Zahtar is a spice blend that works magic on roasted chicken. This simple roasted chicken is paired with a quick tangerine couscous – a simple little jewel for summer dining.
Zahtar is a spice blend containing ground sumac, thyme and sesame seeds used in Middle Eastern cuisine, and a true jewel to add to your Bijouxs pantry. This rich, earthy-green spice blend is perfect for roasted meats such as chicken, and almost addictive on toasted pita or flatbreads splashed with a bit of olive oil. Look for zahtar (za’atar) in neighborhood markets specializing in Middle Eastern cuisine, gourmet food shops, locally at Nicole’s, or have an adventure in spices by visiting the Spice Station in Silverlake, where they carry three unique zahtar blends, of course you may also order online.
Once you have secured the zahtar it is time to roast the chicken. Leg and thigh sections are great for this simple roast, you may use any cuts of chicken you favor, just adjust the cooking time for larger pieces such as bone-in breasts. Coat the chicken pieces liberally with olive oil, rub the zahtar spice to coat all the surfaces and marinate covered in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. Place the chicken, along with the marinade, in a large roasting pan into a 425° oven for about 45 minutes and the zahtar will do its magic creating a deep brown, crispy, flavor-rich crust. Grilling the chicken is also an option just keep an even grill temperature, ensuring that the zahtar crust does not burn.
While the chicken is roasting, there is plenty of time to put together the quick tangerine couscous. I found lovely organic Paige tangerines, but any small sweet tangerine variety will create perfect bite-size sections for the couscous. The quick cook couscous is dressed with a simple tangerine-based dressing spiced with cumin and tossed right before serving with the tangerine sections, pistachios, and fresh cilantro.
Beautifully simple – Zahtar Chicken with Tangerine Couscous, a little summer jewel.
As always, enjoy. B
Tangerine is the brightest of all citrus and when served with roast chicken and Middle eastern flavors I am sure there were smiles all around. GREG
Yes, tangerines are so bright and fresh, and since citrus seems to run in my veins I can’t help myself. As always enjoy and thank you!
I can imagine the aroma made while preparing the tangerine chicken. Great photo so mouth watering
Thank you! The does kitchen smell heavenly while preparing this meal. Enjoy!
Wow this looks amazing and your pictures are gorgeous! So glad I found your blog, new follower! xoxo
Hi Kelly! The amazing thing is just how easy this meal is to prepare. Thank you so much for being a part of Bijouxs!
I just made my own za’atar (and posted about it) the other day. It is so quick to make and you won’t have to wonder about how long the spice blend has been sitting in the store. It sounds lovely on roast chicken paired with that couscous.
This is great! I know there are many za’atar blends and families create their own unique blend, so thank you for sharing your family za’atar recipe, sounds like a little jewel. Always good to hear from you!
I love making chicken this way! What beautiful photos. Just lovely.
Hi Kasey! It’s a great easy roast for chicken! Thank you for the kind words about Bijouxs. Love Turntable Kitchen!
Your photos just raised my serotonin. Art and color therapy! Love zaatar and haven’t really tried it with anything other than pita and flatbread.