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.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

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)

Directions

Step 1

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.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.

Step 4

Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced evenly apart.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

For a golden, slightly charred finish, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.

Step 7

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for garnish.

Step 8

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

Serving size	1220.6 grams (1220.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2546

Total Fat 119.60g	153%
Saturated Fat 28.60g	143%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.20g
Cholesterol 775mg	258%
Sodium 4278mg	186%
Total Carbohydrate 158.00g	57%
Dietary Fiber 11.80g	42%
Total Sugars 12.80g
Protein 205.60g	411%

Vitamin D 42IU	210%
Calcium 571mg	44%
Iron 18mg	101%
Potassium 2421mg	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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 42.5%

Protein: 32.5%

Carbs: 25.0%