Middle Eastern Za'atar Chicken Thighs Recipe

This dish brings you the flavors of a bustling Middle Eastern bazaar, where the rich, aromatic blend of za'atar is a staple. The za'atar, a traditional Middle Eastern spice blend, evokes images of ancient spice caravans and traditional open-air markets.

Ingredients:

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

• 3 tablespoons za'atar spice blend

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Juice of 1 lemon

• Salt to taste

For the Side:

• 1 cup couscous

• 1 1/2 cups water or chicken broth

• A handful of fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 tablespoon lemon zest

Preparation:

1. In a bowl, mix the za'atar spice blend, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. Coat the chicken thighs with this mixture and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight.

2. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

3. Bake the chicken thighs until they're cooked through and the skin is crispy, around 35-40 minutes.

4. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the couscous. Bring the water or chicken broth to a boil, then stir in the couscous. Remove from heat, cover, and let it stand for 5 minutes.

5. Fluff the couscous with a fork, then mix in the chopped parsley and lemon zest.

6. Serve the za'atar chicken thighs hot, with the lemon-parsley couscous on the side.

Cooking Time & Servings: Prep time is around 15 minutes (plus marinating time), and cooking time is 35-40 minutes. This recipe serves 3-4 people.

Drink Pairing: A chilled glass of Chardonnay would complement the herby and citrusy flavors of this dish. For a non-alcoholic option, a refreshing mint iced tea would work well.

Chef's Tips:

1. Marinating the chicken overnight will allow the flavors to penetrate more deeply.

2. You can add a variety of diced vegetables to the couscous for extra texture and flavor.

3. If you want to explore more Middle Eastern flavors, you can try adding sumac or tahini to the marinade or to the couscous.