Here's an amazing roast chicken recipe from chef Yotam Ottolenghi. Chicken thighs are spiced with za'atar and sumac, tossed with onions, lemons and garlic, and roasted. This is a great dinner party recipe because you can do all the prep ahead. The chicken is tender and juicy and the flavors are fantastically delicious!
THE PERFECT DINNER PARTY RECIPE
HOW TO MAKE OTTOLENGHI'S ROAST CHICKEN
- Slice two red onions and one lemon. Throw them into a big bowl.
- Add all the other ingredients: Chicken thighs, spices, olive oil and two crushed garlic cloves
- Toss the chicken with all the marinade ingredients. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least three hours.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Transfer the chicken and all the marinade ingredients to a baking pan large enough to hold all the chicken pieces without overlapping.
- Roast for 35 to 40 minutes, until the chicken is just cooked through.
- If you like the skin browned, turn the oven up to broil for the last few minutes of cooking, until the chicken is golden brown and crisp on top.
- Toasted pine nuts are a great garnish. You can toast them up ahead of time or while the chicken is roasting.
- Instead of chicken quarters I used only thighs, just a personal preference.
- I omitted allspice from my recipe (Ottolenghi uses 1½ teaspoons). I tried it with and without and found the allspice too dominant. I prefer to let wonderful flavors of sumac and za'atar shine through.
- Also, I discovered that roasting the chicken in a deep roasting pan resulted in juicier chicken and more delicious gravy vs roasting it in a shallow jellyroll pan.
- The skin doesn't brown as much in the deeper pan but If you're set on crispy skin, simply turn on the broiler for the last few minutes of cooking time until the skin is crisp and brown to your liking.
Ottolenghi has been my chef-hero for years. Now that I live in London, his home city, I find myself wanting to cook his beautiful Middle Eastern recipes more than ever. I brought very few cookbooks with me overseas but my entire Ottolenghi cookbook collection made the cut.
This roast chicken recipe comes from Ottolenghi: The Cookbook - his first cookbook and one of my favorites.
If you are an Ottolenghi fan, don't miss these other delicious Ottolenghi recipes on Panning The Globe:
- Ottolenghi's Sweet and Spicy Brussels Sprouts
- Ottolenghi's Turkey Zucchini Meatballs with Lemony Yogurt Sauce
- Ottolenghi's Turkey Corn Meatballs with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
- Ottolenghi's Lentil Salad with Herbs and Feta
Here's the recipe for Ottolenghi's Roast Chicken with Za'atar and Sumac. If you try this recipe I hope you come back to leave a rating and a comment. I'd love to know what you think.
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PrintOttolenghi's Roast Chicken with Za'atar and Sumac
Delicious roast chicken thighs recipe with Middle Eastern flavors. Easy. Prep ahead. Worthy of a special occasion.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4-6 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Oven Roast
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients
- 8 chicken thighs with skin and bones, trimmed of excess fat and loose skin
- 2 red onions, thinly sliced
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 2 large cloves of garlic, crushed
- 5 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 2 tablespoons za'atar plus more to taste
- 1 tablespoon sumac
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt, plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
- Topping:
- 6 tablespoons pine nuts
- ¼ cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix chicken, onions, lemon, garlic, 4 tablespoons olive oil, spices, broth, salt, and pepper. Marinate in the fridge for at least 3 hours or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Transfer chicken and its marinade to a shallow baking pan large enough to hold all the chicken pieces lying flat with a little space between pieces. Chicken should be skin side up. Roast for 35 to 40 minutes, until just cooked through.* If you like the skin browned, turn the oven up to broil for the last few minutes of cooking, checking every minute or so until the skin is as crisp and brown as you like it. (Be very careful not to burn it)
- Make The Topping: While the chicken is roasting, line a plate with a double layer of paper towels. Heat the remaining tablespoon of oil in a small frying pan over medium heat. Add the pine nuts and cook, stirring constantly, until they turn golden. Transfer to paper-towel-lined plate, to absorb the oil.
- To Serve: Transfer the hot chicken, onions and lemons to a serving platter. Pour pan juices over the chicken pieces. Sprinkle chicken with extra za'atar if you like and sprinkle with chopped parsley and toasted pine nuts. Serve hot.
