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.
I first prepared this recipe to enjoy a quick and flavorful dinner and it quickly became a family favorite thanks to its crispy skin and tender potatoes.
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 cloves: 4 minced
- Zaatar spice blend: 2 tbsp
- Smoked paprika: 1 tsp
- Kosher salt: ¾ tsp
- Freshly ground black pepper: ½ tsp
- 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
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Step 2:
- 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.
- Step 3:
- In another bowl toss potatoes red onion and garlic with remaining olive oil zaatar salt and pepper. Add lemon zest and toss well.
- Step 4:
- 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.
- Step 5:
- Roast for 35 to 40 minutes or until the chicken skin is crisp and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and potatoes are golden and tender.
- Step 6:
- Remove from the oven. Drizzle lemon juice over the chicken and vegetables. Let rest 5 minutes.
- Step 7:
- Garnish with chopped parsley and toasted sesame seeds before serving if desired.
Save This dish always brings the family together especially during busy weeknights for a quick comforting meal.
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 recipe is both simple and flavorful perfect for any night of the week.
Recipe Help & Answers
- → What cut of chicken works best for this dish?
Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs provide the best balance of moist meat and crispy skin when pan-roasted.
- → Can I substitute the potatoes with another vegetable?
Yes, Yukon gold or red potatoes are preferred for roasting, but root vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes can be used as alternatives.
- → How do I adjust the seasoning if my zaatar is salty?
Reduce added salt before roasting and taste as you mix to balance flavors without overpowering the dish.
- → What is the best way to ensure crispy chicken skin?
Pat the chicken dry before seasoning and roast skin-side up at a high temperature (425°F) to achieve a crispy texture.
- → Are there any suggested garnishes to enhance the dish?
Chopped fresh parsley and toasted sesame seeds add freshness and a subtle crunch, complementing the spices.