Saved Quick Popular
Breakfast Lunch Dinner Snacks Meals Drinks Vegan Quick Popular
✕
Breakfast Lunch Dinner Snacks Meals Drinks Vegan Quick Popular
  1. Home
  2. Grilled Dish
Chicken Marinated in Za'atar and Grilled

Chicken Marinated in Za'atar and Grilled

A flavorful chicken recipe brings together the earthy, aromatic spices of za'atar with a simple marinade that tenderizes and infuses every bite. Perfect for grilling, it’s an easy way to add a Middle Eastern twist to your weeknight dinner.

★★★★☆4.9(15 reviews)Updated: Mar 31, 2026
Prep Time 5 min
Cook Time 10 min
Total Time 15 min
Difficulty Easy

Ingredients 0/11

What Makes This Dish So Tasty

This dish brings a wonderful blend of Middle Eastern flavors with the earthy, herbal notes of za'atar. It’s both simple and packed with taste, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends.

Cooking Tips

- Marinate the chicken for at least an hour to let the flavors fully penetrate.
- Use medium-high heat on the grill to get a nice char without drying out the meat.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling to keep it juicy.

Step 1

In a large resealable bag, toss together the cumin, sumac, sesame seeds, salt, thyme, oregano, and marjoram. Pour in the grapeseed oil and lemon juice, then give it a good shake to combine everything. Add the chicken breasts to the bag, make sure they’re well coated with the marinade, and let them sit for about 30 minutes to soak up the flavors.

Step 2

When you’re ready to cook, spray the grill grates with some cooking spray and heat the grill to around 500°F. Place the chicken on the hot grill and cook for about 7 to 8 minutes, flipping once halfway through. Keep an eye on it—the chicken is done when it’s no longer pink inside and the juices run clear. If you have a meat thermometer, check that the thickest part reads 165°F for perfect doneness.

How To Serve It Best

Serve with a fresh salad, warm pita bread, and a side of tangy yogurt or tahini sauce. Roasted vegetables or a simple couscous make great companions to balance the bold flavors.

Leftover Tips

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying it out, or use it cold in salads or wraps for a quick meal.
40
people cooked this recipe
LB
By Lucas Bennett
Food Writer
Lucas creates approachable recipes that balance flavor, simplicity, and reliability.

Heart icon Nutrition Facts

220 Calories
Fat
8 g
Carbs
2 g
Protein
32 g
Fiber
1 g
Sugar
0 g
Sodium
150 mg
Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (about 6 oz)
*Nutrition values are estimates and may vary.

Reviews (15)

4.9 out of 5
★★★★★
15 Ratings
5 star
14
4 star
1
3 star
0
2 star
0
1 star
0

Rate This Recipe

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

User Reviews

Anika R.
★★★★★
May 08, 2026
Loved the zest from the marinade; chicken stayed juicy. My guests were impressed and asked for the recipe!
Jean-Pierre L.
★★★★★
Apr 06, 2026
The za’atar gave a beautiful aroma and taste. Cooked it for a casual dinner and it was a hit with friends.
Anwar
★★★★★
Apr 03, 2026
The za’atar marinade really brought the chicken to life. Cooked it on the grill and it was nice and juicy inside.
Yara
★★★★★
Mar 26, 2026
This is now a go-to for weekend grilling. The za’atar mix makes it so aromatic and the chicken stays moist.
Yasmin
★★★★★
Mar 24, 2026
Everyone loved it! The za’atar really elevated the taste. Easy to prep and cooked quickly on the grill.
Sophia T.
★★★★★
Mar 21, 2026
I was surprised how easy it was to get that authentic za’atar flavor. My husband said it reminded him of our trip to the Middle East.
Fatima
★★★★★
Mar 19, 2026
Za’atar marinade made the chicken juicy and super tasty. I’ll add a dash of chili next time for more spice.
Ahmed
★★★★★
Mar 18, 2026
The za’atar flavor really shines through and the chicken stayed tender. Great for weekend grilling with friends.
Erik J.
★★★★★
Feb 26, 2026
Perfect meal for grilling season. Super easy marinade and the chicken stayed juicy with a lovely smoky flavor. Perfect for guests!
Tomasz
★★★★★
Feb 21, 2026
I grilled this for a casual dinner and the fresh za’atar flavor really stood out. Simple but very satisfying meal.
Rashid
★★★★★
Feb 11, 2026
The za’atar gave the chicken a unique twist. Cooked it on charcoal grill and the smoky flavor was amazing.
Lila H.
★★★★★
Feb 04, 2026
Made this for Sunday dinner and everyone devoured it. Simple to prep and the grill marks made it look amazing too.
Rania
★★★★★
Feb 02, 2026
Made this for a small gathering and everyone loved it. Simple but the za’atar gave it a unique twist that’s different from usual grilled chicken.
Carlos M.
★★★★★
Jan 24, 2026
Followed the recipe exactly and it came out beautifully. The grilled chicken was tender and the spice mix was spot on.
Omar
★★★★☆
Jan 19, 2026
Used extra garlic, which worked well. Might try longer marinate next time but still a hit at dinner tonight.
Cobb Salad Featuring Falafel
🔥 Quick Pick
Cobb Salad Featuring Falafel


