Chicken Salad with Herbs and Aleppo Pepper

Preparation

1. ingredient info:

   Step 1

   Za'atar, a Middle Eastern spice blend, is available at Middle Eastern markets and specialty foods stores, and from online sources.

2. Instructions

   Step 2

   Using a large knife, chop 4 garlic cloves; sprinkle with 2 tsp. kosher salt and mash to a paste using the side of the knife blade. Transfer to a small bowl and whisk in Aleppo pepper, 3 Tbsp. vinegar, 2 Tbsp. oil, and 2 Tbsp. oregano; season marinade with black pepper. Place chicken in a resealable plastic bag; add marinade, seal bag, and turn to coat. Chill at least 2 hours or up to 12 hours.

   Step 3

   Place a rack in middle of oven and preheat to 400°. Remove chicken pieces from marinade, season with salt and pepper, and place on a wire rack set inside a large rimmed baking sheet. Roast until golden brown and cooked through and an instant-read thermometer registers 165° when inserted in the thickest part of thigh, 30–40 minutes. Let stand until cool enough to handle.

   Step 4

   Meanwhile, place pita bread halves, cut side up, on another large rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 Tbsp. oil, sprinkle with za’atar, and season with salt. Bake until browned and crisp, 5–8 minutes. Let cool; break into bite-size pieces.

   Step 5

   Pull chicken meat from bones and cut into bite-size pieces; discard skin and bones. Place meat in a large bowl. Scrape in any juices from baking sheet and toss to combine.

   Step 6

   Combine parsley, lemon juice, and remaining 2 garlic cloves, 1 Tbsp. vinegar, and 1 Tbsp. oregano in a small bowl. Gradually whisk in remaining ½ cup oil; season with salt and pepper. Let vinaigrette stand 30 minutes; discard garlic.

   Step 7

   Add pita chips, lettuce, mint, and cilantro to bowl with chicken; drizzle salad with vinaigrette and toss to coat.

   Step 8

   DO AHEAD: Pita chips and dressing can be made 2 days ahead. Chicken can be roasted and cut into pieces 1 day ahead. Cover and chill chicken and dressing separately. Store pita chips airtight at room temperature.