Zaatar Tahini Chicken Thighs (Printable)
Succulent chicken thighs with zaatar spice and rich tahini marinade, roasted until golden and crispy.
# Ingredient List:
→ Chicken
01 - 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (approximately 2.6 pounds)
→ Marinade
02 - 1/3 cup tahini (sesame paste)
03 - 3 tablespoons olive oil
04 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
05 - 2 tablespoons zaatar spice blend
06 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
07 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
08 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 - 1 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
→ Garnish
11 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
12 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
13 - Lemon wedges, for serving
# Steps:
01 - In a large bowl, whisk together tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, zaatar, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
02 - Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Add chicken to the marinade, turning to coat thoroughly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, up to 8 hours for deeper flavor development.
03 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
04 - Arrange marinated chicken thighs skin side up on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon any remaining marinade over the top of each piece.
05 - Roast for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the skin is golden and lightly crisped, and the internal temperature reaches 175°F when tested with a meat thermometer.
06 - For extra crispy skin, switch to broil on high for 2 minutes at the end of roasting. Watch closely to prevent burning.
07 - Remove from oven and let chicken rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley and toasted sesame seeds. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The tahini creates this incredibly creamy, almost nutty marinade that keeps the chicken ridiculously moist while the skin gets perfectly crispy
- Zaatar brings this magical combination of savory, tangy, and herbal notes that makes every bite feel like something special
02 -
- Patting the chicken completely dry before marinating is the secret to getting that skin crisp instead of soggy
- The tahini marinade might look thick at first but it thins out as the chicken releases its juices during roasting
03 -
- If your zaatar blend does not contain salt, you might want to add an extra half teaspoon to the marinade
- Line your baking sheet with foil underneath the parchment for absolutely effortless cleanup