Zaatar Chicken and Potatoes

A vibrant, Middle Eastern-inspired sheet pan dinner featuring juicy zaatar-spiced chicken thighs and crispy roasted potatoes, all cooked together for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup.

This recipe was my introduction to zaatar outside of classic dips, and it's now a staple for weeknight dinners. I love that everything cooks together, giving the potatoes all the savory chicken juices.

Ingredients

• Chicken: 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons zaatar spice blend, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, juice of ½ lemon
• Vegetables: 1½ pounds (700 g) baby potatoes, halved, 1 medium red onion, cut into wedges, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Garnish: 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

Prep Oven:

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.

Marinate Chicken:

Toss chicken thighs with olive oil, zaatar, salt, pepper, and lemon juice in a bowl. Set aside to marinate.

Season Vegetables:

Combine halved potatoes, red onion, olive oil, salt, and pepper in another bowl. Toss well.

Arrange on Sheet:

Spread potatoes and onions evenly on the baking sheet. Add chicken thighs skin-side up among vegetables.

Bake:

Roast for 35–40 minutes until chicken skin is golden and crisp, and potatoes are tender. Chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) internal temperature.

Finish & Serve:

Rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Save

This is the dish we gather around after busy weekends, with the kids always reaching for extra crispy potatoes straight from the pan.

Serving Suggestions

Pair the tray bake with a simple cucumber-tomato salad or drizzle with yogurt sauce for an extra tangy kick.

Ingredient Swaps

Try sweet potatoes instead of baby potatoes, or swap zaatar for ras el hanout for a different spice profile.

Flavor Boosts

Add cherry tomatoes or sliced bell peppers to the vegetables for extra color and juiciness.

Save

This sheet pan zaatar chicken is an easy way to bring big flavor to the table with very little effort. Enjoy every bite!

Recipe FAQs

→ What is zaatar seasoning made of?

Zaatar is a blend of dried thyme, oregano, marjoram, toasted sesame seeds, and sumac, offering a fragrant, tangy flavor perfect for poultry and vegetables.

→ How do I ensure crispy chicken skin?

Roast the chicken skin-side up at a high temperature (425°F) without covering. The olive oil and dry heat help achieve a golden, crisp crust.

→ Can I use boneless chicken instead?

Yes, boneless thighs or breasts can be used but reduce roasting time to 25-30 minutes to avoid drying out the meat.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

This zaatar chicken and potatoes pair beautifully with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red such as Pinot Noir, as well as fresh salads.

→ How can I add more vegetables to the sheet pan?

Cherry tomatoes or sliced bell peppers can be added to the roasting pan for extra color and flavor without altering cooking times significantly.