Slow Cooker Za’atar Chicken Thighs

Slow cooker za’atar chicken thighs is an easy and healthy crockpot recipe. Za’atar is a versatile spice that is popular in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. Weeknight dinner, meal prep, or date night, this simple yet flavorful za’atar chicken is sure to be a crowd-pleaser! Instructions to make this low-carb, paleo, and Whole30 compatible recipe in the Instant Pot are also included. 

Ingredients For Slow Cooker Za’atar Chicken Thighs

• Chicken Thighs
• Za’atar
• Chicken Broth
• Lemon Juice
• Garlic
• Oil 
• Seasonings: salt, pepper, onion powder

How To Make Za’atar Chicken Thighs In The Crockpot

Slow Cooker

1. Add chicken to the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the broth, lemon juice, oil, garlic,  za’atar, salt, onion powder, and pepper.  Pour the mixture on top of chicken.
3. Cook HIGH 2-3 hours or low LOW 4-6.

Instant Pot

1. If using skin-on chicken: Turn on the Instant Pot and select sauté. Once hot, add the oil to the pot. Add the chicken, skin side down. Cook approximately 3 to 4 minutes per side or until the skin is crisp to your liking. Remove the chicken and set aside. If using skinless chicken, skip this step.
2. Pour the broth into the pot and deglaze the bottom of the pressure cooker by scraping all the bits off with a wooden spoon. Add the za’atar, lemon juice, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to mix well. Add the chicken back to the pot. 
3. Close & seal vent. Select high pressure and set time for 8 minutes for boneless thighs or 10 mines for bone-in. When cooking time is complete, quick-release the pressure.

What Is Za’atar?

Za’atar is a combination of dried herbs like thyme and sumac that is mixed with toasted sesame seeds. Za’atar seasonings blend will vary depending who is making and what region they are fun. To me, that’s one of the best and worse things about za’atar…no 2 bottles are the same! What does it taste like? It’s a little tart, very flagrant, and a little earthy. 

What Cut Of Chicken To Use

This slow cooker za’atar chicken thighs recipe uses….your preferred cut of thighs! This can be boneless, bone-in, skinless or skin-on. What you see in the pictures is bone-in, skin-on thighs. Can you use chicken breasts? Technically, yes you can. If you choose to substitute white meat in this recipe, be carefule not to overcook it. Definitely do not let the slow cooker sit on the WARM setting; the chicken will continue to cook and dry out.  

FAQs & Tips

• If you use skin-on thighs and want crispy skin, you will need to broil them meat afterwards. Remove the chicken from the appliance and place it on a baking sheet. Place the chicken under the broiler for 2 to 5 minutes or until crisy to your liking. 
• Store leftover chicken thighs in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• I use a 6-quart slow cooker or Instant Pot to make this recipe.

Chicken Thigh Recipes

• Creamy Lemon Dill

• Balsamic Cranberry

• Spicy Salsa

• Mississippi

• Rosemary Dijon

Slow Cooker Za’atar Chicken Thighs

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Slow cooker za’atar chicken thighs is an easy and healthy crockpot recipe. Za’atar is a versatile spice that is popular in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. Weeknight dinner, meal prep, or date night, this simple yet flavorful za’atar chicken is sure to be a crowd-pleaser! Instructions to make this low-carb, paleo, and Whole30 compatible recipe in the Instant Pot are also included.

• Author: Shannon Epstein
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 pounds chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons za'atar
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (1 cup for Instant Pot)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

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Instructions

Slow Cooker

1. Add chicken to the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the broth, lemon juice, oil, garlic,  za’atar, salt, onion powder, and pepper.  Pour the mixture on top of chicken.
3. Cook HIGH 2-3 hours or low LOW 4-6.

Instant Pot

1. If using skin-on chicken: Turn on the Instant Pot and select sauté. Once hot, add the oil to the pot. Add the chicken, skin side down. Cook approximately 3 to 4 minutes per side or until the skin is crisp to your liking. Remove the chicken and set aside. If using skinless chicken, skip this step.
2. Pour the broth into the pot and deglaze the bottom of the pressure cooker by scraping all the bits off with a wooden spoon. Add the za’atar, lemon juice, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to mix well. Add the chicken back to the pot.
3. Close & seal vent. Select high pressure and set time for 8 minutes for boneless thighs or 10 mines for bone-in. When cooking time is complete, quick-release the pressure.

Nutrition

• Serving Size:
• Calories: 431
• Sugar: 0.5 g
• Sodium: 865.5 mg
• Fat: 19.4 g
• Saturated Fat: 4.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 2.4 g
• Fiber: 0.4 g
• Protein: 59.2 g
• Cholesterol: 280.1 mg

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