Pan-Roasted Chicken Zaatar

Featured in: One-Pan Warm Comforts

This dish features bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs seasoned with zaatar and roasted to golden perfection alongside halved baby potatoes and wedges of red onion. The final minutes introduce thinly sliced garlic and fresh greens, which wilt gently in the oven. A squeeze of lemon and sprinkle of parsley enhance the vibrant Middle Eastern flavors. Easy to prepare and gluten-free, this meal delivers balanced, aromatic tastes with minimal effort.

Updated on Mon, 24 Nov 2025 14:49:00 GMT
Golden, crispy Pan-Roasted Chicken with Zaatar, potatoes, and tender greens, ready to serve and enjoy. Pin
Golden, crispy Pan-Roasted Chicken with Zaatar, potatoes, and tender greens, ready to serve and enjoy. | orchardcrust.com

A vibrant and aromatic one-pan dinner featuring juicy chicken, crispy potatoes, and wilted greens, all enhanced by the distinctive flavors of zaatar.

I love serving this dish because it fills the kitchen with incredible aromas and comes together with minimal effort.

Ingredients

  • Chicken: 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp zaatar spice blend, 1 ½ tsp kosher salt, ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • Vegetables: 1 lb (450 g) baby potatoes halved, 1 large red onion cut into wedges, 3 cups (90 g) baby spinach or mixed greens, 2 cloves garlic thinly sliced
  • Garnish: 1 lemon cut into wedges, 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped (optional)

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Prepare Chicken:
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. In a large bowl toss the chicken with 1 tbsp olive oil zaatar salt and pepper ensuring all sides are coated.
Prepare Vegetables:
In a separate bowl toss the potatoes and red onion with the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Arrange in Pan:
Arrange the potatoes and onion in a single layer on a large oven-safe skillet or rimmed baking sheet Place the chicken thighs skin-side up on top of the vegetables.
Roast:
Roast in the oven for 35 40 minutes or until the chicken is golden and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C) and potatoes are tender.
Add Garlic and Greens:
In the last 5 minutes of cooking scatter the sliced garlic and greens around the chicken Return to the oven until greens are just wilted.
Finish and Serve:
Remove from the oven Squeeze lemon wedges over the dish and sprinkle with fresh parsley if using Serve hot.
A close-up shot of steaming Pan-Roasted Chicken with Zaatar, alongside roasted potatoes and vibrant greens. Pin
A close-up shot of steaming Pan-Roasted Chicken with Zaatar, alongside roasted potatoes and vibrant greens. | orchardcrust.com

This meal always brings the family together around the table and sparks great conversation with its bold flavors.

Required Tools

Large oven-safe skillet or rimmed baking sheet Mixing bowls Chefs knife Cutting board Tongs

Allergen Information

Contains none of the major allergens Check zaatar spice blend ingredients for sesame (a common component) and ensure gluten-free certification if required.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 410 Total Fat: 21 g Carbohydrates: 22 g Protein: 33 g per serving

Beautifully plated Pan-Roasted Chicken with Zaatar, flavorful potatoes, and lemon wedges, a complete meal. Pin
Beautifully plated Pan-Roasted Chicken with Zaatar, flavorful potatoes, and lemon wedges, a complete meal. | orchardcrust.com

This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners offering ease and impressive taste all in one pan.

Recipe Q&A

What type of chicken works best for this dish?

Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are ideal for juicy, flavorful results and crispy skin when roasted properly.

Can I substitute the greens used in this dish?

Yes, spinach, kale, or Swiss chard all work well, offering different textures and flavors to complement the zaatar.

How do I ensure the potatoes cook evenly?

Halve the baby potatoes and spread them in a single layer with the red onion for even roasting and a crispy exterior.

Is it necessary to broil the chicken at the end?

Broiling for 2–3 minutes after roasting crisps up the skin for added texture, but it's optional depending on preference.

What does zaatar add to the dish?

Zaatar provides a vibrant blend of herbal, nutty, and tangy notes that elevate the flavors of the chicken and vegetables.

Can this preparation be adapted for different dietary needs?

Absolutely, it's naturally gluten-free and can be adjusted using alternative greens or spices to suit preferences.

Pan-Roasted Chicken Zaatar

Juicy chicken thighs roasted alongside baby potatoes and wilted greens with zaatar spice blend.

Prep time
15 min
Cook time
40 min
Overall time
55 min
Created by Ruby Hensley


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Middle Eastern-Inspired

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary Info Dairy Free, Gluten Free

What You Need

Chicken

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

Vegetables

01 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
02 1 large red onion, cut into wedges
03 3 cups baby spinach or mixed greens
04 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

Garnish

01 1 lemon, cut into wedges
02 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Steps

Step 01

Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 425°F.

Step 02

Prepare chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry. In a large bowl, toss chicken with 1 tablespoon olive oil, zaatar, salt, and pepper to evenly coat.

Step 03

Prepare vegetables: In another bowl, toss potatoes and red onion with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Step 04

Arrange and roast: Place potatoes and onion in a single layer on a large oven-safe skillet or rimmed baking sheet. Arrange chicken thighs skin-side up on top.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Add garlic and greens: During the last 5 minutes, scatter sliced garlic and greens around chicken, returning to oven until greens wilt.

Step 07

Finish and serve: Remove from oven. Squeeze lemon wedges over dish and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately.

Needed Tools

  • Large oven-safe skillet or rimmed baking sheet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Tongs

Allergen Warnings

Read ingredient labels to spot allergens. If unsure, consult your doctor or a specialist.
  • Check zaatar blend for sesame; ensure gluten-free certification if needed.

Nutrition Details (for each serving)

These figures are intended for reference—not as a substitute for medical guidance.
  • Calorie Count: 410
  • Fats: 21 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Proteins: 33 g