Christabel Harley
I use Ras el hanout instead of zatar it’s delicious
★★★★★
Lisa
Interesting! I'm glad you enjoyed!
Ailene
I love to follow this recipe for my sir and madam love this chicken recipe so much for dinner parties and easy to prepare.Thank you so much Ottolenghi.
Liz K
I adore this recipe! This is one of my go-to dinner party chicken recipes - along with chicken marbella. Thank you and thanks to Ottolenghi!
★★★★★
Gillian
Very disappointed it tastes so 'bleh' and I keep thinking I must have left out an ingredient like chillies or something like that. It has minimal flavour and in fact is a ittle sweet. I think ai might have to eat it with hot sauce.
★★★
Lisa
I'm sorry you were disappointed - Everyone's tastes are different. I hope the hot sauce helped.
Heloise
I absolutely love this recipe, it never disappoints! The only substitute I make is sunflower seeds instead of pine nuts, as I always have some and they are much cheaper. I think half a lemon is enough. We have it with any kind of flat bread, plain rice, green salad, coleslaw, and last time, with a Pinot Grigio rosé (dry and not too fruity)! Thanks so much for this Ottolenghi recipe.
★★★★★
Rosie Houston
I love this recipe. What do you normally serve it with at your dinner parties?
Thank you!
Lisa
Hi Rosie - I'm so glad you love the recipe! For dinner parties I will often serve the chicken with this shredded kale salad https://www.panningtheglobe.com/raw-kale-salad-honey-lemon-parmesan/ and either mashed potatoes, smashed potatoes, rice, or this roasted potato-cauliflower dish https://www.panningtheglobe.com/roasted-cauliflower-potatoes-chickpeas-kalamata-olive-vinaigrette/. This tricolore salad https://www.panningtheglobe.com/insalata-tricolore/ also works really well with the Ottolenghi chicken. I hope this helps - enjoy!
Chris David
Its really a nice recipe try this one also https://www.beckandbulow.com/smoked-king-salmon-heavenly-scrambled-eggs/
★★★★★
Rhonda
This is delicious! And easy. I had never used za'tar or sumac, now I am a convert. I like the fact that this recipe can be prepped hours beforehand, then you just pop it in the oven and wait. Relax, have a glass of wine while waiting for guests to arrive and then pull that very fragrant, visually appealing dish of chicken out--perfect ! I was out of the pine nuts one and so just left off the topping ---still delicious! I am giving this recipe as a gift, printing it out, adding my own notes, including a little jar of pine nuts and little jar of the spices premixed and ready to go. I like it that much. One suggestion, a big lemon can overwhelm it, if using a big lemon, maybe on only half or three-quarters of it. I have used white onions, too, when I did not have a red onion-- still very, very good. Used cilantro once instead of parley--still delicious.
★★★★★
Lisa
Hi Rhonda - It's so great to read your note - I love the way you describe all the great things about this recipe and I agree with all of it!
And what a lovely idea for a gift, with the jar of pine nuts and spices.
Ozzy
Hi, can I use beef bone broth instead of the chicken?
Lisa
Yes, that will work.
Beck & Bulow
I first found this recipe while looking for dairy-free options for my toddler with a milk allergy. Two and a half years later, he’s outgrown the allergy, but these chicken thighs remain a family favourite. Great for a quick weeknight supper, and I’ve also used when having guest for dinner. They loved them! We are also offering online meat delivery Services. please visit: https://www.beckandbulow.com
★★★★★
Christina
I love Ottolenghi too!! I only have 2 of his books though. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe. I did it with the allspice and absolutely loved it.
★★★★★
Lisa
I'm so glad you loved it Christina! Great to hear 🙂
restaurantthatdeliversnearme.website
Nice recipe. Thx
Sophie H
Delicious recipe, but very lemony. I loved it but my husband found the lemon overwhelming. Paired well with the New Zealand Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.
★★★★
Pamela B. Zane
Any suggestions for making this recipe for 12 people?? Thank you.
Andy
Just out of interest, what did you serve as sides with the chicken?
