Pin this 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 has become a favorite in my home for its simplicity and delicious aroma that fills the kitchen.
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
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp chopped optional
- Toasted sesame seeds: 1 tbsp optional
Instructions
- Preheat 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:
- Remove from the oven Drizzle lemon juice over the chicken and vegetables Let rest 5 minutes
- Garnish and serve:
- Garnish with chopped parsley and toasted sesame seeds before serving if desired
Pin this This recipe often brings my family together especially on busy weeknights when a warm meal is needed.
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 this A simple meal that delivers bold flavors and is sure to impress. Perfect for any night of the week.
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → What is zaatar and how does it affect the dish?
Zaatar is a Middle Eastern spice blend made of herbs, sesame seeds, and sumac, lending a tangy, earthy flavor that enhances the chicken and vegetables.
- → Can I use boneless chicken instead of bone-in thighs?
Yes, boneless thighs or drumsticks can be used, though cooking time may need adjustment to ensure the chicken cooks through without drying out.
- → How do I achieve crispy chicken skin when roasting?
Patting the chicken dry before seasoning and using high oven heat helps render fat and crisp the skin effectively.
- → What potatoes work best for this dish?
Yukon gold or red potatoes hold their shape well and roast to a golden, tender finish alongside the chicken.
- → Is it necessary to use lemon zest and juice?
Lemon zest brightens the flavor during cooking, while juice added after roasting adds a fresh, tangy finish that balances the spices.