Za’atar Chicken

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 (prunes)
• 1/4 cup water
• Hot cooked basmati rice, optional

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine first 6 ingredients. Add chicken; toss to coat.
2. Arrange olives, apricots and plums in 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.

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.