Za’atar Chicken

Name: Za'atar Chicken
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 5 h
Total time: 5 h 20 min
Yield: 6 servings.
Ingredients: 1/4 cup za'atar seasoning; 1/4 cup olive oil; 3 teaspoons dried oregano; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric; 3 pounds bone-in chicken thighs; 1 cup pimiento-stuffed olives; 1/2 cup dried apricots; 1/2 cup pitted dried plums; 1/4 cup water; Hot cooked basmati rice, optional

It's hard to find a dinner that both my husband and kids will enjoy—and even harder to find one that's fast and easy. This is it! No matter how much I make of this dish, it's gone to the last bite. —Esther Erani, Brooklyn, New York

Ingredients

1/4 cup za'atar seasoning
1/4 cup olive oil
3 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
3 pounds bone-in chicken thighs
1 cup pimiento-stuffed olives
1/2 cup dried apricots
1/2 cup pitted dried plums
1/4 cup water
Hot cooked basmati rice, optional

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the first six ingredients. Add chicken; toss to coat.
Arrange olives, apricots and plums on the bottom of a 4- or 5-quart slow cooker. Add 1/4 cup water; top with chicken. Cook, covered, on low until chicken is tender, 5-6 hours. If desired, serve with rice.

Test Kitchen tips

If you have a few minutes to spare, try browning the chicken in a little oil before placing it in the slow cooker.

Make your own za'atar spice by mixing 1 Tbsp. each fresh chopped oregano, ground sumac, ground cumin and sesame seeds; and 1 tsp. each kosher salt and fresh ground pepper

Za’atar seasoning may become your new favorite spice. Add it to melted butter and toss with popcorn, mix it with olive oil for a dipping sauce or toss it with potatoes before roasting.