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Za’atar Chicken and Rice Pilaf

Za’atar Chicken and Rice Pilaf

  • Author: Andy
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern
  • Diet: Low Lactose

Description

A warm and flavorful Middle Eastern inspired dish featuring juicy za’atar seasoned chicken thighs served over fluffy rice pilaf with toasted nuts, caramelized onions, and fresh herbs.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone in, skin on chicken thighs
  • 3 tablespoons za’atar seasoning
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cups long grain rice
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
  • 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 4 lemon wedges
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Coat chicken thighs with olive oil, za’atar seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Cook sliced onions in a large oven safe skillet until golden. Stir in garlic, cumin, cinnamon, and rice. Toast for 2 minutes.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and stir gently.
  5. Arrange seasoned chicken thighs over the rice mixture.
  6. Cover and bake for 35 minutes.
  7. Remove the lid and continue baking for 15 minutes until chicken is golden and rice is tender.
  8. Top with toasted pine nuts, almonds, and parsley.
  9. Serve warm with lemon wedges.

Notes

  • Toast the nuts separately for extra crunch.
  • Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors beautifully.
  • Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  • Basmati rice can be substituted for long grain rice.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 540
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 690mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 135mg

Keywords: za’atar chicken, rice pilaf, middle eastern chicken and rice, one pan chicken dinner, flavorful rice pilaf