Pan-Roasted Zaatar Chicken (Printable)

Crispy chicken thighs and golden potatoes tossed in aromatic zaatar and roasted to tender perfection.

# What You Need:

→ Poultry

01 - 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (1.2 lbs)

→ Vegetables

02 - 1.5 lbs Yukon gold or red potatoes, cut into 1-inch chunks
03 - 1 medium red onion, cut into thick wedges
04 - 4 garlic cloves, minced

→ Spices & Seasonings

05 - 2 tbsp zaatar spice blend
06 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
07 - ¾ tsp kosher salt
08 - ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

→ Oils & Acids

09 - 3 tbsp olive oil
10 - Juice of ½ lemon (approx. 1 tbsp)
11 - Zest of 1 lemon

→ Garnishes (optional)

12 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
13 - 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat the oven to 425°F.
02 - Pat chicken thighs dry and toss in a large bowl with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp zaatar, smoked paprika, half the salt and pepper.
03 - In a separate bowl, combine potatoes, red onion, and garlic with remaining olive oil, zaatar, salt, pepper, and lemon zest.
04 - Spread potatoes and onion in a single layer in a large ovenproof skillet or roasting pan. Nestle chicken thighs skin-side up among the vegetables.
05 - Roast for 35 to 40 minutes until chicken skin is crisp, internal temperature reaches 165°F, and potatoes are tender and golden.
06 - Remove from oven, drizzle lemon juice over the chicken and vegetables, and allow to rest for 5 minutes.
07 - Top with chopped parsley and toasted sesame seeds if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Simple weeknight meal
  • Full of Middle Eastern flavors
02 -
  • Adjust salt when using zaatar blends that are already salty
  • Chicken thighs can be swapped for drumsticks or boneless thighs adjusting cooking time accordingly
03 -
  • Use parchment paper under the roasting pan for easy cleanup
  • Let chicken rest to retain juices
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