Zaatar Chicken Roasted Potatoes

Featured in: Dinner Winners

This dish combines juicy chicken thighs marinated in fragrant zaatar spice and lemon with tender roasted baby potatoes and red onion. Cooked together on a sheet pan, it simplifies preparation and cleanup while maximizing flavor. The chicken skin crisps up beautifully, complementing the soft, seasoned potatoes. Garnished with fresh parsley and served with lemon wedges, this meal offers a balanced mix of bright, earthy, and savory notes.

Updated on Thu, 20 Nov 2025 12:38:00 GMT
Golden sheet pan zaatar chicken alongside perfectly roasted potatoes, a flavorful Middle Eastern dinner. Save
Golden sheet pan zaatar chicken alongside perfectly roasted potatoes, a flavorful Middle Eastern dinner. | tastybattle.com

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.

I first tried a version of this zaatar chicken while exploring new flavor profiles in my home kitchen and it quickly became a favorite weeknight meal for family and friends.

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 the Oven:
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
Marinate Chicken:
In a large bowl toss chicken thighs with 2 tablespoons olive oil zaatar 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon pepper and lemon juice. Set aside to marinate while preparing potatoes.
Prep Vegetables:
In another bowl combine halved potatoes red onion 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
Arrange on Sheet Pan:
Spread potatoes and onions on the prepared baking sheet. Nestle marinated chicken thighs skin-side up among vegetables.
Roast:
Roast for 35–40 minutes or until chicken skin is golden and crisp and potatoes are tender. Chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) internally.
Finish & Serve:
Remove from oven. Rest 5 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Crispy skin-on zaatar chicken thighs with tender potatoes, a delicious and easy sheet pan recipe. Save
Crispy skin-on zaatar chicken thighs with tender potatoes, a delicious and easy sheet pan recipe. | tastybattle.com

This recipe is always a hit at family gatherings and reminds us of sharing big meals together during the holidays.

Required Tools

Large rimmed baking sheet mixing bowls chefs knife cutting board tongs or spatula

Allergen Information

Contains no major allergens but always check zaatar blend for sesame or other potential allergens

Nutritional Information

Calories: 480 Total Fat: 26 g Carbohydrates: 32 g Protein: 30 g per serving

Vibrant image of sheet pan zaatar chicken and roasted potatoes, ready to serve with fresh parsley. Save
Vibrant image of sheet pan zaatar chicken and roasted potatoes, ready to serve with fresh parsley. | tastybattle.com

Enjoy this sheet pan zaatar chicken and potatoes for a vibrant main dish that brings bold flavors and easy cleanup to your table.

Recipe Questions

What is zaatar and how does it affect the flavor?

Zaatar is a Middle Eastern spice blend featuring thyme, sesame seeds, and sumac, giving the dish a tangy, herby, and nutty flavor.

Can I use boneless chicken instead of bone-in thighs?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs or breasts can be used but reduce cooking time to 25–30 minutes to avoid drying out.

How should I prepare the potatoes for even roasting?

Halve baby potatoes and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper to ensure they roast evenly and develop a crispy exterior.

What oven temperature is ideal for roasting this dish?

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) for perfectly crisp chicken skin and tender potatoes within 35–40 minutes.

Are there any good wine pairings for this dish?

A crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied red such as Pinot Noir complements the herby, lemony flavors well.

Zaatar Chicken Roasted Potatoes

Juicy zaatar-spiced chicken thighs paired with crispy roasted potatoes for a vibrant, easy meal.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
40 min
Complete duration
55 min
Created by Alex Ramirez


Skill level Easy

Heritage Middle Eastern

Output 4 Portions

Nutritional specifications No dairy, Without gluten

Components

Chicken

01 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
02 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 2 tablespoons zaatar spice blend
04 1 teaspoon kosher salt
05 ½ teaspoon black pepper
06 Juice of ½ lemon

Vegetables

01 1½ pounds baby potatoes, halved
02 1 medium red onion, cut into wedges
03 2 tablespoons olive oil
04 1 teaspoon kosher salt
05 ½ teaspoon black pepper

Garnish

01 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
02 Lemon wedges, for serving

Directions

Phase 01

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.

Phase 02

Marinate Chicken: In a large bowl, toss chicken thighs with 2 tablespoons olive oil, zaatar spice, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and lemon juice. Set aside.

Phase 03

Prepare Vegetables: In a separate bowl, combine halved potatoes, red onion wedges, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

Phase 04

Arrange on Sheet Pan: Spread potatoes and onions evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Nestle marinated chicken thighs skin-side up among the vegetables.

Phase 05

Roast: Roast for 35 to 40 minutes until chicken skin is golden and crisp, and potatoes are tender. Ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.

Phase 06

Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Necessary tools

  • Large rimmed baking sheet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Tongs or spatula

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional healthcare advice if uncertain.
  • Check zaatar blend for sesame or other allergens; recipe otherwise free of major allergens.

Nutrient breakdown (each portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 480
  • Fats: 26 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Proteins: 30 g