Also try

Easy Ground Chicken and Chickpea Burger Recipe
Burger
★★★★☆ (120)
1 hr 10 min
Easy Ground Chicken and Chickpea Burger Recipe
This simple and flavorful burger combines ground chicken with hearty chickpeas for a healthy twist on a classic favorite. Perfect for a quick weeknigh...
Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bowl
Dessert
★★★★★ (20)
10 min
Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bowl
Mendi
Pasta
★★★☆☆ (170)
20 min
Mendi's Top Choice for Orzo
Vegan-Friendly Jackfruit Curry Dish
Curry
★★★★☆ (270)
52 min
Vegan-Friendly Jackfruit Curry Dish
Mexican Flag-Inspired Buffalo Chicken Enchiladas
Casserole
★★★☆☆ (170)
2 hr 5 min
Mexican Flag-Inspired Buffalo Chicken Enchiladas
Simmered Kale and Bean Dish
Stew
★★★☆☆ (220)
35 min
Simmered Kale and Bean Dish
Mo
Stew
★★★★★ (320)
4 hr 30 min
Mo's Hot and Spicy Beef Stew
Fiery Quinoa Dish with Vegetables and White Beans
Rice Dish
★★★★☆ (70)
50 min
Fiery Quinoa Dish with Vegetables and White Beans
Cheesy Roasted Cauliflower Delight
Roasted Dish
★★★★★ (20)
1 hr 5 min
Cheesy Roasted Cauliflower Delight
Best White Wings in Austin
Skewers
★★★★☆ (20)
30 min
Best White Wings in Austin
Seasonal Healthy Soup
Soup
★★★★★ (320)
1 hr 15 min
Seasonal Healthy Soup
Cake with Apples and Cassava Flour
Cake
★★★☆☆ (320)
1 hr
Cake with Apples and Cassava Flour
Flank Steak in Marinade with a Horseradish Cream Sauce
Grilled Dish
★★★★★ (20)
35 min
Flank Steak in Marinade with a Horseradish Cream Sauce
Sweet Caramel Cookie Treats on a Stick
Cookies
★★★☆☆ (120)
30 min
Sweet Caramel Cookie Treats on a Stick
Halloween Halfling-Style Meatloaf
Baked Dish
★★★☆☆ (101)
1 hr 40 min
Halloween Halfling-Style Meatloaf

🍳 Let’s Cook Something Delicious

Get fresh recipes straight to your inbox every week

Fortummy

Easy recipes, rich flavors, and daily kitchen inspiration. Meals anyone can cook with confidence.

Explore

Home Recipes Quick Meals Popular

Categories

Dinner Desserts Breakfast Snacks

Legal

Terms Privacy
© 2026 Fortummy. All rights reserved. Crafted for food lovers.