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Roasted chickon a plate with roasted beets.en thighs with lemon and garlic
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5 from 1 review

Extra Crispy Roasted Chicken Thighs with Za'atar

If you love bold flavor with minimal effort, this chicken is for you. Za’atar-spiced chicken thighs dry-roast until the skin is crisp and the meat stays juicy, all on top of fresh lemon slices. Serve with tahini and roasted garlic for a simple, satisfying dinner that feels special.
Prep10 minutes
Cook35 minutes
Total45 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Diet: Gluten Free
Keyword: chef-tested recipe, crispy chicken thighs, elevated chicken dinner recipe, Middle eastern chicken recipe
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 278kcal
Author: Ari Laing

Ingredients

  • 3 lbs chicken thighs bone-in, skin on, about 4 thighs
  • 1 ½ Tbsp za'atar
  • 2 tsp Kosher salt
  • ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 medium lemons
  • 2 heads of garlic
  • 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Fresh parsley
  • Flaky sea salt
  • Tahini optional

Instructions

  • Season the chicken thighs. Preheat oven to 450°F/230°C. Pat the chicken very dry with a paper towel. Combine 1½ Tbsp za'atar, 2 tsp Kosher salt, and ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl. Liberally season the chicken thighs on all side with the za'atar mixture.
  • Assemble the ingredients. Thinly slice lemons into ¼-inch thick rounds. Place 3 or 4 slices together on a parchment-lined baking sheet, creating a little bed for each chicken thigh. Rest the seasoned thighs on top. Next, slice each head of garlic in half. Place cut side up around the chicken, then drizzle the garlic heads only with about 1-2 Tbsp olive oil. Place a slice of lemon on top of each head of garlic.
  • Roast the chicken. Cook for 30-35 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken thighs reaches 160°F/71°C. Serve immediately with a sprinkle of chopped parsley, a pinch of flaky sea salt, lemon slices, roasted garlic, and tahini (optional).

Notes

  • Tips: Pat chicken completely dry for crispy skin. Season generously on all sides. Bone-in, skin-on thighs work best for maximum flavor (other cuts will work, too).

Nutrition

Calories: 278kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 83mg | Sodium: 1231mg | Potassium: 307mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 142IU | Vitamin C: 44mg | Calcium: 61mg | Iron: 3mg
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