This mouthwatering Middle Eastern Chicken is marinated overnight with fresh veggies and warm spices, then baked to juicy perfection — it’s a surefire winner! Serve it up with all your favorite sides for a delicious, filling dinner that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
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What Is Middle Eastern Chicken?
Middle Eastern chicken consists of chicken legs marinated in a yogurt sauce with warm Middle Eastern spices. A favorite recipe from our childhood, it features bold flavors in a nutritious, easy-to-make recipe. We serve it over Vermicelli rice with a side of cucumber & tomato salad, but it pairs perfectly with all your favorite sides for a complete meal the whole family will love!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Made with a unique combination of veggies, herbs, and spices, this Middle Eastern chicken is unlike anything you’ve ever tasted before! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken – We use chicken legs. The dark meat creates extra flavor and the ultimate juicy texture.
- Vegetables – Roma tomatoes, red onion, garlic, and tomato paste are blended into the marinade for extra nutrients and a slightly tangy taste.
- Herbs – Fresh parsley and cilantro are included to brighten the flavor.
- Olive Oil – In addition to adding healthy fats, this helps combine the ingredients and cling to the chicken, allowing it to soak up the marinade.
- Yogurt – For a thick, creamy sauce we highly recommend using full-fat plain yogurt, but any percentage you have on hand will work.
- Spices – A combination of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, coriander, sumac, turmeric, and smoked paprika takes this chicken to the next level with unbelievable flavor.
How to Make the Best Middle Eastern Chicken
Admittedly, you have to plan ahead of time to make this recipe, but it’s completely worth the wait! The process of marinating the chicken ensures it stays tender and juicy while keeping the skin extra golden and crisp. Here’s what to do:
- Form the Marinade. In the bowl of a food processor, add all of the ingredients except for the chicken. Pulse until a smooth consistency is formed.
- Marinate. Place the chicken in a sealable bag or airtight container, and pour the sauce mixture on top. Marinate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight.
- Bake. Place the chicken on a
parchment paper -lined baking sheet, and cover it with foil. Bake for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil, and continue to bake until the top of the chicken is golden and crisp.
Serving Suggestions
As mentioned, we serve this Middle Eastern chicken over vermicelli rice and cucumber & tomato salad. However, it pairs amazingly with all your favorite sides such as:
- Lemon Greek Potatoes
- Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
- Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
- Whipped Feta with Roasted Peppers
- Burrata with Roasted Tomatoes and Za’atar Pita
Common Questions
Sumac brings a tart, lemony flavor that brightens everything up. Sprinkle it over grilled chicken or mix it into a marinade, and it’ll add a tangy twist that makes the whole dish pop.
Definitely! It’s packed with flavor, holds up well in the fridge, and works in everything from bowls to wraps to salads. Just keep the sauce or extras (like tahini or pickled onions) separate until you’re ready to eat.
Yes, and it’s fantastic on the grill. The marinade helps lock in moisture, and the spices get smoky and caramelized for that charred, flavor-packed finish.
Shawarma is all about thin slices of spiced, marinated meat—often slow-roasted on a vertical spit. Other Middle Eastern chicken dishes might be baked, grilled, or pan-cooked, and use different spice blends or sauces.
More Flavorful Chicken Recipes
Looking for other ways to spice up your meals made with chicken? We have plenty of options that are as easy as they are tasty!
Middle Eastern Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 large Roma tomato
- 1/2 red onion
- 1 red bell pepper
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1/3 cup fresh parsley
- 1/3 cup fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1 teaspoon sumac
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- juice of 1/2 a lemon
- 6 chicken legs thigh and drumstick, bone-in, skin-on
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients except for the chicken to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until a smooth consistency is formed.1 large Roma tomato, 1/2 red onion, 1 red bell pepper, 4 cloves garlic, 1/3 cup fresh parsley, 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1/4 cup plain yogurt, 1/4 cup tomato paste, 2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon coriander, 1 teaspoon sumac, 1 teaspoon turmeric, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, juice of 1/2 a lemon
- Place the chicken in a sealable bag or airtight container, and coat it with the veggie mixture. Marinate in the fridge overnight, or for a minimum of 2 hours.6 chicken legs
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the chicken on the baking sheet, and cover it with foil. Bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil, and continue to bake for 15 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crisp.
- Serve over Vermicelli rice with a side of cucumber & tomato salad, if desired.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Equipment
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
My favorite chicken recipe! Thank you!
My boys don’t like chicken legs, can I substitute for skinless chicken thighs?
Hi Magda,
Absolutely! Just keep an eye on the oven, and adjust the baking time as needed. We hope you enjoy!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Hi, recipe looks delicious and can’t wait to try it . My question is do I leave the marinade while baking or discard once marinated ? Ths
Discard any excess! We hope you enjoy!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
This chicken recipe fires up the taste buds! I removed the skin and poked the meat to allow the marinade to penetrate the meat. I served it with Lemon Greek Potatoes, adding to the taste of the meal.
Sounds like the perfect dinner to us! We’re glad you enjoyed it, Martha!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
what can I sub the yoghurt with? I can’t use dairy. looks amazing!
A dairy-free yogurt!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa