Zaatar Tahini Chicken Thighs (Printable Version)

Succulent chicken thighs coated in tahini and zaatar, roasted to golden perfection with bold Middle Eastern flavors.

# What You Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2.6 lbs)

→ 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

# Directions:

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).
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 extra marinade over the top.
05 - Roast for 30–35 minutes, or until the skin is golden, lightly crisped, and the internal temperature reaches 175°F.
06 - For extra crispiness, broil on high for 2 minutes at the end.
07 - Remove from oven and rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley, toasted sesame seeds, and serve with lemon wedges.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The tahini creates this incredible creamy coating that keeps the chicken ridiculously moist while the skin gets perfectly crisp.
  • Zaatar brings this nutty tangy brightness that makes every bite feel special without any complicated techniques.
02 -
  • Tahini can seize up when it hits the lemon juice at first just keep whisking and it will smooth out.
  • The skin will not get crazy crispy because of the marinade but it develops this incredible savory candied quality that is actually better.
03 -
  • Buy your zaatar from a Middle Eastern market if you can find one the quality difference is noticeable.
  • Mix your marinade in a wide shallow bowl instead of a deep one for easier coating.

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