Zaatar Tahini Chicken Thighs (Printable)
Crispy roasted chicken thighs with zaatar spice and creamy tahini marinade
# What You'll 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
# 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).
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 Tips:
01 -
- The tahini creates this incredible creamy crust that keeps the chicken ridiculously moist while developing these gorgeous golden edges
- Zaatar brings that perfect tangy, nutty, herbal balance that makes you wonder why you ever settled for plain roasted chicken
02 -
- Tahini can seize up and get thick when you first mix it, just keep whisking and it'll smooth out into this perfect creamy consistency
- Skin side up is non-negotiable here, that's where all the flavor and texture lives, and you want it directly exposed to the oven's heat
03 -
- Line your baking sheet with parchment or foil, tahini caramelizes and becomes a nightmare to scrub off
- Let the chicken rest before serving, those juices need time to redistribute or you'll lose all that moisture you worked so hard to protect