Za’atar Seasoned Grilled Chicken Breast is tender and juicy thanks to a simple marinade of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and za’atar.

Za’atar is one of my favorite spice mixes of all time, so I’m thrilled that it’s trending these days. The truth is, when I open a bag of fresh za’atar, the earthy, smoky aroma instantly transports me back to my great-aunt Vieve’s kitchen. I have countless memories of watching her as a little girl masterfully tossing za’atar over her famous Middle Eastern lemon, mint and garlic salad.
If you’re unfamiliar with za’atar, think of it as an all-in-one Middle Eastern spice mix, similar to my all-purpose Lebanon spice mix. It not only seasons every salad, but is also ideal for rubbing grilled meat and vegetables. Combined with olive oil, lemon juice and fresh garlic, Za’atar Spiced Grilled Chicken Breasts make for a tender, juicy and flavorful weeknight dinner the whole family will devour.
Ingredients
- Chicken breast: An accessible, affordable source of lean protein that’s tender and juicy when grilled.
- Olive oil: Helps coat the chicken in the spices so it can absorb the flavor.
- lemon juice: Not only does the lemon add great flavor, but the acidity helps to tenderize the chicken.
- Za’atar: A delicious Middle Eastern spice mix that usually consists of za’atar itself, plus oregano, thyme, sumac, and sometimes marjoram.
- Garlic: Nutty, pungent, aromatic flavor that pairs well with the za’atar spice.
How to Make Za’atar Seasoned Grilled Chicken

Start your za’atar seasoned rotisserie chicken by preparing the marinade. First, juice your lemon in a large bowl.

Then drizzle in the olive oil.

Next, take a microplane or garlic press and add the garlic cloves.

Then season with a little salt and pepper.

Finally add the za’atar spice.

Stir everything together until fully blended.

Then add your chicken to the bowl and toss to ensure it is completely coated. Then let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or overnight.

When ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high and grill for about 7 minutes per side.

When you’re done cooking, let it sit for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your Za’atar Seasoned Grilled Chicken!
Frequently asked Questions:
How long should you marinate chicken in spices?
As a general rule of thumb, allow at least 30 minutes for marinating. But the longer you can let it sit, the better the flavor will be. It’s amazing the extra flavor you get when you marinate your chicken for 5-6 hours.
How do you keep chicken soft and moist?
Marinating and coating the chicken with olive oil before cooking will help prevent the chicken from drying out on the grill.
What to do with za’atar spice?
I love using it on all types of meat and veggies! It goes well with baked and grilled dishes.

Free side dishes
Have you tried this recipe and did you like it? Next time you do it, take a picture and share it on your social networks! Tag @thelemonbowl and #thelemonbowl so we can admire and share your dish.

This summer you’ll definitely want to try my Za’atar Spiced Grilled Chicken. Make sure to grill some more—it’s great for sandwiches, salads, or pitas the next day.
Your fork is waiting.

Za’atar Spiced Grilled Chicken
These Za’atar Seasoned Grilled Chicken Breasts are tender and juicy thanks to a simple marinade of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic and za’atar.
Servings:
- 4 Chicken breast (boneless, skinless)
- ¼ Cup Extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ Cup lemon juice
- ¼ Cup Za’atar
- 4 cloves Garlic (chopped)
- 2 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
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Place the chicken breasts in a large glass casserole dish or resealable plastic bag.
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In a small bowl, stir together the olive oil, lemon juice, za’atar, garlic, salt, and pepper, then pour the marinade over the chicken. Move the chicken breasts back and forth to ensure they are evenly coated in the mixture. Place in refrigerator for 30 minutes or up to overnight.
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Grill chicken breasts over medium-high heat for 7-8 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 155 degrees or more. Leave to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the juice to distribute.
Calories: 287kcalCarbohydrates: 2GProtein: 34.5GFat: 16.4GSaturated Fatty Acids: 1.8GPolyunsaturated fat: 14.6GCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 1530mgFiber: 0.1GSugar: 0.4G