Pin Recipe 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.
I first served this to my family on a busy weeknight and loved how quickly it came together and how everyone enjoyed the bold flavors.
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs: 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs about 1.2 lbs / 550 g
- Potatoes: 1.5 lbs 700 g Yukon gold or red potatoes cut into 1-inch chunks
- Red onion: 1 medium cut into thick wedges
- Garlic: 4 cloves minced
- Zaatar spice blend: 2 tbsp
- Smoked paprika: 1 tsp
- Kosher salt: ¾ tsp
- Black pepper: ½ tsp freshly ground
- Olive oil: 3 tbsp
- Lemon juice: Juice of ½ lemon about 1 tbsp
- Lemon zest: Zest of 1 lemon
- Chopped fresh parsley: 2 tbsp optional
- Toasted sesame seeds: 1 tbsp optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F 220°C
- Prepare chicken:
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels In a large bowl toss chicken with 1 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp zaatar smoked paprika half the salt and pepper Set aside
- Prepare vegetables:
- In another bowl 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
- Rest and finish:
- Remove from the oven Drizzle lemon juice over the chicken and vegetables Let rest 5 minutes
- Garnish:
- Garnish with chopped parsley and toasted sesame seeds before serving if desired
Pin Recipe This recipe always brings the family together around the dinner table sharing stories and laughter.
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
Calories 410 Total Fat 21 g Carbohydrates 29 g Protein 27 g per serving
Pin Recipe Serve this dish with a simple salad for a complete meal your taste buds will thank you
Recipe FAQs
- → What is zaatar and how does it affect the flavor?
Zaatar is a Middle Eastern spice blend combining herbs, sesame seeds, and sumac, offering an earthy, tangy, and nutty flavor that enhances poultry and vegetables.
- → Can I use other cuts of chicken for this dish?
Yes, drumsticks or boneless thighs can be substituted; adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure even roasting and juicy meat.
- → How can I tell when the chicken is properly cooked?
Check for crispy golden skin and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure the chicken is cooked through and safe to eat.
- → What potatoes work best for roasting here?
Yukon gold or red potatoes hold their shape well and become tender and slightly crispy when roasted with spices and lemon zest.
- → Are the sesame seeds essential in this dish?
They add a toasty crunch and nutty aroma but can be omitted if allergens are a concern or personal preference dictates.