Za’atar Chicken with Leek, Artichoke Hearts, and Kalamata Olives
Za’atar Chicken with Leek, Artichoke Hearts, and Kalamata Olives is a delicious recipe that combines Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern flavors. Za'atar is a versatile and aromatic spice blend that is widely used in various cuisines like Lebanese. Combined with oven-baked leek, red onion, artichoke hearts, and pitted Greek Kalamata olives, this recipe is loaded with flavor and aromas that are sure to whisk your taste buds straight to the bustling streets markets around the Med.
Equipment
- Large pan or skillet
- Large oven-safe dish (around 12-inches/30cm)
- Garlic crusher
- Small mixing bowl (for the dressing)
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 8-10 chicken pieces thighs, wings, drumsticks all work well
- 2 small red onions sliced fine
- 1 leek sliced thinly
- 14 oz. 400g tin of artichoke hearts (whole or quartered)
- 1/2 cup pitted black olives we used Greek kalamata olives
- 3 garlic cloves sliced
- 3 small cloves garlic whole, peeled
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- Handful parsley leaves for garnish
- 1 lemon cut in wedges (for garnish)
- 1-2 tablespoons of seeds optional for garnish
Za’atar dressing:
- ½ cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 3 tablespoons za’atar
- 1 teaspoon ras el hanut optional
- 3 cloves of garlic minced
- Juice from 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon date syrup or sub with honey
- ½ teaspoon white pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt to taste
Instructions
Step 1 - Brown chicken pieces
- Preheat oven to 400°F/200°C.
- Add a splash of oil to a pan or skillet on high heat. Once the pan is hot, lightly brown chicken pieces on all sides, this should take around 5 minutes.8-10 chicken pieces, 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
Step 2 - Combine chicken and veggies
- In a large oven-safe dish, add the browned chicken pieces, then add the leek, onions, olives, and artichoke around the chicken.2 small red onions, 1 leek, 14 oz. 400g tin of artichoke hearts (whole or quartered), 1/2 cup pitted black olives, 3 small cloves garlic, 3 cloves of garlic
Step 3 - Make Za’atar dressing
- Add all the dressing ingredients into a mortar and pestle or small mixing bowl.3 garlic cloves, ½ cup olive oil, 1 teaspoon turmeric, 1 teaspoon cumin, 3 tablespoons za’atar, 1 teaspoon ras el hanut, 1 tablespoon date syrup, ½ teaspoon white pepper, ¼ teaspoon salt, Juice from 1 lemon
- Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
- Drizzle dressing over chicken and veggies.
Step 4 - Bake
- Cover the dish with a lid or some aluminum kitchen foil. Bake in the oven at 400°F/200°C for 30 minutes.
- Remove the cover and bake for an additional 10 minutes to give the dish some color.
Step 5 - Serve
- Serve with plenty of fresh bread, white rice, or your choice of grain, and garnish with some fresh chopped parsley and a few wedges of lemon.Handful parsley leaves, 1 lemon, 1-2 tablespoons of seeds