Zesty Za'atar Chicken with Roasted Vegetables

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless) 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
• 2 tablespoons za'atar spice blend 2 tablespoons za'atar spice blend
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon Juice of 1 lemon
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 bell peppers (red and yellow), sliced 2 bell peppers (red and yellow), sliced
• 2 zucchinis, sliced 2 zucchinis, sliced
• 1 red onion, sliced 1 red onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for roasting) 2 tablespoons olive oil (for roasting)
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 5g
• Protein: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the za'atar spice blend, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. 2.
   Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for maximum flavor.
3. 3.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, toss the sliced bell peppers, zucchinis, and red onion with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
5. 5.
   Spread the vegetables on a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly charred.
6. 6.
   While the vegetables are roasting, heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken breasts for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and have a nice char.
7. 7.
   Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
8. 8.
   Serve the sliced chicken alongside the roasted vegetables. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken breasts — To ensure the chicken breasts cook evenly, you can pound them to an even thickness before marinating.
• Za'atar spice blend — If you can't find za'atar spice blend, you can make your own by combining equal parts dried thyme, dried oregano, ground sumac, and toasted sesame seeds.
• Bell peppers — Feel free to use a variety of bell peppers for a more colorful presentation.
• Zucchinis — Make sure to slice the zucchinis into even thickness to ensure they cook evenly.
• Red onion — If you prefer a milder onion flavor, you can soak the sliced red onion in cold water for 10 minutes before using.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the chicken and vegetables before serving.
• If you don't have a grill pan or skillet, you can also cook the chicken on a preheated barbecue grill.
• Feel free to customize the roasted vegetables by adding other favorites such as cherry tomatoes or eggplant.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They make a delicious addition to salads or sandwiches.
• Serve the Zesty Za'atar Chicken with warm pita bread and a side of hummus for a complete Middle Eastern meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Zesty Za'atar Chicken with a generous portion of the roasted vegetables on a large platter. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. This dish pairs well with a side of fluffy couscous or a simple green salad.

Presentation advice

Arrange the sliced chicken on top of the roasted vegetables, creating an enticing display of colors and textures. Drizzle any remaining marinade over the chicken and vegetables for added flavor. Sprinkle some extra za'atar spice blend and fresh parsley on top for an elegant finishing touch.