Za’atar Spiced Chicken Wings Recipe

Introduction

Zaatar Spiced Chicken Wings are a flavorful and aromatic dish that brings the taste of the Middle East to your kitchen. These wings are coated with a unique blend of spices, including zaatar, a traditional Middle Eastern seasoning, along with other ingredients like olive oil, garlic, and lemon. The result is a dish that balances savory, herby, and citrusy flavors, with a crispy exterior and juicy interior.

Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a weeknight dinner, or just craving something new, Zaatar Spiced Chicken Wings offer an exciting twist on traditional chicken wings. They are easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for serving with your favorite dips or sides. This guide will walk you through each step of the recipe, provide tips for achieving the best wings, and offer variations to experiment with.

Why You’ll Love Zaatar Spiced Chicken Wings

• Unique Flavor Profile: Zaatar, the star of this dish, is a blend of thyme, sesame seeds, sumac, and salt, giving the wings an earthy, tangy, and herby flavor that’s truly unique. The added garlic, lemon, and olive oil complement the zaatar seasoning perfectly.
• Crispy on the Outside, Juicy on the Inside: When cooked to perfection, these chicken wings have a crispy, golden-brown exterior and a tender, juicy interior. The zaatar coating gives them an irresistible crunch and a punch of flavor with every bite.
• Simple Ingredients: With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a delicious and mouthwatering dish that’s bursting with bold flavors. Olive oil, lemon, garlic, and zaatar bring the wings to life without needing complex or hard-to-find ingredients.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Zaatar Spiced Chicken Wings are ideal for a wide range of occasions, from casual get-togethers and barbecues to elegant dinner parties. They’re sure to impress your guests and become a favorite in your recipe collection.
• Versatile and Customizable: While the zaatar spice blend provides a great foundation, you can easily modify the recipe to suit your preferences. You can experiment with additional spices or even add a bit of heat by incorporating chili flakes or hot sauce into the marinade.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 4 servings (12-16 wings)
• Calories per Serving: Around 300-350 calories per serving, depending on the size of the wings and the cooking method.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 300-350 kcal
• Fat: 22-25g
• Carbohydrates: 3-5g
• Protein: 22-25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1-2g

Ingredients

For the Zaatar Spiced Chicken Wings:

• 12-16 chicken wings (drumettes or flats, or a combination of both)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons zaatar spice blend
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional for sweetness)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Garnish (Optional):

• Fresh parsley, finely chopped
• Lemon wedges
• Extra zaatar for sprinkling

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Wings

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup and place a wire rack on top if you have one. The rack allows air to circulate around the wings, helping them become extra crispy.

Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is key to getting a crispy skin, so be sure to press down gently to absorb any liquid.

2. Make the Zaatar Marinade

In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, zaatar spice blend, minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Add the honey if you prefer a slight sweetness to balance the savory flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Whisk everything together until the marinade is well combined. The olive oil and zaatar will form a flavorful paste that will coat the wings evenly, infusing them with delicious spices.

3. Marinate the Chicken Wings

Add the chicken wings to the bowl with the zaatar marinade. Toss the wings in the marinade, making sure they are fully coated. For maximum flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the wings for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours if you have the time. The longer the wings marinate, the more flavor they will absorb.

If you’re short on time, you can skip the marinating step and proceed directly to cooking the wings, but marinating will give them a more intense flavor.

4. Arrange the Wings on the Baking Sheet

Once the wings have marinated, arrange them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure the wings aren’t overcrowded to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy. If you’re using a wire rack, place the wings on the rack to elevate them and allow airflow around each wing.

5. Bake the Wings

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the wings for 35-40 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Halfway through the cooking time, flip the wings to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.

If you don’t have a wire rack, you may need to flip the wings more often to get a uniform crispy texture. Check the wings periodically to avoid overcooking. You can test for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the wing; it should read at least 165°F (75°C).

6. Finish and Garnish the Wings

Once the wings are cooked and crispy, remove them from the oven. Transfer them to a serving platter, and if desired, sprinkle a little extra zaatar on top for added flavor.

Garnish the wings with finely chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and a fresh, herby contrast to the rich flavors of the zaatar. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an added citrusy zing.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Zaatar Spiced Chicken Wings hot and fresh from the oven. These wings are perfect on their own as a snack or appetizer, but they can also be paired with a variety of sides or dips, such as hummus, tzatziki, or a light salad. Enjoy the bold, aromatic flavors of these wings with friends and family!

