Pin it 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 they loved the crispy chicken combined with tender potatoes and fragrant spices.
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: 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
- Parsley: 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley 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 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 it This dish always brings us together in the kitchen sharing stories while the aroma fills the house making every meal memorable.
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 it A simple but flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners with a touch of Middle Eastern charm.
Recipe FAQs
- → What is zaatar and how does it affect flavor?
Zaatar is a Middle Eastern spice blend combining herbs like thyme, sumac, and sesame seeds. It provides a fragrant, tangy, and earthy flavor that brightens the chicken and potatoes.
- → Can I use boneless chicken instead?
Yes, boneless thighs or drumsticks can be used, but cooking time may need adjustment to ensure proper doneness.
- → What is the best potato for roasting in this dish?
Yukon gold or red potatoes work best as they hold their shape and develop a crispy exterior when roasted.
- → Why is lemon zest added before roasting?
Lemon zest imparts a fresh, citrus aroma that complements the earthy spices and enhances overall flavor during roasting.
- → How can I make this dish dairy-free?
This preparation is naturally dairy-free by using olive oil and fresh ingredients without any butter or cream.