Grilled Zaatar Chicken is an aromatic and savory dish that captures the soul of Middle Eastern cooking with its earthy, herb-forward spice blend and simple grilling technique. Chicken is marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and a generous amount of zaatar—a fragrant mixture of thyme, sesame seeds, and sumac—then grilled until perfectly charred and juicy. It’s bright, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make, offering the perfect balance of tangy, smoky, and herbal notes.

This dish is inspired by Levantine street food, where zaatar is used liberally in everything from flatbreads to meats. Grilling the chicken enhances the bold flavors of the marinade while creating irresistibly crispy edges and a tender center. Serve it with warm pita, yogurt sauce, and a fresh cucumber salad for a complete, satisfying meal that’s ideal for casual weeknight dinners or weekend cookouts.

For more bold, irresistible flavors, try this flaky and golden Baked Gruyère in Pastry with Rosemary and Garlic or spice things up with Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken.

Credit: Pinterest

Ingredients You Will Need

For the Chicken and Marinade:

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts – Juicy and flavorful, ideal for absorbing bold Mediterranean flavors.
2 tablespoons zaatar spice blend – The star of the dish—fragrant and earthy with a slight tang from sumac.
3 tablespoons olive oil – Helps carry the flavor of the zaatar and ensures a good grill sear.
Juice of 1 lemon – Bright and acidic, it tenderizes the meat and enhances the herbs.
3 garlic cloves, minced – Adds savory depth and aroma.
Salt and black pepper, to taste – Basic seasoning to enhance all the other flavors.

Optional Garnish:

Chopped fresh parsley or mint
Lemon wedges

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marination time)
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: 30–35 minutes (not including marination)
Serves: 4–6

Equipment You’ll Need

Mixing bowl
Grill or grill pan
Tongs
Knife and cutting board
Measuring spoons
Basting brush (optional)

How to Make Grilled Zaatar Chicken: Step-by-Step

1. Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine the chicken, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, zaatar, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor.

2. Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill (or grill pan) to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Let the grill get nice and hot to create beautiful grill marks and seal in the juices.

3. Grill the Chicken

Place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook for 6–8 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until it’s deeply golden and has nice char marks. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).

4. Rest and Garnish

Once grilled, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley or mint and lemon wedges, if desired.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 410
Protein: 36g
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 520mg
Cholesterol: 115mg

Tips and Variations

Use Bone-In Chicken: For deeper flavor and juicier meat, try using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs—just adjust cooking time accordingly.
Make It a Meal: Serve with fluffy couscous, herbed rice, or a fresh Israeli salad for a vibrant Mediterranean plate.
Oven Option: No grill? Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25–30 minutes, or broil for a lightly charred finish.
Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the marinade if you like heat.
Double the Batch: This chicken makes great leftovers. Slice it into wraps, toss it into grain bowls, or top a salad.

How to Store and Reheat

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze grilled chicken in airtight bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave in short bursts, covered with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Grilled Zaatar Chicken is one of those effortlessly impressive dishes. With just a handful of pantry staples, you get restaurant-worthy flavor thanks to the punchy zaatar and bright lemon-garlic marinade. The grilling process adds a beautiful char and smokiness that complements the earthy spice blend perfectly.

It’s weeknight-easy but special enough for weekend dinners. Whether tucked into pita with garlic yogurt or served on a platter with mezze sides, this dish will become a staple in your rotation for how easy, healthy, and flavorful it is.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Zaatar Chicken captures the heart of Middle Eastern comfort food with minimal effort and maximum flavor. The seasoning is bold but not overwhelming, the meat stays juicy and tender, and the versatility means it pairs with just about anything. I love making this for summer BBQs, family meals, or meal prep because it tastes even better the next day.

If you’re new to zaatar, this is the perfect gateway recipe to explore its complexity. Once you try it grilled onto juicy chicken, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again.

Credit: Pinterest

Frequently Asked Questions

What is zaatar made of?
Zaatar is a Middle Eastern spice blend typically made with dried thyme, toasted sesame seeds, sumac, and sometimes oregano or marjoram.

Can I use store-bought zaatar?
Absolutely. Store-bought zaatar is great and widely available. You can also mix your own if you prefer.

Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check the label on your zaatar mix to confirm there are no additives.

What should I serve with it?
Great sides include pita bread, hummus, tabbouleh, rice pilaf, or a cucumber-tomato salad.

Can I make this ahead?
Yes, the chicken can be marinated up to a day in advance, and leftovers reheat beautifully.

If you love bold and spicy dishes, you’ll also enjoy the deeply flavorful Chicken Madras—another great recipe that brings global flair to the dinner table.

Sofia