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Crispy Hummus-Crusted Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe with Zaatar Herb Salad

crispy hummus-crusted baked chicken thighs - featured image
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A flavorful and fuss-free baked chicken dish featuring a crispy hummus and za’atar crust paired with a fresh herb salad. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs / 700 g)
  • ½ cup hummus (about 120 ml), preferably Sabra
  • 2 tablespoons za’atar spice blend
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Lemon zest from one lemon
  • 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • ½ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped (optional)
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  3. In a small bowl, combine hummus, za’atar, and lemon zest.
  4. Spread the hummus mixture evenly over the top side of each chicken thigh.
  5. Drizzle olive oil over the coated chicken thighs.
  6. Place chicken thighs skin side up on the baking sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes until skin is golden and crisp and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Optionally, broil for 2-3 minutes for extra crispiness, watching closely to avoid burning.
  7. While the chicken bakes, prepare the herb salad by combining parsley, mint, green onions, and cherry tomatoes in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper. Toss gently to combine.
  8. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to redistribute juices.
  9. Serve the crispy hummus-crusted chicken thighs alongside the za’atar herb salad.

Notes

Pat chicken skin dry to ensure crispiness. Use bone-in, skin-on thighs for juiciness and better crust. Broil briefly at the end for extra crispness but watch carefully to avoid burning. The herb salad flavors deepen if prepared ahead and chilled. Reheat chicken in a skillet or oven to maintain crust crispiness; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: hummus crusted chicken, baked chicken thighs, zaatar chicken, herb salad, quick dinner, gluten-free, dairy-free, Middle Eastern spices

Find it online: https://gleefulfork.com/crispy-hummus-crusted-baked-chicken-thighs-recipe-with-zaatar-herb-salad/