I’m obsessed with chicken and rice dishes and this recipe brings together my favorite concept wrapped in Middle Eastern flavors.

This dish is zesty, tangy but with well-rounded 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 the dish. Unlike Asian cuisines that rely heavily on heat and spice, Mediterranean cuisine is all about simple flavors where the meat shines through. It's this emphasis on simplicity and freshness that draws me to the cuisine every time I’m in the kitchen creating a new recipe.

Why you should Try this Za’atar Chicken and Rice

Nutritious: This recipe is packed with protein. I love using chicken thighs for this recipe.
Easy and Convenient: You can make this dish in under 30 minutes!
Delicious: This recipe went viral on Instagram and for good reason. It’s absolutely delicious.

Can I make homemade Za’atar Seasoning:

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

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 tool. It results in a moist chicken that has a nice char. Char=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.

How to make Za’atar chicken and rice

Chicken Skewers Recipe:

1 lb chicken thighs chopped in medium pieces
2 tbsp yogurt
1 tbsp zaatar seasoning
¾ tsp all spice
4 garlic cloves
1 tbsp each fresh chopped cilantro and parsley
¾ tsp salt or to taste
½ tsp black pepper
½ of a lime or lemon
1 tbsp olive oil

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:

1 tbsp olive oil
1 red onion sliced
2 cloves garlic
¼ tsp all spice pinch
¼ tsp turmeric pinch
1 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
1 ½ cup basmati rice you can increase the quantity
3 cups water
¾ tsp salt or to taste
½ tsp red chilli flakes

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.