix together the za’atar, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.

2. Marinate the chicken

Place the chicken in a bowl or zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over it, making sure each piece is coated. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor).

3. Grill it

Heat your grill (or grill pan) over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, or until it’s fully cooked and has nice char marks.

4. Rest and serve

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve it with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of extra za’atar, if desired.

Serving Suggestions

  • Over a fresh cucumber and tomato salad

  • With hummus and warm pita

  • Alongside rice pilaf or roasted vegetables

  • Sliced into a wrap with yogurt sauce

Final Tips

  • Don’t skip the lemon — it brightens the whole dish.

  • If you can’t grill, pan-sear or bake the chicken instead.

  • Leftovers make great lunches the next day.

Wrap-Up

This za’atar-grilled chicken is packed with flavor, easy to make, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, it’s a dish that always delivers.

Enjoy Watching This Video with a Similar Recipe

Source: Recipe30

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Emily Carter

Emily is a home cooking enthusiast who loves experimenting with simple, flavorful recipes. For her, cooking is a way to share special moments with family and friends. When she’s not in the kitchen, she enjoys exploring new ingredients and trying dishes from different cultures.

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