Pin 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 it quickly became a favorite with its wonderful spices and comforting textures.
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
- Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional): 2 tbsp
- Toasted Sesame Seeds (optional): 1 tbsp
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 Ingredients:
- 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.
- 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 This recipe always brings my family together especially when we gather around the table eager to share stories and good food.
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 dish remains a simple yet flavorful addition to any weeknight dinner rotation.
Recipe Q&A
- → What cut of chicken is best for this dish?
Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are ideal for achieving crispy skin and juicy meat. They also hold up well during roasting with the potatoes.
- → Can I use other potatoes instead of Yukon gold?
Yes, red potatoes or other waxy varieties work well as they roast evenly and develop a nice golden crust.
- → What is zaatar and how does it affect the flavor?
Zaatar is a Middle Eastern spice blend featuring thyme, sesame seeds, sumac, and salt. It adds an herbal, tangy, and nutty aroma that enhances the dish’s flavor profile.
- → How can I achieve crispier chicken skin?
Pat the chicken thighs dry before seasoning and place them skin-side up. Ensure the oven is preheated to a high temperature (425°F/220°C) to help crisp the skin during roasting.
- → Are there substitutions for zaatar if unavailable?
You can try a mix of thyme, sesame seeds, and sumac or a simple blend of dried oregano and smoked paprika for a similar aromatic taste.
- → Is this dish suitable for dairy-free diets?
Yes, this preparation contains no dairy ingredients, making it suitable for dairy-free dietary needs.
