Zaatar Chicken Roasted Potatoes

Featured in: Cozy Weeknight Dinners

This vibrant Middle Eastern-inspired dish combines juicy zaatar-spiced chicken thighs and tender roasted potatoes on a single sheet pan. Marinated chicken with olive oil, lemon juice, and aromatic zaatar spice is nestled among halved baby potatoes and wedges of red onion, then roasted until golden and crisp. The result is a flavorful, easy-to-make meal with minimal cleanup. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon for a bright, refreshing touch. Perfect for a quick, wholesome dinner that highlights bold spices and simple techniques.

Updated on Thu, 20 Nov 2025 13:29:00 GMT
Golden, crispy Sheet Pan Zaatar Chicken with roasted potatoes ready to be plated for a hearty dinner. Save
Golden, crispy Sheet Pan Zaatar Chicken with roasted potatoes ready to be plated for a hearty dinner. | toastytongs.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.

Sheet pan dinners have become my weeknight staple. This zaatar chicken and potato combination never fails to impress, both for its robust flavor and how little time I spend washing up afterwards.

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 oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet.
Marinate Chicken:
Toss chicken thighs with olive oil, zaatar, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Set aside.
Prep Vegetables:
Combine potatoes, red onion, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
Arrange and Roast:
Spread vegetables on baking sheet. Nestle marinated chicken skin-side up among vegetables.
Cook:
Roast for 35–40 minutes until chicken skin is golden and crisp and potatoes are tender. Chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
Rest and Garnish:
Rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
The aromatic Sheet Pan Zaatar Chicken and potatoes, featuring flavorful spices and tender, savory chicken. Save
The aromatic Sheet Pan Zaatar Chicken and potatoes, featuring flavorful spices and tender, savory chicken. | toastytongs.com

This recipe is a family favorite, especially on busy nights. Everyone gathers around the table as the aromatic tray comes straight from the oven, and it is always met with smiling faces.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

Contains no major allergens. Always check zaatar blend for sesame and other potential allergens.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 480, Total Fat: 26 g, Carbohydrates: 32 g, Protein: 30 g

Delicious and colorful Sheet Pan Zaatar Chicken and vegetables, a gluten-free way to enjoy a Middle Eastern meal. Save
Delicious and colorful Sheet Pan Zaatar Chicken and vegetables, a gluten-free way to enjoy a Middle Eastern meal. | toastytongs.com

Serve this vibrant chicken and potato tray straight from the oven for best flavor. Leftovers reheat beautifully, making weekday lunches a breeze.

Recipe FAQ

What is zaatar spice and how does it affect the flavor?

Zaatar is a Middle Eastern blend of herbs, sesame seeds, and sumac that adds a tangy, earthy, and slightly nutty flavor to dishes, enhancing the chicken's taste.

Can I use boneless chicken instead?

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

How do I ensure the chicken skin gets crispy?

Roasting skin-on chicken thighs at a high temperature (425°F/220°C) on a sheet pan with olive oil helps achieve a golden, crispy skin.

What can I add to the vegetables for extra flavor?

Cherry tomatoes or sliced bell peppers can be added to the potatoes and onions before roasting for added color and sweetness.

Are there any common allergens in this dish?

This dish contains no major allergens, but be sure to check the zaatar blend for sesame or other potential ingredients if you have allergies.

Zaatar Chicken Roasted Potatoes

Juicy zaatar-spiced chicken thighs and crispy roasted potatoes cooked together, bursting with Middle Eastern flavors.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
40 min
Complete duration
55 min
Created By Daniel Brooks


Skill Level Easy

Heritage Middle Eastern

Output 4 Portions

Dietary considerations No Dairy, No 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: Set the oven to 425°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to facilitate cleanup.

Phase 02

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

Phase 03

Prepare vegetables: In a separate bowl, combine halved potatoes, red onion wedges, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Toss until evenly coated.

Phase 04

Arrange on sheet pan: Spread the vegetables evenly on the baking sheet. Place marinated chicken thighs skin-side up nestled among the vegetables.

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

Rest and garnish: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish and serve with lemon wedges.

Tools needed

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

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and consult with a healthcare professional if you're uncertain.
  • May contain sesame or other allergens depending on zaatar blend.

Nutritional information (per portion)

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