The Beach House Kitchen

  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Beverages
    • Breads
    • Breakfast
    • Dog Treats
    • Ice Cream/Ice Pops
    • Main Dish
    • Pasta
    • Pizza
    • Salads
    • Sandwiches
    • Sauces
    • Side Dish
    • Snacks
    • Soup
    • Sweets
    • Vegetarian
    • Recipe Index
  • About
    • Meet Mary Ann
  • Work With Me
  • Contact

Za’atar Chicken Thighs with Green Lentils

May 13, 2019 36 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. See my Affiliate Disclosure for more information.
Jump to Recipe

Overhead photo of Za'atar Chicken Thighs with Green Lentils in Dutch oven

This Za’atar Chicken Thighs with Green Lentils is an easy, hearty dish with intense flavor.

Overhead photo of Za'atar Chicken Thighs with Green Lentils in Dutch oven.

Hello folks! How was your weekend?

Hope all you moms out there had a fantastic Mother’s Day!

Overhead photo of broth with carrots, onions and green lentils for Za'atar Chicken Thighs with Green Lentils

Today, I’m sharing one of my new favorite dishes, this Za’atar Chicken Thighs with Green Lentils.

But, first things first.

What is za’atar?

It’s a Middle Eastern blend of spices that gives dishes an intensely aromatic flavor.

Pronounced zah-tar, it’s a combination of dried thyme, majoram, sumac, sesame seeds and salt. It’s fabulous for flavoring bread, veggies and meats. It adds an earthy flavor to whatever you’re making.

Overhead photo of za'atar chicken thighs with green lentils in a Dutch oven

You can make your own za’atar by combining a handful of spices or you can buy this spice blend from your local market.

Overhead photo of clear bowl filled with green lentils, carrots and sauce for Za'atar Chicken Thighs with green lentils

I love adding some za’atar to olive oil along with salt and drizzling it over some warm pita or naan bread. It turns the ordinary into extraordinary.

Today’s Za’atar Chicken Thighs with Green Lentils is a favorite because it checks all the boxes for me. Nothing beats tender, juicy chicken thighs, the heartiness of the lentils, the intense flavor of the za’atar and the added burst of flavor from the pitted green olives and lemon zest.

Overhead photo of braised chicken on a white plate for Za'tar chicken thighs with green lentils

This is one flavor-packed dish you NEED to get on your menu guys! Enjoy!

 

A Few Cook’s Notes for Za’atar Chicken Thighs with Green Lentils Recipe:

French green lentils are used in this recipe because they have a firmer texture then other varieties which hold up better when used in braising recipes.

If you decide to make homemade za’atar pulse 3 taplespoons dried thyme, 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds, 1 tablespoon ground sumac, 1/2 tsp. marjoram, and 1/4 tsp. kosher salt in a spice grinder a few times to break up the sesame seeds a bit. You should still see a few whole seeds. Store for up to six months in a cool place.

 

Overhead photo of Za'atar Chicken Thighs with Green Lentils in Dutch oven.
Print
Za'atar Chicken Thighs with Green Lentils
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
1 hr
Total Time
1 hr 15 mins
 
This Za'atar Chicken Thighs with Green Lentils is an easy, hearty dish with intense flavor.
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Keyword: Comfort Food
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 560 kcal
Author: MaryAnn Dwyer
Ingredients
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 3 Tbsp. za'atar
  • 2 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 1/2 cup yellow onion, roughly chopped
  • 1 1/2 cups carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 1/2 cups chicken broth, reduced-sodium
  • 1 cup French green lentils
  • 2 Tbsp. tomato paste
  • 1 cup pitted green olives, whole or halved
  • lemon zest
  • fresh thyme sprigs
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Season chicken thighs with za'atar. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the thighs and cook 4 minutes each side until browned. Remove to a plate.

  2. Reduce the heat to medium and add the onion and carrots. Cook 5 minutes until lightly browned. Stir in the garlic and continue to cook for one minute. Add broth, lentils and the tomato paste. Stir. Return the chicken and any accumulated juices to the pot. Bring to a simmer. Cover and braise in oven for 45-55 minutes or until chicken is tender and cooked through.

  3. Transfer the chicken to a platter and keep warm. Strain remaining mixture reserving the liquid. Add the lentils and veggies to the platter with the chicken. Return the liquid to the pot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook until reduced by half, about 10 minutes. Pour the liquid over the chicken and veggies on the platter. Top with the olives, lemon zest and thyme sprigs.  Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts
Za'atar Chicken Thighs with Green Lentils
Amount Per Serving
Calories 560 Calories from Fat 297
% Daily Value*
Fat 33g51%
Saturated Fat 7g44%
Cholesterol 141mg47%
Sodium 1031mg45%
Potassium 972mg28%
Carbohydrates 32g11%
Fiber 14g58%
Sugar 4g4%
Protein 33g66%
Vitamin A 5915IU118%
Vitamin C 20.9mg25%
Calcium 211mg21%
Iron 13.1mg73%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Adapted from Better Homes and Gardens February 2019

 

BEFORE YOUR FIRST BITE, SNAP A PHOTO & SHARE!