Thanks
marge
What wine would you recommend to go with this recipe? Thanks!Mar
Lisa
Hi Marge, I'm not a wine expert. I often ask the folks at my neighborhood liquor store for recommendations. But when I serve this dish at my house we often have it with a crisp dry white wine. The dish is so full of intense flavor, it calls out for something crisp and a little citrusy like a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. I hope that helps. Enjoy!!
Katy
Hi
I have been making this ottolengui recipe for years in the bbq (grill). Instead of the oven we put it on the coal BBQ, blacken it and cook it and it's amazing. We have moved and no longer have outdoor space so I took your recommendation and whacked it up at the end to broil and it was as amazing! Thanks for the tip!
Jessica Famulak
Absolutely delicious, subtle beautiful flavors come through with an amazing juicy chicken, an absolute winner! Keeping this recipe for ever
★★★★★
Lisa
I'm so glad you enjoyed!
Rob Waters
It's so hot today that I don't want to turn on the oven but cook this on a gas barbecue instead. Any advice?
Lisa
Hi Rob, The gas grill can be used in place of your oven. Preheat it to medium or medium-high. Check the temperature gauge and play with the knobs until you get it to around 400. Then put your pot in and close the top. You should be able to follow the directions in the recipe for timing. I hope this helps. Enjoy!
Joe Alessi
Prepping this now for Sunday lunch tomorrow. I'm using a whole chicken and putting it all into a giant ziplock bag to marinate and then going to sit it onto a beercan on a foil tray and fire up the BBQ!
Lisa
Wow Joe, that sounds so festive and delicious! I hope you come back and let us know how it turns out!
Yaël
Hi!
I want to use chicken breast instead of thighs. What ratio of white chicken breast to thighs would you recommend?
Thanks so much!
Lisa
My guess is 6 breasts vs 8 thighs, but you may be able to use the same amount of breasts as thighs (8) - It depends on their size. What's important is that they fit in your roasting pan in a single layer. I hope this helps. Enjoy!
Stanley Weinberg
So juicy and a nice change from simple roast chicken.
★★★★★
Stanley Weinberg
Hi Lisa,
I'd like to make this recipe for tonight but before starting I just wanted to ask a question. Can I omit the Sumac and use the zaatar instead in both the marinade and topping. My zaatar has some sumac in it already. Also, I have Vidalia and white onions on hand. Should be ok is my guess. Thanks a bunch! Stan
Lisa
Hi Stanley, yes you can omit the sumac and it will still be delicious! I hope you enjoy - let me know! (I just realized I probably answered you too late. Sorry about that. I hope dinner was great!)
Stanley Weinberg
I made this yesterday sans sumac (and eating more of it now, albeit cold) and it's quite delicious. I think next time I'll either add the sumac per the recipe or increase the lemon. The zaatar by itself is a little too earthy without the citrus flavor balancing the overall taste.
★★★★★
Lisa
I'm so glad you enjoyed despite the lack of sumac. Maybe try squeezing some fresh lemon juice over the leftovers?
Jane
This is a wonderful recipe and it's one of the easiest things to make ever. It's been in our regular rotation for a while so I thought I'd pop by and leave a review! Thank you so much!!
★★★★★
Lisa
Hi Jane, I'm so glad to hear that you've been enjoying and that it's a regular at your house. Thank you so much for popping by to let me know 🙂
Ed
Found this recipe when I was looking for something special to do with chicken. It was absolutely fantastic! Thanks so much for sharing. I am adding this to the standing rotation.
★★★★★
Marilyn
this recipe is one of my favourites and also the family love it
have made it several times
★★★★
Natalie
I'm going to make this but my partner prefers chicken breast. Would that work? Would I have to amend anything if I used chicken breast? Thank you.
WENDY WISE
If I wanted to use the allspice, how much should I use and have any of the other quantities been adjusted?
Lisa
Hi Wendy, Ottolenghi uses 1 1/2 teaspoons of allspice. No other adjustments are needed.
WENDY
Thanks Lisa, will let you know how it goes!!
Wendy
Very easy to make and delicious. I added all the allspice and made it with chicken breasts and toasted the pine nuts in dry pan, no oil needed, they contrast beautifully with the tangy sauce. I’ll definitely make it again
★★★★★
Carl
Local middle eastern grocery store sells five types of Za'atar.
