Pan-Roasted Chicken Zaatar

Featured in: Nourishing Bowls & Plates

This one-pan dish showcases tender, juicy chicken thighs infused with zaatar and pepper, roasted alongside golden baby potatoes and aromatic onions. After roasting, fresh greens such as spinach or kale are added and briefly wilted with a drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice to brighten the flavors. The meal is garnished with fresh parsley and served with lemon wedges for a well-balanced, aromatic dish inspired by Middle Eastern flavors. It’s an easy, wholesome dinner ideal for busy nights.

Updated on Mon, 24 Nov 2025 16:29:00 GMT
Golden, crispy skin tops the pan-roasted chicken, mingling beautifully with zaatar-dusted potatoes. Save
Golden, crispy skin tops the pan-roasted chicken, mingling beautifully with zaatar-dusted potatoes. | sagekettle.com

A vibrant, aromatic one-pan dinner featuring juicy chicken, golden potatoes, and wilted greens, all infused with the bold flavors of zaatar and lemon.

I have made this many times for family gatherings and everyone loves the juicy chicken paired with tender potatoes and fresh greens.

Ingredients

  • Chicken: 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt, ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 2 tablespoons zaatar spice blend
  • Vegetables: 1 lb (450 g) baby potatoes halved, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 large red onion cut into wedges, 4 garlic cloves smashed
  • Greens: 5 oz (140 g) baby spinach or baby kale, 1 tablespoon olive oil, Juice of 1 lemon
  • Garnish: 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

Preheat oven:
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C)
Prepare chicken:
Pat chicken thighs dry Rub with olive oil salt pepper and zaatar Set aside
Prepare vegetables:
On a large rimmed baking sheet or ovenproof pan toss potatoes with olive oil salt pepper onion wedges and garlic Spread evenly
Arrange chicken:
Nestle chicken thighs skin-side up among the potatoes and onions
Roast:
Roast for 35–40 minutes or until chicken skin is golden juices run clear and potatoes are tender
Add greens:
Remove pan from oven Scatter greens around chicken and potatoes Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice
Wilt greens:
Return to oven for 2–3 minutes just until greens are wilted
Garnish and serve:
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges
Aromatic steam rises from the sizzling pan-roasted chicken featuring vibrant greens and lemon wedges. Save
Aromatic steam rises from the sizzling pan-roasted chicken featuring vibrant greens and lemon wedges. | sagekettle.com

My family always gathers eagerly when I make this dish it fills the kitchen with wonderful aromas and creates lasting memories.

Notes

Excellent with a side of warm flatbread or rice Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc

Required Tools

Large ovenproof pan or rimmed baking sheet Chefs knife Cutting board Tongs or spatula

Allergen Information

Contains no common allergens Always double-check spice blends for potential traces of nuts sesame or gluten if highly sensitive

Mouthwatering pan-roasted chicken, a Middle Eastern-inspired dish filled with zaatar and tender potatoes. Save
Mouthwatering pan-roasted chicken, a Middle Eastern-inspired dish filled with zaatar and tender potatoes. | sagekettle.com

This dish combines ease with vibrant flavors making it a perfect weeknight dinner or casual weekend feast.

Recipe Q&A

What is the best cut of chicken for this dish?

Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs provide the best flavor and juiciness while roasting evenly alongside the potatoes.

Can I substitute the zaatar spice blend?

Yes, zaatar can be replaced with a mixture of thyme, sumac, sesame seeds, and oregano for a similar aromatic profile.

How do I ensure the potatoes cook evenly?

Halve the baby potatoes and spread them in a single layer with olive oil and seasoning to promote even roasting.

What greens work best for this preparation?

Baby spinach or baby kale work well, but Swiss chard or arugula can be used as alternatives to add a fresh, tender element.

How do I achieve crispy chicken skin?

Pat the chicken skin dry and roast skin-side up at a high temperature to render fat and develop a golden, crispy texture.

Can this be made dairy-free and nut-free?

Yes, the dish naturally contains no dairy or nuts, but always verify spice blends to avoid hidden allergens.

Pan-Roasted Chicken Zaatar

A vibrant dish combining chicken, potatoes, wilted greens, and bold zaatar and lemon flavors.

Setup Time
15 min
Time to Cook
40 min
Total Duration
55 min
Created by Elena Brooks

Classification Nourishing Bowls & Plates

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Middle Eastern-Inspired

Batch Size 4 Portions

Dietary Details No Dairy, Free of Gluten

Components

Chicken

01 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
02 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
04 ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
05 2 tablespoons zaatar spice blend

Vegetables

01 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
02 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 1 teaspoon kosher salt
04 ½ teaspoon black pepper
05 1 large red onion, cut into wedges
06 4 garlic cloves, smashed

Greens

01 5 ounces baby spinach or baby kale
02 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 Juice of 1 lemon

Garnish

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

Directions

Step 01

Preheat Oven: Heat oven to 425°F.

Step 02

Prepare Chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry, then rub with olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, and zaatar spice blend. Set aside.

Step 03

Season Vegetables: In a large rimmed baking sheet or ovenproof pan, toss halved potatoes with olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, red onion wedges, and smashed garlic cloves. Spread mixture evenly.

Step 04

Arrange Chicken: Nestle seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up among the potatoes and onions on the pan.

Step 05

Roast Chicken and Vegetables: Place pan in oven and roast for 35 to 40 minutes until chicken skin is golden, juices run clear, and potatoes are tender.

Step 06

Add Greens: Remove pan from oven. Scatter baby spinach or kale around chicken and potatoes. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.

Step 07

Wilt Greens: Return pan to oven for 2 to 3 minutes until greens are just wilted.

Step 08

Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish and serve with lemon wedges.

Tools Needed

  • Large ovenproof pan or rimmed baking sheet
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Tongs or spatula

Allergy Alerts

Review every ingredient to spot possible allergens. Consult your doctor if unsure.
  • Contains no common allergens; confirm spice blend contents if highly sensitive to nuts, sesame, or gluten.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

Nutritional details are for reference and don't substitute medical advice.
  • Energy (Calories): 430
  • Lipids: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Proteins: 31 g