Pan-Roasted Chicken Zaatar

Featured in: One-Pot Grounded Meals

This dish features bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs infused with a fragrant zaatar spice blend, paired with tender baby potatoes and sautéed leafy greens. Chicken and vegetables roast together on one pan to lock in flavor and make cleanup simple. A final touch of lemon juice and fresh parsley brightens every bite, creating a balanced, Middle Eastern-inspired dinner that’s both hearty and wholesome.

Perfect for weeknight meals, this dish combines easy prep with bold flavors. You can swap potatoes for sweet potatoes or carrots for variation. A crisp white or light red wine pairs beautifully with the citrusy and herby notes. Ideal for gluten-free menus, this vibrant meal delivers comfort and freshness in every serving.

Updated on Mon, 24 Nov 2025 16:46:00 GMT
Golden pan-roasted chicken with zaatar, potatoes, and vibrant green sautéed vegetables, ready to serve. Pin this
Golden pan-roasted chicken with zaatar, potatoes, and vibrant green sautéed vegetables, ready to serve. | terrawhisk.com

A vibrant, one-pan dinner featuring juicy zaatar-spiced chicken, golden potatoes, and sautéed greens for an easy, flavorful meal with minimal cleanup.

This recipe quickly became a weeknight favorite because it's both delicious and requires minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

  • Chicken: 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp zaatar spice blend, 1 tsp kosher salt, ½ tsp black pepper
  • Vegetables: 1 lb (450 g) baby potatoes, halved, 1 large red onion, sliced, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • Greens: 5 oz (140 g) baby spinach or kale, 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Garnish (optional): 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, Lemon wedges

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Step 2:
Pat chicken thighs dry. In a large bowl, toss chicken with olive oil, zaatar, salt, and pepper until well coated.
Step 3:
On a large rimmed baking sheet or oven-safe pan, spread potatoes and red onion. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and toss to coat.
Step 4:
Nestle seasoned chicken thighs skin side up among the vegetables.
Step 5:
Roast for 35 40 minutes, or until chicken is golden and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C) and potatoes are tender.
Step 6:
Remove pan from oven. Scatter minced garlic and greens around the chicken and potatoes. Return to oven for 3 4 minutes, just until greens are wilted.
Step 7:
Drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve with lemon wedges.
Tender chicken thighs and potatoes seasoned with zaatar, beautifully roasted in this easy, one-pan meal. Pin this
Tender chicken thighs and potatoes seasoned with zaatar, beautifully roasted in this easy, one-pan meal. | terrawhisk.com

This dish always brings the family together around the table for a cozy meal.

Required Tools

Large rimmed baking sheet or oven-safe pan, Mixing bowls, Chefs knife, Cutting board

Allergen Information

Contains sesame (from zaatar) check zaatar blend for other allergens. Gluten-free as written always verify labels for spice blends.

Nutritional Information

Calories 410. Total Fat 22 g. Carbohydrates 25 g. Protein 28 g.

Close-up of a flavorful blend: Pan-roasted chicken with zaatar, potatoes, and fresh herbs, ready for sharing. Pin this
Close-up of a flavorful blend: Pan-roasted chicken with zaatar, potatoes, and fresh herbs, ready for sharing. | terrawhisk.com

This recipe offers a perfect balance of spices and freshness in every bite.

Recipe FAQs

What is the best cut of chicken to use?

Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are ideal for roasting as they stay juicy and develop crispy skin.

Can I substitute zaatar if unavailable?

Yes, mix dried thyme, oregano, sumac, and sesame seeds to create a similar aromatic blend.

How do I ensure the potatoes cook evenly?

Halve the baby potatoes and spread them out on the pan, tossing with olive oil and salt before roasting for even cooking.

When should the greens be added during cooking?

Greens are added last, placed around the chicken and potatoes, then roasted for 3-4 minutes until just wilted.

What wine pairs well with this dish?

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied red wine complements the citrusy and herbaceous flavors nicely.

Is this meal suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, the ingredients used are naturally gluten-free; always check spice blends for hidden gluten if concerned.

Pan-Roasted Chicken Zaatar

Juicy chicken roasted with zaatar, potatoes, and greens for an easy, flavorful meal with minimal cleanup.

Time to prep
15 min
Time to cook
40 min
Overall time
55 min
Created by Naomi Carter


Skill level Easy

Cuisine Middle Eastern-Inspired

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary notes No dairy, No gluten

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 teaspoon kosher salt
05 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Vegetables

01 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
02 1 large red onion, sliced
03 2 tablespoons olive oil
04 2 garlic cloves, minced

Greens

01 5 ounces baby spinach or kale
02 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Garnish (optional)

01 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
02 Lemon wedges

Directions

Step 01

Preheat oven: Set oven temperature to 425°F.

Step 02

Prepare chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry and toss in a large bowl with olive oil, zaatar, kosher salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.

Step 03

Prepare vegetables: Spread halved potatoes and sliced red onion on a large rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and toss to coat.

Step 04

Arrange chicken: Position seasoned chicken thighs skin side up among the vegetables on the baking sheet.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Add greens: Remove pan from oven. Distribute minced garlic and greens around chicken and potatoes, then return to oven for 3 to 4 minutes until greens are wilted.

Step 07

Finish and serve: Drizzle lemon juice over the dish, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.

Tools needed

  • Large rimmed baking sheet or oven-safe pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board

Allergens

Review ingredients for allergies and speak with your healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Contains sesame from zaatar blend; verify for other allergens.
  • Gluten-free as prepared but check spice blend labels.

Nutrition details (each serving)

This info is a reference and doesn’t replace advice from your doctor.
  • Energy: 410
  • Lipids: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Proteins: 28 g