If you make this recipe, I'd love to see! Be sure to follow thebeachhousekitchen on Instagram and tag #thebeachhousekitchen

Thanks so much!

Still Hungry? Don't miss a recipe! It's free!

You May Also Like...

Grilled Panzanella with Shrimp and Asparagus
Italian Sausage, Peppers and Onions
Vegetable Curry

Filed Under: Main Dish Tagged With: chicken thighs, olives, poultry, za'atar

« Rhubarb Crumb Loaf
Blueberry Lemon Breakfast Bites »

Comments

  1. 2pots2cook says

    May 13, 2019 at 6:26 am

    Love Za’atar very much and am thankful whenever I find an idea to use it. Your suggestion makes great lunch or dinner to feed the whole family. Thank you Mary Ann.

    Reply
    • Mary Ann says

      May 13, 2019 at 8:05 am

      You’re quite welcome! This is one tasty dish!

      Reply
  2. Dawn - Girl Heart Food says

    May 13, 2019 at 7:18 am

    We have za’atar in our pantry and I don’t often think about using it, but this is making me want to break it out asap! Love the pairing with lentils too – so hearty and delish! Pinned! Happy Monday :)

    Reply
    • Mary Ann says

      May 13, 2019 at 8:05 am

      It really is a hearty dish Dawn!

      Reply
  3. Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop says

    May 13, 2019 at 7:55 am

    I’ve never tried za’atar but I think I need to now! This dish looks so wonderful and packed full of flavor!

    Reply
    • Mary Ann says

      May 13, 2019 at 8:06 am

      You’ve got to try it Kathy! It’s such an incredibly hearty and flavorful dish!

      Reply
  4. Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says

    May 13, 2019 at 8:11 am

    I’m always looking for new ways to use za’atar, so this is definitely screaming my name, Mare! The chicken looks so juicy and flavorful and I’m loving that you paired it with lentils!! Such a delicious meal!! Can’t wait to try it! Pinned!

    Reply
    • Mary Ann says

      May 13, 2019 at 8:21 am

      Thanks Chey! This one’s a flavorful one for sure.

      Reply
  5. Alexandra @ It's Not Complicated Recipes says

    May 13, 2019 at 8:11 am

    I really love the taste of za’atar, but I don’t use it nearly as much as I ought to!
    This sounds delicious! And the lentils would work so well. Delicious recipe, MaryAnn!

    Reply
    • Mary Ann says

      May 13, 2019 at 8:21 am

      Thanks Alex! Hope you give it a go!

      Reply
  6. Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen says

    May 13, 2019 at 9:25 am

    I love anything that involves lentils! This looks really delicious!

    Reply
    • Mary Ann says

      May 13, 2019 at 9:29 am

      Thanks Kelsie! I bet you’d love this one!

      Reply
  7. Matt Robinson says

    May 13, 2019 at 11:18 am

    This looks so incredibly good, love za’atar!

    Reply
    • Mary Ann says

      May 13, 2019 at 11:19 am

      Thanks Matt!

      Reply
  8. Leigh Ann says

    May 13, 2019 at 11:22 am

    This is such a great weeknight dinner and I bet the leftovers are even tastier! Yum!

    Reply
    • Mary Ann says

      May 13, 2019 at 11:41 am

      They are Leigh Ann! Hope you have an awesome week!

      Reply
  9. Marissa says

    May 13, 2019 at 11:51 am

    Za’atar is one of my favorite spice blends – so versatile! This dish looks so rich, savory and delicious!

    Reply
    • Mary Ann says

      May 13, 2019 at 11:55 am

      I really enjoy it too Marissa! You’ll love this dish. I hope you give it a try!

      Reply
  10. Joanne Rappos says

    May 13, 2019 at 12:09 pm

    This is definitely my kind of meal Mary Ann!! Love braised lentils and Za’atar os such a beautiful spice – this is just the kind of meal I want today on a rainy cold and damp day!!

    Reply
    • Mary Ann says

      May 13, 2019 at 12:28 pm

      It’s cold and rainy here too Joanne, so this dish would totally fit the bill!

      Reply
  11. Traci | Vanilla And Bean says

    May 13, 2019 at 2:12 pm

    What a gorgeous dish Mare and you know I’m a big fan of lentils. I’ve a big jar of Za’atar in the pantry I made some time ago… I love sprinkling it on eggs, and like you olive oil and pita. There are so many ways! I can see why this is your favorite new recipe!

