Save A vibrant, aromatic dish featuring crispy chicken thighs and golden potatoes, tossed in fragrant zaatar and roasted to perfection—a simple weeknight meal bursting with Middle Eastern flavors.
This recipe quickly became a family favorite for its crispy skin and perfectly roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: about 1.2 lbs / 550 g
- 1.5 lbs Yukon gold or red potatoes: cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 medium red onion: cut into thick wedges
- 4 garlic cloves: minced
- 2 tbsp zaatar spice blend:
- 1 tsp smoked paprika:
- ¾ tsp kosher salt:
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper:
- 3 tbsp olive oil:
- Juice of ½ lemon: about 1 tbsp
- Zest of 1 lemon:
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley: optional
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds: optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare chicken:
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Toss chicken with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp zaatar, smoked paprika, half the salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Prepare vegetables:
- Toss potatoes, red onion, and garlic with remaining olive oil, zaatar, salt, and pepper. Add lemon zest and toss well.
- Arrange in pan:
- Arrange the potatoes and onions in a single layer in a large ovenproof skillet or roasting pan. Nestle the chicken thighs, skin-side up, among the vegetables.
- Roast:
- Roast for 35 40 minutes or until the chicken skin is crisp and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and potatoes are golden and tender.
- Finish:
- Remove from oven. Drizzle lemon juice over chicken and vegetables. Let rest 5 minutes.
- Garnish:
- Garnish with chopped parsley and toasted sesame seeds before serving if desired.
Save My family always gathers around the table eagerly for this warm comforting dish.
Required Tools
Large ovenproof skillet or roasting pan Mixing bowls Chefs knife Cutting board Measuring spoons
Allergen Information
Contains sesame in zaatar and optional garnish Always check zaatar blend ingredients for additional allergens
Nutritional Information
Per serving Calories 410 Total Fat 21 g Carbohydrates 29 g Protein 27 g
Save This pan-roasted zaatar chicken and potatoes recipe is perfect for any busy weeknight and always impresses at the dinner table.
Recipe FAQs
- → What cut of chicken is best for this dish?
Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are preferred for crispy skin and juicy meat, but drumsticks or boneless thighs can be used with adjusted cooking times.
- → Can I use different potatoes for roasting?
Yes, Yukon gold or red potatoes work best as they hold their shape well and roast evenly alongside the chicken.
- → What is zaatar and how does it affect the flavor?
Zaatar is a Middle Eastern spice blend featuring herbs, sesame, and sumac, giving a fragrant, tangy, and slightly nutty flavor to the dish.
- → How do I ensure crispy chicken skin?
Pat the chicken dry before seasoning and roast at high heat (425°F) skin-side up to achieve a crispy, golden crust.
- → Are there recommended garnishes to enhance the dish?
Chopped fresh parsley and toasted sesame seeds add freshness and crunch, complementing the zaatar seasoning.