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 served this to my family and we instantly loved the crispy chicken and tender potatoes combined with the refreshing lemon zest and zaatar spice.
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 red onion cut into thick wedges
- Garlic cloves: 4 garlic cloves 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
- Preheat the oven:
- Set the oven to 425°F (220°C)
- Prepare the 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 the 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 potatoes and onions in a single layer in a large ovenproof skillet or roasting pan Nestle chicken thighs skin-side up among the vegetables
- Roast:
- Roast 35 40 minutes or until chicken skin is crisp and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) potatoes are golden and tender
- Finish:
- Remove from oven Drizzle lemon juice over chicken and vegetables Let rest 5 minutes Garnish with chopped parsley and toasted sesame seeds if desired
Save This recipe brings the family together especially during busy weeknights when a tasty home-cooked meal is much appreciated.
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
Save Enjoy this flavorful dish hot from the oven for the best experience It’s a simple yet impressive meal.
Recipe FAQ
- → What cut of chicken works best for this dish?
Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs offer a juicy texture and crisp skin, perfect for roasting with the spices and vegetables.
- → Can the potatoes be substituted?
Yukon gold or red potatoes are recommended for their creamy texture and ability to roast evenly, but other waxy potatoes can work.
- → How do I get the chicken skin crispy?
Patting the skin dry and roasting at a high temperature helps develop a crispy skin while keeping the meat juicy.
- → What does zaatar add to the dish?
Zaatar contributes a fragrant, earthy flavor with herbal and tangy notes, complementing the lemon and smoky paprika well.
- → Are there any suggested garnishes?
Fresh parsley and toasted sesame seeds add color, texture, and a nutty flavor that echoes the spices in the dish.
- → Is it possible to prepare this in advance?
You can marinate the chicken with spices and olive oil overnight for enhanced flavor, roasting just before serving.