    Reply
    • Mary Ann says

      May 13, 2019 at 4:31 pm

      I know you’d love this one Traci! Tom is even a fan of lentils! This is always a hit here.

      Reply
  12. Laura says

    May 13, 2019 at 2:23 pm

    This is totally my kind of meal, Mary Ann! I love Za’atar, it’s one of my favorite spice mixes, and anything with lentils has my name all over it! Also the simple directions make it easy and give me time while it’s in the oven to make a salad and set the table. Love it! On my list to make, pinning!

    Reply
    • Mary Ann says

      May 13, 2019 at 4:31 pm

      Hope you enjoy it as much as we do Laura!

      Reply
  13. Gerlinde &Sunnycovechef says

    May 13, 2019 at 5:10 pm

    It’s suppose to rain here this weekend and your lentil and chicken dish sounds perfect. I never have cooked with Za’atar , it’s about time I try it. Pinning!

    Reply
    • Mary Ann says

      May 13, 2019 at 5:47 pm

      Hope you enjoy it Gerlinde! Perfect comfort food!

      Reply
  14. Katherine | Love In My Oven says

    May 13, 2019 at 10:55 pm

    I never know what to do with my za’atar other than a few signature dishes, so I am so grateful for this recipe! I can’t wait to try it out, Mary Ann!

    Reply
    • Mary Ann says

      May 14, 2019 at 12:29 pm

      Hope you enjoy it Katherine!

      Reply
  15. Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says

    May 14, 2019 at 11:57 am

    Wow! What a fabulous dish of flavour and comfort. Can’t wait to try this :)

    Reply
    • Mary Ann says

      May 14, 2019 at 12:29 pm

      It’s sooooooo good Jennifer!

      Reply
  16. annie@ciaochowbambina says

    May 14, 2019 at 12:07 pm

    Za’atar is a staple. Sprinkled on so many things – it is truly delicious! I love what you’ve done with it! My hubby is sure to go crazy for this dish!! Shared!!

    Reply
    • Mary Ann says

      May 14, 2019 at 12:29 pm

      Thanks for sharing Annie! Hope you guys love it!

      Reply
  17. Kevin says

    May 14, 2019 at 11:05 pm

    Can’t get over how exciting this dish is! Packed full of fun flavors and just a hearty meal. Sign me up!

    Reply
    • Mary Ann says

      May 15, 2019 at 6:30 pm

      Thanks Kev! Thought you might like this one!

      Reply
  18. Kelly | Foodtasia says

    May 15, 2019 at 3:22 am

    Such a lovely dish, Mary Ann! And wow! so much flavor! The olives must add a wonderful briney flavor and za’atar is one of those staples I always have on hand. Delicious!

    Reply
    • Mary Ann says

      May 15, 2019 at 6:31 pm

      Love the olives kelly! This is one tasty dish for sure.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

welcome to the BHK

Hey there folks! I'm Mary Ann. Welcome to The Beach House Kitchen. Here at the BHK it's all about delicious, easy recipes for casual entertaining. So come and join me at the beach, relax and enjoy the food. Read More

NEVER MISS A POST!

follow me

What’s In Season

Overhead photo of plate with slices of Irish Soda Bread, butter in a small round dish and a silver knife.

Irish Soda Bread

Bangers & Mash with Guinness Onion Gravy

Bangers & Mash with Guinness Onion Gravy

Mini No Bake Key Lime Pie Cheesecakes

Mini No Bake Key Lime Pie Cheesecakes

Still Hungry? Don't miss a recipe!

Sign up to have new recipes delivered straight to your inbox, for free!

Classic Peanut Butter Cookies are NEW on the blog Classic Peanut Butter Cookies are NEW on the blog this morning folks! And PERFECT with a tall glass of milk! 🥛 ⁣Who wants one??⁣
Grab the recipe in my profile and bake a batch this weekend. They’re kid and adult approved! Happy Thursday. 😘⁣
⁣

⁣

#thebeachhousekitchen #dessert⁣⁣⁣ #foodtography #feedfeed #f52grams #thebakefeed #thekitchn #cookies #peanutbuttercookies #bakedfromscratch #damnthatsdelish #marthabakes #wsbakeclub #eatpretty #foodphotography #instayummy #foodblogfeed #TOHfoodie #foodblogeats #inmykitchen #forthemaking #sweeeeets #bakersofinstagram  #bakinglove #heresmyfood #baking #tastingtable #shareyourtable #baker #f52community
Looking for a little cup of comfort on this chilly Looking for a little cup of comfort on this chilly day?? My Italian Wedding soup is a blog favorite and sure to hit the spot!⁣
It’s loaded with spinach, carrots, celery, fresh dill, pasta and of course, the star of the show, mini meatballs! ⁣
Grab your soup pot, bowl and spoon and it’s time to get cookin’ guys! I’ve linked the recipe for you in my profile. Have a great day!⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣

