Za'atar Chicken and Rice

Published: Apr 2, 2024 · Modified: Jan 2, 2025 by Izzah Khan · 32 Comments

I’m obsessed with chicken and rice dishes and this recipe brings together my favorite concept wrapped in delicious Middle Eastern flavors. From the tangy notes of the za'atar seasoning to the aroma of fresh and dried herbs, each ingredient lends a complex flavor to this Za'atar flavored Chicken and Rice dish.

Why you should Try this Za’atar Chicken and Rice

Balanced Spice: Unlike Asian cuisines that rely heavily on heat and spice, Mediterranean cuisine is all about simple flavors where the meat shines through.
Easy and Convenient: You can make this dish in under 30 minutes!
Delicious: This recipe went viral on my Instagram and for good reason. It’s absolutely delicious and tested again and again by my wonderful community of foodies.

Can I make homemade Za’atar Seasoning

Za’atar seasoning is an aromatic and a potent spice blend that consists of dried herbs like thyme, oregano, cumin mixed with sesame seeds and sumac. Together this spice blend has a fantastic earthy aroma which, once you combine with olive oil and a few other ingredients, make for the best marinade for this chicken.

You can make a batch of za’atar seasoning from scratch but grabbing it from the store is super convenient and will last you a very long time.

Tips to Make the Best Za’atar Chicken and Rice:

Chicken Thighs: For juicy chicken, I always prefer chicken thighs. It’s the most forgiving meat when it comes to cooking time so even if you go a little over, it would remain juicy!
Air fryer: You can make this in an oven but the air fryer is my favorite cooking appliance. It results in a moist chicken that has a nice char. Char equals flavor!
Fluffy Rice: This recipe calls for cooking rice separately. To make the fluffiest rice, cover the lid with a kitchen towel for the last 5 mins and turn the flame to its lowest setting. This will result in grains that are fluffy not mushy.
Garlic Dip: This dip is a must with this dish. It has a bite to it from the fresh garlic and creaminess from the yogurt. I make this dip with most of my Mediterranean chicken and rice bowls.

What is Allspice and is there an alternative

The name allspice is a bit misleading because it suggests that it’s a spice blend. In reality, however, allspice is a single spice made from the dried, unripe berries of the Pimenta dioica tree, native to the Caribbean and Central America. Its name comes from its flavor profile, which combines the taste and aroma of cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and pepper—hence the name "allspice." If you can't find ground allspice berries, you can combine a pinch of ground cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg and black pepper to mimic the taste.

How to make Za’atar chicken and rice

Chicken Skewers:

Meat: I prefer to use chicken thighs; it remains juicy and moist even with heating leftovers.
Dairy: Greek yogurt to your marinade will make the chicken tender and I never skip on this. Regular yogurt is fine to use as well.
Seasoning: Za'atar seasoning blend. It's easy to just grab this from the store. It will last you a long time.
Other spices & aromatics: all spice, garlic, cilantro, parsley

Instructions:

Begin by marinating chicken thighs in a mixture of yogurt, za'atar seasoning, garlic, and aromatic herbs. This yogurt marinade not only infuses the chicken with flavor but also helps to tenderize it. For an extra burst of citrusy freshness, don't forget to add a squeeze of lime or lemon juice before cooking.
Once marinated, thread the chicken onto wooden skewers. I highly recommend using an air fryer for a crispy exterior and juicy interior.
Set the temperature to 400°F and cook for approximately 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the chicken is cooked to your desired doneness.

Perfect Rice Pilaf:

Veggies: onion
Aromatics: garlic, allspice, turmeric, parsley, chili flakes, salt
Rice: Long-grain Basmati rice for that fluffy wholesome texture and mouth-feel
Liquid: water is perfect but you may swap with some chicken stock

Instructions:

Begin by sautéing sliced red onions and minced garlic in olive oil until translucent. Add a pinch of allspice and turmeric, sautee for a minute before tossing in fresh chopped parsley.
Next, add rinsed basmati rice to the pan. Pour in water and season with salt and red chili flakes, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, cover the pan and let the rice simmer for 15 minutes until tender and fluffy.
To ensure perfectly cooked rice, wrap the lid with a kitchen towel to seal the pot, allowing the rice to steam and absorb all the delicious flavors. This is the best tip I learned from my mom and this technique is very popular for cooking rice across South Asia.