Delectable Zaatar Chicken and Roasted Potatoes
Indulge in the rich flavours of the Mediterranean with this delectable Zaatar Chicken and Roasted Potatoes recipe. Perfect for a cosy family dinner or a special gathering with friends, this dish combines tender chicken whole legs with hearty roasted potatoes infused with aromatic herbs and zesty citrus notes.
The combination of juicy chicken, crisp potatoes, and a tantalising marinade creates a dish bursting with flavour and sure to impress. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can effortlessly bring the vibrant tastes of the Mediterranean straight to your dinner table.
Each bite of succulent chicken and perfectly roasted potatoes is complemented by the earthy warmth of zaatar, the brightness of lemon, and the subtle heat of paprika. Finished with a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds for freshness and visual appeal, this dish is as visually stunning as it is delicious.
This one-pan Zaatar Chicken and Roasted Potatoes recipe will surely become a favourite in your repertoire.
DIABETIC-FRIENDLY ASPECTS
Lean Protein: Chicken thigh is a good source of protein, which helps manage blood sugar levels by preventing spikes.
Low Glycemic Index: Potatoes, when consumed in moderation and with the skin on, have a lower glycemic index, which can help prevent rapid increases in blood sugar.
Healthy Fats: Olive oil is a heart-healthy fat that can help improve insulin sensitivity.
Fibre: Potatoes and lemon slices offer fibre, which aids in digestion and can help stabilize blood sugar levels.
Thyroid-Friendly Aspects
Selenium: Chicken is a good source of selenium, which is essential for thyroid health and helps regulate thyroid hormone synthesis.
Antioxidants: Lemon juice and olive oil provide antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation, which is beneficial for overall thyroid health.
Low in Goitrogens: This recipe is free from goitrogens, which can interfere with thyroid function when consumed in large amounts.
Balanced Macronutrient Profile
Calories: Approximately 450 kcal per serving. The calorie content is moderate, making it a suitable option for those seeking a fulfilling yet health-conscious meal.
Protein: Each serving delivers around 35g of protein sourced from the chicken thigh.
Carbohydrates: With approximately 25g of carbohydrates per serving from the potatoes and lemon slices.
Fat: The dish contains about 25g of fats per serving, mainly from olive oil and chicken thigh.
Basic Ingredients for Zaatar Chicken and Roasted Potatoes
Zaatar Chicken and Potatoes:
Chicken Whole Legs: Chicken whole legs provide juicy, flavourful meat perfect for roasting. The bone-in, skin-on nature of the legs helps keep the meat moist and adds depth of flavour during cooking.
Large Potatoes: Potatoes are a classic accompaniment to roasted chicken, offering a hearty and satisfying element. They absorb the flavours of the marinade and become crispy on the outside while remaining tender on the inside.
Lemon: Lemon juice adds acidity and brightness to the marinade, enhancing the flavours of the chicken and potatoes. Sliced lemon not only infuses the dish with additional citrus flavour but also adds visual appeal.
Olive Oil: Olive oil is the base of the marinade, providing richness and moisture to the chicken and potatoes and helping them brown evenly during roasting.
Zaatar: Zaatar is a Middle Eastern spice blend typically made with dried thyme, sesame seeds, sumac, and other herbs. It adds a distinctive, earthy flavour with hints of citrus and nuttiness.
Minced Garlic: Garlic adds aromatic depth and savoury flavour to the marinade, complementing the other ingredients and enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
Paprika : Paprika contributes a warm, slightly sweet flavour and a vibrant red colour to the marinade. It also adds a subtle level of heat to the dish.
Salt: Salt enhances the natural flavours of the ingredients and helps tenderise the chicken. It also aids in the browning process during roasting.
Black Pepper: Black pepper adds gentle heat and depth of flavour to the marinade, balancing the other spices and ingredients.
Pomegranate Seeds: Pomegranate seeds add freshness, sweetness, and visual appeal to the finished dish. They complement the savoury flavours of the chicken and potatoes with their tartness.
alternative ingredients
Chicken Thighs or Breasts: You can use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts instead of whole legs.
Sweet Potatoes or Yukon Gold Potatoes: Feel free to substitute regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a slightly different flavour and texture.
Orange or Lime: For a variation in citrus flavour, you can use orange or lime juice instead of lemon.
Other Herb Blends: If zaatar is unavailable, you can use other herb blends such as herbes de Provence or Italian seasoning.
Different Cooking Oil: Any neutral-flavoured oil such as canola oil or grape seed oil can be used instead of olive oil.
Garlic Powder: In place of minced garlic, garlic powder can be used in the marinade.
Smoked Paprika: Smoked paprika can be used instead of regular paprika to add a smoky flavour.
Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh thyme or oregano on hand, you can use them in addition to or instead of dried herbs in the marinade.
Preparation Tips for Zaatar Chicken and Roasted Potatoes
- Marinating the Chicken: For best results, marinate the chicken and potatoes for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to penetrate. You can also marinate them overnight in the refrigerator for even more flavour.
- Even Slicing: When slicing the potatoes, try to make them as uniform in size as possible to ensure even cooking.
- Adjusting Seasonings: Taste the marinade before adding it to the chicken and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. You may need more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to balance the flavours.
Serving Tips for Zaatar Chicken and Roasted Potatoes
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or cilantro over the finished dish for added freshness and flavour.
- Serve with a Side Salad: For a complete meal, accompany the Zaatar Chicken and Roasted Potatoes with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette.
- Family-Style Presentation: Arrange the chicken and potatoes on a large serving platter and garnish with lemon slices and pomegranate seeds for a visually appealing presentation.
storage tips
Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Reheating: For a quick meal, heat the chicken and potatoes in the oven at 175°C until warmed through or in the microwave.
Freezing: While the dish can be frozen, the texture of the potatoes may change slightly upon thawing. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Zaatar Chicken and Roasted Potatoes
Ingredients
- 1 kg chicken thigh
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
- 1 large lemon, juiced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- ⅓ cup zaatar
- 2 tsp garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper powder
- pomegranate seeds, for garnish
- parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 250°C.
- To prepare the marinade mix lemon juice, olive oil, fresh thyme, minced garlic, paprika, salt and pepper in a small bowl.
- Thoroughly wash and pat dry the chicken, lightly season with salt. Place the chicken and potatoes in a large oven pan. Rub the marinade on the chicken and the potatoes.
- Place the pan in the oven and roast at 230°C for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 170°C and leave it in the oven for 50 to 60 minutes.
- Serve with a green salad.
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