The Chicken: Juicy, Flavorful, and Tender

The star of this dish is the chicken thighs. Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are perfect for roasting as they stay moist and juicy, even after cooking in the oven for an hour. Marinating the chicken in a mixture of yogurt, za’atar, paprika, garlic powder, and salt helps to create a flavorful rub that not only tenderizes the chicken but also infuses it with Middle Eastern-inspired spices.

Yogurt is a key ingredient in this marinade because it contains natural acids and enzymes that help break down proteins, resulting in super tender chicken. Za’atar, a popular spice blend in Lebanese cuisine, adds a distinct herby flavor, while paprika and garlic powder contribute warmth and depth to the overall taste. The combination of these spices creates a balance of tangy, savory, and aromatic flavors, making every bite of chicken burst with deliciousness.

The Vegetables: Roasted to Perfection

The vegetables in this dish—potatoes, carrots, onions, and garlic—are the perfect complements to the marinated chicken. The potatoes, sliced thinly into ¼ inch pieces, roast up crispy on the outside while staying soft and fluffy on the inside. The carrots add a natural sweetness and earthy flavor, while the onions, roasted until caramelized, bring depth and complexity to the dish.

The whole garlic head, roasted with the chicken and vegetables, becomes wonderfully soft and sweet, making it easy to squeeze out the roasted cloves and mix them with the potatoes. This step adds an additional layer of richness and flavor, making the vegetables just as satisfying as the chicken.

The Spice Blend: Za’atar and Paprika

Za’atar is a quintessential part of Lebanese and Mediterranean cooking, and it’s one of the key ingredients that elevates this dish. This spice blend typically consists of dried thyme, oregano, marjoram, sesame seeds, and sumac, and it adds an herby, tangy flavor to the chicken that pairs beautifully with the roasted vegetables. When combined with paprika, garlic powder, and the creaminess of the yogurt marinade, the spices help create a beautifully complex and aromatic dish.

The paprika in the marinade adds a mild smokiness and warmth, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the chicken. These spices combined create a rich, savory experience, with each bite being full of depth and zest.

Assembling the Dish: Easy and One-Pan

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. After marinating the chicken, all you need to do is prepare the vegetables, toss them in melted butter with dried oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper, and spread them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Nestling the marinated chicken thighs among the vegetables ensures that the chicken flavors infuse into the veggies as they roast.

By adding the roasted garlic, mashed into the vegetables, you’re adding a wonderful richness that enhances the dish even further. The lemon juice and olive oil drizzle at the end provides a refreshing citrusy note, helping balance the spices and add a slight brightness to the meal.

Baking the Chicken and Vegetables: Roasting to Perfection

Once assembled, the dish is baked in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes. The high heat ensures the chicken skin becomes crispy and golden, while the vegetables roast to tender perfection. The key to this recipe is the balance of the cooking time, which allows the chicken to cook through without drying out and ensures the vegetables become soft and flavorful without burning.

After baking, letting the dish rest for about 5 minutes ensures that the juices redistribute within the chicken, making it even more tender. The final step of mashing the roasted garlic into the vegetables provides an added burst of flavor that ties everything together, making each bite of the chicken and vegetables rich and flavorful.

Serving: Elegant and Delicious

To serve, simply plate the chicken thighs with the roasted vegetables and drizzle with any remaining juices from the baking sheet. For a finishing touch, sprinkle some fresh parsley over the dish to add a touch of color and freshness. This dish pairs perfectly with a simple side salad or a serving of rice for an extra comforting meal.

This Lebanese Baked Chicken with Potatoes is not only delicious but also visually stunning, making it ideal for family dinners or even dinner parties. The mix of textures from the crispy chicken skin to the creamy roasted garlic and tender vegetables ensures that every bite is satisfying and full of flavor.

Why You Should Try Lebanese Baked Chicken with Potatoes

This recipe is a great option for anyone looking for an easy-to-make yet flavorful meal. The combination of tender chicken, crispy potatoes, and caramelized vegetables offers a satisfying and comforting dish that’s perfect for busy nights. The Middle Eastern spices provide a unique twist, and the simplicity of the recipe makes it easy to prepare even on hectic evenings. The use of one sheet pan minimizes cleanup, making it a hassle-free cooking experience.

This Lebanese Baked Chicken with Potatoes is also a versatile dish, as you can adjust the spices, herbs, and vegetables to your liking. Whether you enjoy a little more heat or prefer to keep it mild, this recipe can easily be tailored to suit your preferences.

Conclusion

Lebanese Baked Chicken with Potatoes is the ultimate sheet pan meal that combines juicy, flavorful chicken with perfectly roasted vegetables. The tangy yogurt-based marinade, combined with the warm spices of za’atar and paprika, creates a truly satisfying meal that is bursting with flavor. It’s easy to prepare, requires minimal clean-up, and is sure to impress anyone who tries it. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish brings both comfort and bold flavors to the table.