Food March 25, 2021

What's for dinner? Easy roasted chicken with za'atar spice

WATCH: Jamie Oliver shares weeknight dinner recipes with just 5 ingredients

If you've been searching the internet, wondering what to cook for dinner, look no further.

"Good Morning America" Food is taking the guesswork out of dinnertime and helping you find easy, delicious recipes for any night of the week.

Suzy Karadsheh, founder of The Mediterranean Dish, has carved out her culinary corner with wholesome, approachable Mediterranean recipes that tap into her roots on the shores of Port Said, Egypt, where she was born and raised.

Check out her succulent citrus- and olive oil-marinated roasted chicken that boasts bold Middle Eastern flavors with ingredients like za'atar, sumac and allspice to transport you to Karadsheh's family's vibrant Egyptian kitchen.

Za’atar Roast Chicken Breast

The Mediterranean Dish
Suzy Karadsheh's za’atar roasted chicken breast.

Serves: 4 to 6

Ingredients

4 chicken breasts, bone in, skin on

Salt and pepper

3 tablespoons za'atar, divided

2 tablespoons toasted shaved almonds

1 tablespoon toasted pine nuts

1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves

For the Marinade

2 lemons, juiced

2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon Sumac, more for later

1 tablespoon allspice

1 tablespoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon paprika, more for later

7 large garlic cloves, lightly crushed

1 medium red onion, sliced or roughly chopped

1/2 large lemon, sliced

Directions

In a small mixing bowl or measuring cup, combine the marinade ingredients.

Place the chicken in a deep pan, sprinkle with salt and pepper on all sides and underneath the skin. Pour the marinade all over the chicken, making sure to work some of the marinade underneath the skin (this is important for flavor). Cover and place the chicken in the fridge for four hours.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Transfer the chicken and marinade to a baking dish or a cast iron skillet. Sprinkle with a little more sumac and paprika. Now, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of the za'atar, and take another tablespoon to work underneath the skin of chicken breasts. (You should have 1 tablespoon of z'atar left for later use).

Place the chicken in the heated oven and roast for 30 to 35 minutes. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes (once the chicken's internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F, it is ready).

Sprinkle with a little more sumac and the remaining za'atar. Garnish with the toasted nuts and fresh parsley. Enjoy!