Flavorful Za’atar Chicken with Mediterranean Olives & Dried Fruit
Juicy, golden chicken thighs infused with earthy za’atar and balanced with sweet dried fruit and briny olives — a vibrant Mediterranean feast in every bite!
Ingredients
- ¼ cup za’atar seasoning
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- 3 lbs bone-in chicken thighs
- 1 cup pimiento-stuffed olives
- ½ cup dried apricots, chopped
- ½ cup dried plums (prunes), chopped
- ¼ cup water
- Optional for serving: hot cooked basmati rice
Instructions
1️⃣ Marinate the Chicken
In a small bowl, whisk together za’atar, olive oil, oregano, salt, cumin, and turmeric to create a rich, fragrant marinade.
Place chicken thighs in a bowl or zip-top bag, pour the marinade over them, and coat evenly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge for deeper flavor).
2️⃣ Sear the Chicken
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken skin-side down for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Remove and set aside.
3️⃣ Build the Flavor Base
In the same skillet, add olives, chopped apricots, chopped prunes, and water. Stir to combine. Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the mixture.
4️⃣ Bake to Perfection
Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and transfer it to the oven. Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (165°F / 75°C internal temp).
5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy
Serve over warm basmati rice, spooning plenty of that luscious olive-fruit mix over the top. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired!
Quick Facts
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories: ~350 kcal per serving
Pro Tip: This dish gets even better the next day — perfect for meal prep or hosting guests!
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