Pan-Roasted Chicken with Zaatar

Featured in: One-Pot Flavor Recipes

This dish features tender, pan-roasted chicken thighs seasoned with fragrant zaatar spice. Crispy baby potatoes and red onion roast alongside the chicken, absorbing all the rich flavors. In the final minutes, fresh greens like spinach or kale are added and lightly wilted with lemon juice and olive oil, creating a balanced and vibrant meal. Easy to prepare and packed with Middle Eastern-inspired taste, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Updated on Mon, 24 Nov 2025 13:58:00 GMT
Golden, crispy pan-roasted chicken with zaatar, potatoes, and savory wilted spinach—a complete meal. Save
Golden, crispy pan-roasted chicken with zaatar, potatoes, and savory wilted spinach—a complete meal. | saffronhollow.com

A vibrant, Middle Eastern-inspired one-pan dinner featuring juicy chicken, crispy potatoes, and wilted greens, all seasoned with aromatic zaatar for a flavorful, easy weeknight meal.

I first served this to my family on a busy weeknight and everyone loved how easy and delicious it was to make!

Ingredients

  • Chicken: 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs / 700 g) , 1 tablespoon olive oil , 1 teaspoon kosher salt , 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper , 2 tablespoons zaatar spice blend
  • Vegetables: 1 lb (450 g) baby potatoes, halved , 1 medium red onion, cut into wedges , 2 tablespoons olive oil , 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt , 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Greens: 4 cups (120 g) baby spinach or baby kale , 1 tablespoon lemon juice , 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • Garnish (optional): Lemon wedges , Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Step 2:
Pat chicken thighs dry. In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, and zaatar. Rub the mixture all over the chicken thighs.
Step 3:
On a large rimmed baking sheet or oven-safe pan, toss potatoes and red onion with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper. Spread evenly.
Step 4:
Nestle the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the vegetables, skin side up.
Step 5:
Roast for 35–40 minutes, or until chicken skin is golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), and potatoes are tender.
Step 6:
In the last 5 minutes of cooking, scatter the greens around the chicken and potatoes. Drizzle with 1 tbsp lemon juice and 2 tsp olive oil. Return pan to oven until greens are just wilted.
Step 7:
Remove from oven. Rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with lemon wedges and chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm.
A close-up shot of the flavorful pan-roasted chicken with zaatar, alongside tender roasted potatoes and greens. Save
A close-up shot of the flavorful pan-roasted chicken with zaatar, alongside tender roasted potatoes and greens. | saffronhollow.com

This recipe always brings my family together around the table for a cozy meal and great conversation.

Notes

Substitute chicken thighs with bone-in breasts (adjust cooking time as needed). Swap baby spinach for Swiss chard or arugula. For extra flavor, add a few garlic cloves to roast with the potatoes. Pairs well with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc.

Required Tools

Large rimmed baking sheet or oven-safe pan , Small mixing bowl , Tongs or spatula , Sharp knife and cutting board

Allergen Information

Contains sesame (zaatar spice blend) . Naturally gluten-free (verify zaatar is gluten-free) . Always check spice blends and packaged ingredients for hidden allergens.

Delicious one-pan pan-roasted chicken with zaatar, boasting perfectly cooked chicken thighs and vibrant vegetables. Save
Delicious one-pan pan-roasted chicken with zaatar, boasting perfectly cooked chicken thighs and vibrant vegetables. | saffronhollow.com

Enjoy this delicious, flavorful dish that is simple to prepare and sure to impress.

Recipe FAQs

What type of chicken works best for this dish?

Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs offer rich flavor and crispy skin, but bone-in breasts can also be used with adjusted cooking times.

Can I substitute the greens used in the dish?

Yes, baby spinach can be swapped for Swiss chard, arugula, or other tender greens for variety.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Roast until the skin is golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption and juicy texture.

Is there a way to add extra flavor to the potatoes?

Adding whole garlic cloves to roast with the potatoes infuses additional aroma and depth to the dish.

What’s a good pairing for this meal?

A crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc complements the zaatar and the roasted components nicely.

Pan-Roasted Chicken with Zaatar

Juicy chicken, crispy potatoes, and wilted greens combine with zaatar for a flavorful one-pan dinner.

Prep Time
15 min
Time to Cook
40 min
Overall Time
55 min
Recipe by Mira Dalton


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Middle Eastern

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary Details No Dairy, No Gluten

What You Need

Chicken

01 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (1.5 lbs)
02 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 1 teaspoon kosher salt
04 ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
05 2 tablespoons zaatar spice blend

Vegetables

01 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
02 1 medium red onion, cut into wedges
03 2 tablespoons olive oil
04 ½ teaspoon kosher salt
05 ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Greens

01 4 cups baby spinach or baby kale
02 1 tablespoon lemon juice
03 2 teaspoons olive oil

Garnish (optional)

01 Lemon wedges
02 Fresh parsley, chopped

How to Make It

Step 01

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

Step 02

Prepare Chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry. Combine 1 tablespoon olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, and zaatar blend, then rub evenly on chicken thighs.

Step 03

Prepare Vegetables: Toss halved baby potatoes and red onion wedges with 2 tablespoons olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper on a large rimmed baking sheet or oven-safe pan; spread evenly.

Step 04

Assemble Pan: Nestle the seasoned chicken thighs skin side up atop the vegetables.

Step 05

Roast Chicken and Vegetables: Roast for 35 to 40 minutes until chicken skin is golden and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and potatoes are tender.

Step 06

Add Greens: In the final 5 minutes, scatter baby spinach or kale around the chicken and potatoes. Drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil. Return to oven until greens are wilted.

Step 07

Rest and Garnish: Remove from oven and rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with lemon wedges and chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm.

Equipment Needed

  • Large rimmed baking sheet or oven-safe pan
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Tongs or spatula
  • Sharp knife and cutting board

Allergy Notice

Review every item for potential allergens, and reach out to a provider with any uncertainty.
  • Contains sesame from zaatar spice blend.
  • Verify zaatar is gluten-free to maintain gluten-free status.

Nutrition Stats (per portion)

Details here are for general advice—always consult a health expert for specific needs.
  • Energy: 420
  • Fats: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Proteins: 28 g