Za’atar Chicken Skewers

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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 (affiliate link) – 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.

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, za’atar (affiliate link), allspice and salt.
2. Cut the chicken thighs into 2″ pieces.
3. Place the chicken into the bowl with the marinade and toss to coat.
4. Allow to sit for at least 10 minutes, but up to 30 minutes is great.
5. Thread the chicken pieces onto skewers (if you are using wood skewers remember to soak them for 20 minutes before using!)
6. Preheat the grill or broiler.
7. Grill (or broil) for 8 minutes.
8. Carefully turn the skewers over.
9. Grill (or broil) for an additional 8 minutes, or until an internal temperature probe reaches 165 F.
10. 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

Food tastes better when its shared! If you try this recipe, let me know! Leave a comment and rate below! Love and links are always appreciated! If you’d like to share this post, please link to this post directly for the recipe, please do not copy and paste or screenshot. Thanks so much for supporting me! xoxo

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Yield: 4 servings

Za'atar Chicken Skewers

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Za'atar 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!

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

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
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, za'atar, allspice and salt.
2. Cut the chicken thighs into 2" pieces.
3. Place the chicken into the bowl with the marinade and toss to coat.
4. Allow to sit for at least 10 minutes, but up to 30 minutes is great.
5. Thread the chicken pieces onto skewers (if you are using wood skewers remember to soak them for 20 minutes before using!)
6. Preheat the grill or broiler.
7. Grill (or broil) for 8 minutes.
8. Carefully turn the skewers over.
9. Grill (or broil) for an additional 8 minutes, or until an internal temperature probe reaches 165 F.
10. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

** 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. Slightly adapted from Eating Well Magazine.

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Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

8 oz
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 471Total Fat: 28gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 21gCholesterol: 277mgSodium: 754mgCarbohydrates: 1gFiber: 1gSugar: 0gProtein: 55g

Nutrition information is an estimate and is provided for informational purposes only. For the most accurate information, please calculate using your specific brands and exact measurements.

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