#thebeachhousekitchen  #feedfeed #f52grams #soup #mywilliamssonoma #getinmybelly #whatsonmyplate #thatsdarling #tastyaf #eatrealfood #goodeats #LoveFood #buzzfeast #wholefoods #easyrecipes #heresmyfood #TOHfoodie #foodandwine #foodblogfeed #foodblogeats #damnthatsdelish #bhgfood #thekitchn #forkyeah #tastingtable #comfortfood #foodie #IGeats #meatballs #italianweddingsoup
We made it to Friday folks! That calls for cake! 🍰⁣
⁣
Glazed Almond Pound Cake is on the menu today. It’s moist and fluffy and the perfect easy dessert to add to your weekend baking list.⁣
⁣
Pound cakes are super simple, don’t create a huge mess in your kitchen and require only a handful of ingredients. They can be served plain, glazed, with ice cream or fresh whipped cream and seasonal berries. ⁣
⁣
The recipe is profile linked. Hope you give it a try this weekend. Happy Friday! 😘⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣#thebeachhousekitchen #dessert⁣⁣⁣ #foodtography #feedfeed #f52grams #thebakefeed #thekitchn #poundcake #bakedfromscratch #damnthatsdelish #marthabakes #foodandwine #wsbakeclub #eatpretty #foodphotography #instayummy #foodblogfeed #TOHfoodie #foodblogeats #inmykitchen #forthemaking #sweeeeets #bakersofinstagram  #bakinglove #heresmyfood #baking #tastingtable #shareyourtable #baker #f52community
Who’s up for a super delicious, super easy sheet Who’s up for a super delicious, super easy sheet pan meal for dinner tonight??⁣
This Jerk Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner with Sausage, Sweet Potatoes and Brussels Sprouts is NEW on the blog this morning and you don’t want to miss it folks! So much flavor! And all on one sheet pan so clean up is easy peasy! ⁣
The recipe is profile linked. Grab it and get cooking! Happy Thursday. 😘⁣
⁣
⁣

#thebeachhousekitchen  #feedfeed #f52grams #chickenrecipes #mywilliamssonoma #getinmybelly #whatsonmyplate #thatsdarling #tastyaf #eatrealfood #goodeats #LoveFood #buzzfeast #wholefoods #easyrecipes #heresmyfood #TOHfoodie #foodandwine #foodblogfeed #foodblogeats #damnthatsdelish #thekitchn #forkyeah #tastingtable #comfortfood #foodie #sheetpandinner #jerkchicken  #thenewhealthy #healthyeating
Roasted Asian Cauliflower and Carrots folks! It’ Roasted Asian Cauliflower and Carrots folks! It’s NEW on the blog this morning and perfect as a side or coarsely chopped and served up in little lettuce cups for lunch or dinner for #MeatlessMonday 😋⁣
The recipe is profile linked. Hope y’all have an awesome week! 😘⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣

#thebeachhousekitchen #feedfeed #f52grams #cauliflowerrecipes #vegetarianrecipes #mywilliamssonoma #getinmybelly #whatsonmyplate #tastyaf #eatrealfood #goodeats  #buzzfeast #wholefoods #easyrecipes #heresmyfood #TOHfoodie #foodandwine #foodblogfeed #foodblogeats #damnthatsdelish #thekitchn #forkyeah #tastingtable #LoveFood #foodie #eatmoreplants #healthyfoodie #heathyrecipes #thenewhealthy
Another ultra-comforting soup on the menu today fo Another ultra-comforting soup on the menu today folks! ⁣
⁣
This African Peanut Sweet Potato Stew is loaded with sweet potatoes, onion, red bell pepper and garlic and it’s just bursting with flavor! It’s got some ginger, cumin, brown sugar for sweetness and cayenne for some added heat. Topped with some peanuts and crusty homemade croutons for added crunch and this one’s sure to be a crowd favorite.⁣
The recipe is profile linked. Hope you give it a go! Happy Saturday! 😘⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣

#thebeachhousekitchen  #feedfeed #f52grams #soup #mywilliamssonoma #getinmybelly #whatsonmyplate #thatsdarling #tastyaf #eatrealfood #goodeats #LoveFood #buzzfeast #wholefoods #easyrecipes #heresmyfood #TOHfoodie #foodandwine #foodblogfeed #foodblogeats #damnthatsdelish #bhgfood #thekitchn #forkyeah #tastingtable #comfortfood #foodie #IGeats #IGfoodies #f52community
Instagram

COPYRIGHT © 2020 THE BEACH HOUSE KITCHEN
DEVELOPED BY JENNIFER ANDREW

HOMEABOUTCONTACTPRESSPRIVACY POLICY

Copyright © 2021 · The Beach House Kitchen Theme by Shay Bocks · Built on the Genesis Framework · Powered by WordPress