Middle East Chicken
Elevate your dinnertime with this flavorful Middle East Chicken recipe, a savory masterpiece that blends tender, marinated chicken thighs with a symphony of aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and turmeric. The chicken is bathed in a rich Greek yogurt marinade, infused with garlic and a tangy splash of fresh lemon juice, ensuring every bite bursts with juicy flavor. Perfectly roasted and finished with a golden char, this dish is garnished with fresh parsley for a vibrant touch. Serve it alongside soft pita bread or fluffy rice to create a complete, satisfying meal that’s as easy to prepare as it is unforgettable. Ready in under an hour, this Middle Eastern-inspired dish is a perfect blend of bold spices, simple techniques, and soul-warming comfort.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 6 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 whole lemon
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 pieces garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 0.5 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 4 pieces pita bread or rice (optional, for serving)
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, add the Greek yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, turmeric, red chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Squeeze the juice of one lemon into the bowl and mix well to create a marinade.
Add the chicken thighs to the bowl, ensuring that each piece is well coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight, for the best flavor.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced evenly apart.
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
For a golden, slightly charred finish, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for garnish.
Serve the chicken warm alongside pita bread or over a bed of rice. Pair with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2546 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 119.6 g | 153% | |
| Saturated Fat | 28.6 g | 143% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 774 mg | 258% | |
| Sodium | 4278 mg | 186% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 158.0 g | 57% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.8 g | 42% | |
| Total Sugars | 12.8 g | ||
| Protein | 205.6 g | 411% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.1 mcg | 5% | |
| Calcium | 571 mg | 44% | |
| Iron | 18.1 mg | 101% | |
| Potassium | 2421 mg | 52% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