Tips for Perfect Zaatar Spiced Chicken Wings

• Dry the Wings Well: The key to crispy wings is to make sure they are dry before marinating. Pat the wings thoroughly with paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible.
• Adjust the Zaatar to Your Taste: Zaatar spice blends can vary in flavor, so feel free to adjust the amount you use based on your personal preference. You can add more zaatar for a stronger herbal taste or add extra lemon zest for a more citrus-forward flavor.
• Use a Wire Rack for Extra Crispiness: If you want extra crispy wings, use a wire rack to elevate them in the oven. This allows hot air to circulate around the wings, making them crispier on all sides.
• Flip the Wings During Cooking: If you don’t have a wire rack, flip the wings halfway through cooking to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy on both sides.
• Marinate Longer for More Flavor: While 30 minutes of marinating is fine, allowing the wings to marinate for 1-2 hours (or even overnight) will result in more flavorful wings.
• Make Extra Zaatar Seasoning: If you love the zaatar flavor, you can make a larger batch of zaatar seasoning and store it in an airtight container for later use. It’s great on roasted vegetables, flatbreads, or as a seasoning for other meats.

Variations of Zaatar Spiced Chicken Wings

• Zaatar Spiced Chicken Drumsticks: If you prefer drumsticks over wings, simply substitute chicken drumsticks for the wings in this recipe. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as drumsticks typically take longer to cook through.
• Spicy Zaatar Chicken Wings: Add a teaspoon of chili flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the marinade for a spicy kick. The heat will complement the tangy zaatar and lemon, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
• Grilled Zaatar Chicken Wings: Instead of baking the wings in the oven, grill them over medium heat. Brush the wings with the zaatar marinade and grill for about 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are cooked through and crispy.
• Zaatar Chicken Wings with Yogurt Dip: Serve the wings with a cool yogurt dip, such as a simple cucumber-yogurt tzatziki. The creamy dip will balance the spices and add a refreshing element to each bite.
• Zaatar Chicken Wings with Pomegranate Molasses: Drizzle some pomegranate molasses over the cooked wings for a sweet and tangy twist. The molasses pairs wonderfully with the herby zaatar and gives the wings an extra layer of flavor.

Storage and Shelf Life

Zaatar Spiced Chicken Wings are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, they can be stored for later. Allow the wings to cool to room temperature, then place them in an airtight container. Store the wings in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, you can use an oven or air fryer. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the wings on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are warmed through and crispy. Alternatively, use an air fryer for 5-8 minutes to restore the crispiness.

You can also freeze the wings for longer storage. Place the cooled wings in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen wings to a freezer-safe container or bag, and they can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake or air fry from frozen, adjusting the time accordingly.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Zaatar Spiced Chicken Wings

Pair these aromatic chicken wings with sides that complement their bold flavors:

• Hummus and Pita Bread: Serve the wings with creamy hummus and warm, soft pita bread. The creamy texture of the hummus balances the spices and adds a comforting element to the meal.
• Tabbouleh Salad: A fresh tabbouleh salad, made with parsley, tomatoes, bulgur, and lemon, is a perfect side dish for Zaatar Spiced Chicken Wings. Its bright and refreshing flavors complement the rich, savory wings.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers are a great side dish for these wings. The natural sweetness of the roasted veggies pairs well with the herby chicken.
• Cucumber and Tomato Salad: A simple cucumber and tomato salad, dressed with olive oil and lemon juice, provides a light and refreshing contrast to the richness of the wings.
• Cilantro Yogurt Sauce: Serve the wings with a cooling cilantro yogurt sauce for dipping. The creamy sauce will help balance the spices and add an extra layer of flavor.

Print

Conclusion

Zaatar Spiced Chicken Wings offer a unique and flavorful twist on traditional wings. With a blend of Middle Eastern spices, fresh lemon, and garlic, these wings are bursting with aromatic flavors. Whether baked or grilled, they turn out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, making them an irresistible dish for any occasion.

With simple ingredients, easy instructions, and plenty of room for customization, Zaatar Spiced Chicken Wings will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection. Serve them as an appetizer or a main dish—either way, they’re sure to impress your guests with their bold and delicious flavor. Enjoy this Middle Eastern-inspired dish and experience the perfect balance of herbs, spices, and citrus in every bite!