Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of the Middle East! This Zaatar Grilled Chicken Salad is not just a meal - it's an explosion of exotic flavors, textures, and aromas that will make your dinner table the talk of the town. Imagine perfectly grilled, zaatar-spiced chicken nestled on a bed of crisp greens, bursting with fresh vegetables and a tangy feta finish. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or a curious foodie looking to spice up your meal routine, this recipe promises to deliver a restaurant-quality dish that's both healthy and irresistibly delicious.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons zaatar spice mix
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lemon, juiced
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure even seasoning and better grill marks.
- In a small bowl, mix zaatar spice blend with olive oil to create a marinade. Generously coat each chicken breast with the zaatar mixture, ensuring even coverage on all sides.
- Season the marinated chicken breasts with salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Preheat outdoor grill or indoor grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400°F), allowing the surface to heat thoroughly for optimal chicken searing.
- Grill chicken breasts for 6-8 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness accurately.
- Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, which ensures moist and tender meat.
- While chicken rests, prepare salad by combining mixed greens, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion in a large serving bowl.
- Slice grilled chicken breasts diagonally into thin strips for better presentation and easier eating.
- Arrange sliced chicken on top of prepared salad greens.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the salad for added texture and tangy flavor.
- Drizzle fresh lemon juice over the entire salad just before serving to brighten the flavors and add a citrusy note.
- Optional: Garnish with additional zaatar spice or fresh herbs like parsley or mint for extra aroma and visual appeal.
Tips
- Zaatar Magic: Ensure your zaatar spice blend is fresh for maximum flavor impact. If possible, buy from a specialty spice store or make your own blend.
- Chicken Prep Secrets: Pat the chicken breasts completely dry before marinating to achieve those beautiful, crispy grill marks.
- Marinade Technique: Let the chicken sit with the zaatar-olive oil mixture for at least 15-30 minutes before grilling to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply.
- Grill Temperature is Key: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches exactly 165°F - this guarantees juicy, perfectly cooked meat every time.
- Resting Ritual: Always let your grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to redistribute the juices, ensuring maximum tenderness.
- Salad Assembly Pro Tip: Add the lemon juice and feta just before serving to maintain the freshness and prevent wilting of the greens.
- Presentation Matters: Slice the chicken diagonally and arrange artfully over the salad for that professional, Instagram-worthy look!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 105mg
