Za’atar Chicken Skewers
Za’atar (affiliate link) chicken skewers are an easy and flavorful meal the whole family will love. Chicken thighs are coated in a spiced marinade and then grilled (or broiled) to perfection. A quick weeknight meal!
It is so important to me that my children grow up learning to love lots of different flavors and ingredients, and I am always looking for ways to push their little food envelopes. I find it works best to do this by introducing a new ingredient alongside old favorites that I know they already love.
Like in this particular dish – chicken is safe (and it can always be dunked in ketchup if needed), and all the other individual ingredients are things we frequently have at dinner. Only the particular spice itself – Za’atar – that was new.
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Za’atar is such a fun spice, and you may not have it in your spice cabinet. But you totally should! An ancient Middle Eastern spice blend of spices, it typically includes oregano, thyme, sesame seeds, sumac and cumin. It’s tangy and herby, a little nutty and pretty amazing. I love the one from Raw Spice Bar – . Or you could make your own.
How to make Za’atar Chicken
This chicken recipe is so easy! For the full set of directions, please make sure you scroll down to the recipe card below.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, za’atar, allspice and salt.
- Cut the chicken thighs into 2″ pieces.
- Place the chicken into the bowl with the marinade and toss to coat.
- Allow to sit for at least 10 minutes, but up to 30 minutes is great.
- Thread the chicken pieces onto skewers (if you are using wood skewers remember to soak them for 20 minutes before using!)
- Preheat the grill or broiler.
- Grill (or broil) for 8 minutes.
- Carefully turn the skewers over.
- Grill (or broil) for an additional 8 minutes, or until an internal temperature probe reaches 165 F.
- Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
How to serve these chicken skewers
Serve this chicken with lemon couscous or a chickpea salad on the side and a lemon herb tahini dipping sauce for a full meal!
How to make this chicken kid friendly
If you family isn’t accustomed to za’atar, I would suggest starting with 1 TBSP of the spice mix first, and then gradually increasing it to 1.5 or even 2 TBSP as you see fit. When we tried it my kids loved it with 1 TBSP (which gives it a really mild flavor), but my husband and I enjoyed it more with 2 TBSP – it makes it a little stronger and more flavorful.
Other things you can do with this spice:
- sprinkle it over your eggs
- add it to roasted winter squash or other vegetables
- sprinkle it over fresh made popcorn
- spread melted butter on warm flatbread and sprinkle some on top
- stir it into hummus
- Try it on these grilled za’atar beef kabobs
Other skewer/kebob recipes:
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Za’atar Chicken Skewers
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 3 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons Za’atar spice blend
- 1 clove garlic minced finely
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, za'atar, allspice and salt.
- Cut the chicken thighs into 2" pieces.
- Place the chicken into the bowl with the marinade and toss to coat.
- Allow to sit for at least 10 minutes, but up to 30 minutes is great.
- Thread the chicken pieces onto skewers (if you are using wood skewers remember to soak them for 20 minutes before using!)
- Preheat the grill or broiler.
- Grill (or broil) for 8 minutes.
- Carefully turn the skewers over.
- Grill (or broil) for an additional 8 minutes, or until an internal temperature probe reaches 165 F.
- Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Such an easy yet such an interesting dinner option. I love Za’atar so it’s right up my alley!
This looks healthy and delicious! I have been on a sheet pan kick lately. Makes meal prep easy!
Yes! And clean up is easy, too!
I am always looking for new recipes with chicken. These are unique flavors
I just had a meeting with a bunch of Mommy bloggers this week and they were talking about how picky their kids were about food. I think by introducing new things and not making a big deal about it — just “it’s dinner time”, kids will eat whatever you give them — but if you try and force it or make it something “new” (and therefore frightening) they resist. Good for you for introducing new flavors.
YES! This is so true! Sometimes we make such a big deal about “trying new foods” that it can seem scary. Meal times should not be battlegrounds – but we shouldn’t resign ourself to mac and cheese and chicken nuggets every night, either!
I love the idea of introducing new things with old favourites! I’ve heard about the za’atar, now I can’t wait to try it!
I love Middle Eastern flavors & spices but I don’t think I have tried Za’atar before. Will have to check out Amazon or Penzy’s. Thank you for such a delicious recipe! I will definitely add it to our weekly meal rotation.
That spice blend sounds amazing!
I’m almost embarrassed to admit that I never cook with this spice! I’ve eaten it and loved it but never attempted it in my own kitchen. This would be a great weeknight dinner- I’ll have to give it a try!
I bought za’atar awhile back and totally forgot about it! This sounds delicious- I need to get my spice jar out!
YUM! looks delicious friend!
I use za’atar often with goat cheese for appetizers…. Ive never thought of using it on chicken! Ill be trying it out soon!
I am such a fan of za’atar! I’ve been sprinkling it onto homemade cracker wedges lately to dip into hummus. Such beautiful flavors and so aromatic! Love that you’ve paired it with kalamata olives and couscous for this chicken dinner. What a great way to bring new life to a weeknight meal!
This sounds like such a delicious dinner! I love the combo of flavors here, and I love meals on one pan in the oven! That orange couscous sounds amazing, and I can’t wait to make it! Yum!
I agree, it is so important to get little one’s palates developed early! We have been feeding our kids EVERYTHING from the get-go and as a result they will try just about anything (my 2yo loves oysters!!!). This dish sounds amazing, and I absolutely love the orange addition to the cous-cous! Plus it’s a 30 minute dish – how could anyone say no??
I’ve never had or cooked with Za’atar but I really need to try it out. Anything with oregano, thyme, and cumin will grab my attention. Just a great combo. Then you add in the cous-cous with the orange in it…. I can only imagine how delicious and fresh this meal must taste! YUM!
This has been one of our go-to chicken recipes! We never have leftovers every time we have this. Such a great and easy recipe!