Zaatar chicken (also known as za’atar chicken or za’atar meat) is an amazing dish commonly enjoyed in Lebanese restaurants and households worldwide.
The main components of the dish are roasted chicken and za’atar, a mixture of herbs, sesame seeds, and spices.
These give this delicious dish its distinct taste and aroma. So now, what to serve with za’atar chicken?
Well, if you want to get the most out of your delicious za’atar chicken, consider pairing it with one of the options below.
Your choice will depend on your personal preferences and your other food choices—the sky’s the limit!
1. Roasted Vegetables
What to serve with za’atar chicken? Roasted vegetables? Why not! You can serve roasted vegetables or vegetable salad, or a mix of both. Some of my favorites are broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots.
However, if you don’t like zucchini or eggplant, you can use fresh green beans. If you like more flavors in your salad, add some feta cheese to it before serving.
I usually sprinkle these veggies with olive oil and salt right before roasting them at a very high temperature (450F).
But there are many other ways of roasting them; check out roasting charts on the internet! After they’re done, let them cool down, put them in one big bowl/platter/tray, and keep them warm until serving time.
2. Cheesy Potato Casserole
This easy, cheesy potato casserole makes a great side dish as what to serve with za’atar chicken. This type of potato dish can be served at room temperature or cold. So you can make it ahead and have it ready when it’s time for dinner.
Similarly, this recipe is perfect if you want something delicious but not complicated to serve up as part of your za’atar chicken dinner.
This simple yet tasty side dish is not only full of vegetables and cheese but also quite filling. Thanks to all those carbs in potatoes! It’s also a great choice if you’re making an Arabian-themed dinner!
3. Garlic Parmesan Green Beans
When it comes to what to serve with za’atar chicken, Green beans are very popular for a reason—they’re delicious.
To begin with, saute some garlic and toss it into freshly cut green beans that have been boiled for 6 minutes. Do this while your za’atar chicken is on a baking sheet in your oven.
Next, sprinkle parmesan cheese on top and place back into an oven set at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until the cheese has melted.
Tossed greens as a side dish for Za’atar Chicken: Enjoy some kale, spinach, or other green of your choosing!
After sauteing garlic, as mentioned above, toss these greens in with more freshly cut pieces of green beans (for extra nutrients). Finally, place back into an oven set at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through.
4. Homemade Bread Rolls
This recipe is very simple and tasty recipe. Use it as a side dish for chicken, lamb, beef, or fish. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for everyday home cooking. I hope you like it. Enjoy!
Namely, the ingredients are warm water or milk, active dry yeast, olive oil, sugar, egg, and all-purpose flour salt.
The instructions specifically: Dissolve yeast in warm water for about 10 minutes. Afterward, in a bowl of an electric mixer, add salt, sugar, olive oil, and yeast mixture.
Finally, add egg and all-purpose flour. With this, you need not worry about what to serve with za’atar chicken!
5. Quinoa Salad
This dish is an ideal complement to chicken and is hearty enough to serve as the main course. It has lots of protein and complex carbs, both of which help you feel full.
Plus, Quinoa is rich in lysine, an amino acid that helps your body absorb calcium better. Also, it’s a good source of phosphorus, iron, zinc, and magnesium.
A word of warning, though: when cooking quinoa, make sure not to add salt before it has finished cooking. Doing so would affect its nutritional value and taste unpleasant.
Moreover, be sure to wash your quinoa well under water before adding it to any other ingredient or seasoning for food safety reasons.
You can serve quinoa salad with other veggies, such as lettuce leaves or cucumbers on top. Consequently, if you are looking for what to serve with za’atar chicken, Quinoa Salad stands a good chance!
6. Brown Rice Pilaf
A delicious alternative to plain white rice, brown rice is nuttier and chewier than its fluffier counterpart.
Though it takes a bit longer to cook, you’ll eat fewer calories. In fact, brown rice has roughly 80 percent more fiber per serving than its paler counterpart.
Moreso, fiber absorbs water as it passes through your digestive tract, causing you to feel fuller faster than if you ate just white rice.
According to a study in Food Chemistry, your body also burns through calories digesting brown rice versus white rice.
In addition, cooking brown rice at home allows you control over how much oil and salt is added during preparation, unlike what may be found in restaurants or packaged foods at the supermarket.
7. Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus is a fantastic option if you’re looking for some quick, easy, and delicious options for what to serve with za’atar chicken.
Interestingly, it takes less than ten minutes to throw on a grill. So, if you already have your protein cooked up, it can be on in time for serving!
Besides, Grilled Asparagus has a very nice buttery flavor that compliments both chicken and lamb. A soft white cheese (like brie or chevre) or feta would pair nicely here too.
You can also add extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice if you’d like. Bon Appetit!
7. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Potatoes are always a great side for chicken, especially when you want them on the mashed side. All you need to do is cut potatoes into cubes and boil them until they’re soft enough. Then add butter, milk, garlic, and salt.
Finally, mash until smooth and serve. For extra flavor, sprinkle your mashed potatoes with some grated cheese!
If you’re vegan, use olive oil instead of butter and skip the cheese. Yum! Still, wondering what to serve with za’atar chicken? Here’s your answer!
8. Lebanese Rice
If you love rice as much as we do (and let’s be honest here – who doesn’t?), then it’s time to treat yourself to a new recipe.
Try Lebanese Rice! It is seasoned just right so that every grain has that distinct taste of Mediterranean herbs without being overpowering.
The secret ingredient? Lemon zest! And that ends our list of what to serve with za’atar chicken!
Conclusion
Now that you have a delicious plate of za’atar chicken in front of you and you know what to serve with za’atar chicken, there’s just one thing left to do. Sit down, relax and enjoy your tasty dinner!
