Grilled Zaatar Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Grilled Zaatar Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that brings together the bold flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine with the smoky goodness of grilled chicken. Zaatar, a spice blend consisting of herbs like thyme and oregano, sesame seeds, and sumac, imparts a unique and aromatic taste to the chicken. This recipe is perfect for a family barbecue or a flavorful weeknight dinner. Let’s get started!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of zaatar spice blend
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley leaves for garnish (optional)
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
1. Prepare the Marinade
- In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, zaatar spice blend, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken
- Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
- Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. For best results, marinate for a few hours or overnight.
3. Preheat the Grill
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F or 190-200°C). Make sure to oil the grates to prevent sticking.
4. Grill the Chicken
- Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
- Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill and cook for approximately 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has beautiful grill marks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- While grilling, you can baste the chicken with any remaining marinade for added flavor.
5. Rest and Serve
- Once the chicken is done, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring moist and tender chicken.
- Garnish with fresh parsley leaves and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick.
Enjoy Your Grilled Zaatar Chicken!
Grilled Zaatar Chicken is a culinary delight that’s sure to impress your taste buds. The combination of aromatic zaatar spice, grilled smokiness, and the bright freshness of lemon makes this dish a winner. Serve it with your favorite sides, such as rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad, for a complete and satisfying meal.
Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, celebrating a special occasion, or simply craving a flavorful dinner, this recipe is a must-try. Enjoy the tantalizing taste of the Middle East right from your grill!
Source: unicornsinthekitchen.com
Pumpkin Whipped Feta Dip Recipe
Pumpkin Whipped Feta Dip is a creamy and delicious appetizer that combines the rich flavors of roasted pumpkin with the tangy taste of whipped feta cheese. This dip is perfect for fall gatherings, holiday parties, or simply as a delightful snack. It's easy to make, full of flavor, and sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it.
Ingredients
- Whipped Feta:
- Approx. 8 oz block of feta cheese, drained from brine (around 220 grams)
- 1/4 cup plain greek yogurt (use a higher fat option for less tartness) (benefits of Greek yogurt)
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
- 1-2 Tbsp honey (plus more, to serve)
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 2 tsp fresh thyme)
- Black pepper (freshly cracked)
- Toppings:
- Fresh thyme (can use dried, if needed)
- Chopped walnuts (optional; raw or toasted)
- Extra honey drizzle
- Serve With:
- Crusty, toasted bread (like sourdough or baguette)
- Crackers
Instructions
Make whipped feta by adding the feta cheese and greek yogurt to a food processor. Blend ingredients together for a few minutes until smooth, scraping down with a spatula as needed.
Add pumpkin puree, 1 or 2 Tbsps of honey (depending on desired sweetness), thyme, and a few cracks of black pepper to the food processor. Blend again until all ingredients are combined.
Transfer whipped feta to the fridge and chill (covered) for 30-60 minutes. This is necessary to harden and chill the dip.
When you're ready to serve this recipe, transfer the whipped feta to a large bowl. Garnish with a handful of chopped walnuts (optional), a generous sprinkle of fresh thyme, an extra drizzle of honey, and more pepper.
Serve with crusty/toasted bread or crackers for dipping. Enjoy!