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!