Zaatar Chicken Legs with Pomegranate Molasses

Zaatar chicken legs, roasted or cooked in the air fryer with a crust made from the classic Lebanese spice mix, pomegranate molasses & chilli.

The crust takes just 5 minutes to prepare, then you just need to coat the chicken and throw it in the oven for around 30 minutes or into the air fryer for 20 minutes.

Roasted Chicken Legs with a Middle Eastern Crust

These za’atar crusted roast chicken legs are a real treat, that are stupidly simple to cook and taste wonderful.

Their are two ingredients that really steal the show and that is the za’atar and pomegranate molasses that form the bulk of the crust.

Pomegranate molasses is a wonderful sticky sweet and sour reduction of pomegranate juice. It appears in dishes like Iranian fesenjan, which if you have never heard of you must try, and my halloumi salad recipe.

In this recipe it both adds flavour and creates a chewy stick edge to the herby crumb.

The second major ingredient is zaatar or za’atar, which is a middel eastern spice mix.

It varies from blend to blend but usually contains toasted sesame seeds and sumac along with salt, thyme, savory and oregano or marjoram.

It is used from everything to seasoning for grilled meats through to a dip for flatbreads and olive oil.

The crust is rounded out with dried mint and a little chilli, before being spread on the chicken and roasted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular molasses?

No, pomegranate molasses is very, very different. You can get it in well appointed stores or online.

If you are really struggling then it is also really easy to make homemade pomegranate molasses.

Can I make zaatar at home?

Yes absolutely, it is a spice blend containg a host of things that are commonly found in the spice aisle of many supermarkets. As a result, homemade za’atar is super easy to make at home.

Can use this crust on other meats?

Yes and not just meat either!

You could spread this on chicken breasts, lamb shoulder steaks, or even pork chops and bake them in the oven.

It is equally good on fish, spread it on a whole mackerel or something like coley, cod loin or even salmon and again roast it all in the oven.

Don’t forget the veggies, spread it on a thickly cut slice cauliflower or even cabbage and bake it in the oven!

What’s the best way to cook zaatar chicken legs, in the air fryer or in the oven?

I have taken to cooking this in an air fryer of late as it is both quicker and cheaper than firing up the oven.

However, cleaning up the air fryer is much more of a headache than a baking tin in my opinion.

Serving Suggestions

These roasted zaatar chicken legs are pictured here served with some Lebanese spicy potatoes or batata harra, but they pair equally well with a host of different dishes.

Couscous is an obvious side. You could toss some simply cooked herby buttered couscous through the roasting tin after the chicken has been cooked.

This maximises the flavour in the dish, you can do the same thing with simply cooked bulgur wheat too!

Sticking with the couscous vibe you could also add an Israeli or giant couscous salad or my roasted vegetable couscous.

A classic tabbouleh salad would work really well too!

Equipment Used

I only recommend specific brands of equipment if I think that it makes a material difference to a recipe. If you have any questions feel free to ask them in the comments section below the recipe.

• Oven or airfryer.
• Baking tray if you are cooking in an oven.
• Mixing bowl.
• Meat thermometer.