Pan-Roasted Zaatar Chicken

Featured in: Simple Weekday Favorites

This dish features tender chicken thighs and halved baby potatoes infused with aromatic zaatar, garlic, and lemon. Roasted at high heat until the skin crisps and the potatoes turn golden, it offers a vibrant and hearty meal. The preparation is straightforward, tossing the ingredients in a flavorful spice blend before roasting. Garnished with fresh parsley, this balanced dinner brings Middle Eastern spices to your table with ease.

Updated on Mon, 24 Nov 2025 15:04:00 GMT
Crispy-skinned Pan-Roasted Zaatar Chicken and Potatoes with golden, tender potatoes and lemon slices. Save to Pinterest
Crispy-skinned Pan-Roasted Zaatar Chicken and Potatoes with golden, tender potatoes and lemon slices. | maplefrost.com

Succulent chicken thighs and golden potatoes are roasted with aromatic zaatar, garlic, and lemon for a vibrant, one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights.

I first served this to my family on a busy weeknight and loved how easy it was to prepare while still feeling homemade and special.

Ingredients

  • Chicken thighs: 4 bone-in, skin-on
  • Baby potatoes: 1½ lbs (700 g), halved
  • Red onion: 1 large, cut into wedges
  • Garlic cloves: 4, minced
  • Olive oil: 3 tbsp
  • Zaatar spice blend: 2 tbsp
  • Ground cumin: 1 tsp
  • Smoked paprika: 1 tsp
  • Kosher salt: 1 tsp
  • Freshly ground black pepper: ½ tsp
  • Lemon: 1, sliced
  • Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped for garnish

Instructions

Preheat oven:
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Mix marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, zaatar, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Coat ingredients:
Add chicken thighs, potatoes, onion, and garlic to the bowl. Toss thoroughly to coat.
Arrange on baking sheet:
Arrange chicken (skin side up) and vegetables in a single layer on a large, rimmed baking sheet or ovenproof skillet. Tuck lemon slices among the ingredients.
Roast:
Roast for 35–40 minutes, or until chicken skin is crisp, juices run clear, and potatoes are tender.
Broil if desired:
Switch oven to broil for 2–3 minutes if extra crispness is desired.
Rest and garnish:
Remove from oven, rest for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
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| maplefrost.com

This dish often brings the family together on chilly weeknights for a comforting and flavorful meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side of yogurt or a fresh green salad to complement the spices and add brightness.

Pairings

Pairs well with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc to balance the herbal notes of zaatar.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 425 calories, 22 g fat, 32 g carbohydrates, 27 g protein.

One-pan Pan-Roasted Zaatar Chicken and Potatoes: aromatic spices coat the chicken and vegetables for dinner. Save to Pinterest
One-pan Pan-Roasted Zaatar Chicken and Potatoes: aromatic spices coat the chicken and vegetables for dinner. | maplefrost.com

This flavorful dish is sure to become a weeknight favorite with its simplicity and delicious aromas.

Recipe FAQs

What is the best way to get crispy chicken skin?

Roast the chicken skin-side up at high temperature (425°F/220°C) and finish under the broiler for 2–3 minutes if extra crispness is desired.

Can I use other vegetables instead of baby potatoes?

Yes, sweet potatoes or carrots make excellent alternatives and roast well alongside the chicken.

How long should I marinate the chicken for optimal flavor?

Marinate the chicken in the spice mixture for up to 8 hours ahead of cooking to enhance the flavors.

What side dishes complement this dish well?

A fresh green salad or a dollop of creamy yogurt pairs nicely to balance the spices and richness.

Is this meal suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, the ingredients used are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure the zaatar blend has no added gluten-containing ingredients.

Pan-Roasted Zaatar Chicken

Savory chicken thighs and baby potatoes baked with zaatar, garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs in one dish.

Prep time
15 minutes
Time to cook
40 minutes
Overall time
55 minutes
Created by Hannah Marlowe


Level Easy

Cuisine type Middle Eastern

Makes 4 Portions

Diet preferences No dairy, No gluten

What You’ll Need

Poultry

01 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

Vegetables

01 1.5 lbs baby potatoes, halved
02 1 large red onion, cut into wedges
03 4 garlic cloves, minced

Marinade & Seasoning

01 3 tablespoons olive oil
02 2 tablespoons zaatar spice blend
03 1 teaspoon ground cumin
04 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 1 teaspoon kosher salt
06 ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Finishing Touches

01 1 lemon, sliced
02 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 01

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 02

Prepare Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, zaatar, cumin, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper.

Step 03

Coat Ingredients: Add chicken thighs, halved baby potatoes, red onion wedges, and minced garlic to the bowl and toss thoroughly to ensure an even coating.

Step 04

Arrange for Roasting: Arrange the chicken skin-side up along with the vegetables in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet or ovenproof skillet; tuck lemon slices evenly among the ingredients.

Step 05

Roast: Roast in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes until the chicken skin is crisp, juices run clear, and potatoes are tender.

Step 06

Optional Broil: If desired, switch oven to broil and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to enhance crispness.

Step 07

Rest and Garnish: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before sprinkling with fresh parsley and serving.

Equipment you’ll need

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Rimmed baking sheet or ovenproof skillet
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Tongs

Allergy details

Be sure to review ingredient lists for allergens and reach out to your healthcare provider if uncertain.
  • Check zaatar spice blend for sesame if allergic.

Nutrition info (per portion)

All nutrition info is just for reference and can’t replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 425
  • Total fat: 22 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 32 grams
  • Proteins: 27 grams