Name: Savory Za’atar Chicken and Rice
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken thighs; 2 tbsp yogurt; 1 tbsp za’atar seasoning; ¾ tsp allspice; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tbsp fresh chopped cilantro; 1 tbsp fresh chopped parsley; ¾ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; ½ fruit lime or lemon juice; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 red onion, sliced; 2 garlic cloves (for rice), minced; ¼ tsp allspice (for rice); ¼ tsp turmeric; 1 tbsp fresh chopped parsley (for rice); 1½ cups basmati rice, rinsed; 3 cups water; ¾ tsp salt (for rice); ½ tsp red chili flakes; ½ cup Greek yogurt or labneh; 3-4 minced garlic cloves (for yogurt dip); Squeeze lemon or lime juice (for yogurt dip); Salt to taste (for yogurt dip)

Description

A delightful Mediterranean dish combining marinated chicken and fluffy basmati rice, infused with za’atar and warm spices.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb chicken thighs
2 tbsp yogurt
1 tbsp za’atar seasoning
¾ tsp allspice
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp fresh chopped cilantro
1 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
¾ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ fruit lime or lemon juice
2 tbsp olive oil
1 red onion, sliced
2 garlic cloves (for rice), minced
¼ tsp allspice (for rice)
¼ tsp turmeric
1 tbsp fresh chopped parsley (for rice)
1½ cups basmati rice, rinsed
3 cups water
¾ tsp salt (for rice)
½ tsp red chili flakes
½ cup Greek yogurt or labneh
3–4 minced garlic cloves (for yogurt dip)
Squeeze lemon or lime juice (for yogurt dip)
Salt to taste (for yogurt dip)

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Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine yogurt, za’atar, allspice, minced garlic, cilantro, parsley, salt, black pepper, lime juice, and olive oil. Toss the chicken thighs in this marinade, ensuring they’re well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 24 hours.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Air fry the marinated chicken for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through and charred. Alternatively, bake in a preheated oven at 400°F, flipping midway.
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté sliced red onions until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
Stir in parsley, allspice, and turmeric, adding a splash of water if needed.
Add rinsed basmati rice to the pot, stirring to coat the grains. Pour in water, salt, and red chili flakes. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low to simmer for 15 minutes. Afterwards, let it steam off heat for another 10-15 minutes.
Fluff the rice with a fork. Prepare the garlic yogurt dip by mixing the ingredients and serve it on the side.

Notes

Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor. Adjust spices as needed for flavor preferences.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 75mg