What key herbs and spices should I look for in the ingredient list?
Really enjoying these recipes... Carl
George
Hi
Going to try recipe tonight, quick question what is chicken broth - Waitrose does a fresh chicken stock is that ok
Thanks George 🍽🍽🥂
Lisa
Hi George, sorry if this reply is too late. Yes, fresh chicken stock is great to use!
Karen
Hi,
I was wondering what we do with the ground cinnamon?
Thanks,
Lisa
Hi Karen,
I apologize if the recipe is unclear. Include the cinnamon in the marinade with all the other ingredients - everything goes into one big bowl to marinate except the toppings.
Debbie
Hiya
CaN you share which spices to add? I see 5spice mentioned and zags rand sumac. Any others?
Thanks,
Debbie
Donna
Could you brown the thighs in a pan prior to roasting, rather than broil them afterwards?
Lisa
Hi Donna, yes, I think that's a great idea!
JC
This sounds lovely. If I wanted to turn these into skewers (for a larger crowd), do you think it would still work? Chicken thigh skewers?
Lisa
Yes I do! Are you planning to cook these on the grill? I think this recipe would work very well with boneless, skinless chicken thighs marinated for a few hours and then skewered and cooked on the grill. Be sure to grill the onions and lemon slices too - they'll be delicious and look nice on a platter. Maybe you can grill them in a vegetable basket? Let me know how it turns out!
Linda
Have made this many times. Fantastic!
★★★★★
Alex G
An Ottolenghi recipe that doesn't have 7 pages of ingredients from 45 countries? Count me in. This is some awesome chicken.
★★★★★
Ed Correll
I mostly like chicken pan fried southern style or barbecued on the grill. However, I can eat chicken prepared this way and with yogurt rice all the time. My new favorite chicken. Thanks for the cooking ideas.
Graciely Santos
I intend to prepare this recipe for my friends on Saturday night. What would you recommend as a side dish?
Thanks for sharing. I think the idea of the chicken tights is amazing! 🙂
Lisa
I've served it with this recipe for roasted potatoes, cauliflower and chickpeas https://www.panningtheglobe.com/roasted-cauliflower-potatoes-chickpeas-kalamata-olive-vinaigrette/ You could also serve it with simple mashed potatoes or rice and a green salad - that would be perfect! I also love it with this carrot salad on the side https://www.panningtheglobe.com/moroccan-raw-carrot-salad/ I hope you enjoy!!
Monique Simmer
This is a wonderful recipe, very easy to make! My family and guests loved it! Thank you for posting it!
★★★★★
Lisa
Great! I'm glad you enjoyed the recipe. I love making this dish for company too - so easy and always a crowd pleaser. Thanks for your comment!
Amy Shon
nutritional info would be really helpful
Lisa
Thanks Amy. Very good suggestion. In fact I'm in the process of providing nutritional information for all of my recipes and since you asked, I decided to start with this recipe. Check the recipe and I hope you will find all the nutritional information you're looking for. Please let me know if there is anything more you'd like included.
nina mayer
Delicious!! I will definitely make this again,
★★★★★
Lisa
That's great news! So glad you enjoyed xx
Lisa Huff
I want it all! Looks soooo good!
Carol
Just made this tonight. So good!
Aria
Hi Lisa,This recipe is so beautiful and delicious!I just made it today. Thanks.
★★★★
Lisa
Thanks Aria - I'm so glad to hear that you enjoyed the chicken. Happy New Year!
Erica
Great recipe. Made this last night (one-half recipe) and it turned out perfectly. The directions are easy to follow and the taste was delicious. This would make a great week day meal - just be sure to do the marinade before going to work in the morning!
★★★★★
Lisa
I agree! This would be a great week day meal. I'm glad you enjoyed. Thanks so much for coming back to leave a note!
Brook
Sounds delicious, Lisa, and definitely on my to-try list.
One concern: Za'atar already contains sumac. So I would have thought adding more might make the dish too citrusy. I'll try it your way first, but still......
Daniel
Za'atar does nor contain Sumak. Sumak is a red spice with an aromatic citrus quality.
★★★★★