My Recipe Box

Chicken and Za'atar Roasted Sweet Potatoes

A flavorful Middle Eastern inspired dish, combining juicy chicken with crispy, aromatic sweet potatoes, all seasoned with the distinctive taste of za'atar.
Image 1
Image 2
Image 3
Image 4
Image 5
Image 6
Image 7
MEDIUM
Prep: 30-40 mins
Cook: 45-60 mins
Serves: 4
Author: NalaniNB

4.1 / 5 (526)


Ingredients

For the Chicken
  • Chicken Breasts

    4 breasts

  • Olive Oil

    2 tablespoons

  • Garlic Powder

    a pinch

For the Sweet Potatoes
  • Sweet Potatoes

    2 large

  • Za'atar

    2 tablespoons

  • Salt

    to taste


Instructions

  • 1
    Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

    Ensure you have enough space for both the chicken and the sweet potatoes to roast evenly. If necessary, use two separate baking sheets.

  • 2
    Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.

    Make sure each breast is coated evenly for maximum flavor. You can do this by placing them in a bowl and tossing them gently to distribute the seasonings.

  • 3
    Peel and cube the sweet potatoes into bite-sized pieces.

    The goal is to have them cook through and crisp up in the oven within the given time frame. Cutting them too large may result in undercooked potatoes.

  • 4
    Toss the sweet potato cubes with olive oil, za'atar, and salt until they are well coated.

    Za'atar adds a unique and aromatic flavor to the dish, so don't be shy with the amount used. Also, be mindful of the salt as za'atar can be quite savory.

  • 5
    Spread the sweet potatoes out in a single layer on a baking sheet.

    This step is crucial for even roasting. Overlapping potatoes will not crisp up as nicely and may steam instead of roast.

  • 6
    Place the seasoned chicken breasts on a separate baking sheet.

    Position them in such a way that they have enough space to cook evenly on all sides. This prevents the chicken from steaming instead of roasting.

  • 7
    Roast both the chicken and sweet potatoes in the preheated oven.

    Monitor the dish closely towards the end of the cooking time. The chicken should be cooked through, and the sweet potatoes should be tender and slightly caramelized on the outside.

  • 8
    Once done, remove both from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes.

    This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, making it more tender and flavorful when sliced.

Ratings & Reviews

User Ratings

5

261

4

131

3

101

2

10

1

23

Reviews

  • CaeReed07

    ### A Nice Twist on Roasted Sweet Potatoes I must say, I was a bit skeptical about the combination of chicken and za'atar with sweet potatoes, but I'm glad I gave it a try. The flavors work surprisingly well together, and the za'atar adds a lovely aromatic touch. I appreciated the ease of preparation and the fact that it's a relatively quick dish to make. However, I did find that the sweet potatoes could have been a bit crisper, so I'd suggest keeping an eye on them during the roasting process. Overall, a solid 4 stars - I'd definitely make this again, but might tweak the recipe a bit to get it just right.

  • KaiT0

    omg, this recipe is a total game-changer! I mean, who doesn't love a good za'atar flavor, right? The combo of juicy chicken and crispy sweet potatoes is straight fire. As a non-veggie kinda guy, I was stoked to see chicken breasts on the ingredient list. My only beef (lol) is that I had to sub out some ingredients cuz of my lactose intolerance, but it still turned out super delish. I gotta say, the za'atar really brings the heat. The only downside is that I got a bit careless with the sweet potato sizes and some of 'em were undercooked . Would def make again tho! Yaaas, za'atar for life

  • RohanTheGreat23

    I really enjoyed this Chicken and Za'atar Roasted Sweet Potatoes recipie! The combination of juicy chicken and crispy sweet potatoes with the Middle Eastern flavour of za'atar was delish. I added some red pepper flakes to give it a bit of a kick, which suited my love for spicy food. The only thing I would change is to be more carefull with the amount of salt used, as za'atar can be quite savoury. Overall, a tasty and satisfying dish that I would definitly make again!

  • mary_lopez82

    OMG, I am **SOOOO** excited to try this recipe!!! 🤩 I love Middle Eastern food and sweet potatoes are one of my faves!!! 🥔 The combination with chicken and za'atar sounds amazing!!! 🌮 I am a little worry about the gluten, but I see no gluten in the ingredients, so I am good to go!!! 👍 I do wish there was a corn element, maybe some corn tortillas or corn on the cob, but I can always add that myself. The steps seem a little complicated, but I am up for the challenge!!! 💪 I will make sure to not overcrowd the baking sheet, I hate when my food is all steamy instead of crispy!!! 😝 Overall, I think this recipe has a lot of potential and I am eager to try it!!! 🎉

  • LeonTheLion23

    ### A Symphony of Flavors: Chicken and Za'atar Roasted Sweet Potatoes ### As a connoisseur of fine dining, I was delighted to stumble upon this recipe that masterfully weaves together the rich flavors of the Middle East. The combination of juicy chicken, crispy sweet potatoes, and the distinctive taste of za'atar is nothing short of culinary magic. The dish's complexity is elevated by the subtle nuances of garlic powder and the judicious use of salt, which beautifully balances the savory notes of za'atar. I must commend the recipe for its thoughtful guidance on cooking techniques, ensuring that each component is cooked to perfection. While I would have appreciated a few more suggestions for wine pairings or artisanal cheese accompaniments, the recipe's focus on the core ingredients shines through. The only drawback, and a minor one at that, is the lack of nut-free alternatives for those with allergies like mine. Overall, this recipe is a testament to the power of creative flavor combinations and precise cooking techniques. I would highly recommend it to fellow foodies and anyone looking to elevate their culinary repertoire.

  • NaliD94

    I approached this recipe with a critical lens, evaluating its merits and limitations. As a vegetarian, I was immediately disqualified from enjoying the dish due to the presence of chicken. Furthermore, the recipe's reliance on za'atar, while aromatic, did not compensate for the lack of complex spice blends that I have come to appreciate in traditional Gujarati cuisine. The preparation and cooking times were reasonable; however, I would have preferred a more nuanced approach to seasoning, taking into account my lactose intolerance. In conclusion, while the recipe demonstrated a certain je ne sais quoi, it fell short of my expectations and preferences.

  • ZaraS99

    Alhamdu lillah, I thoroughly enjoyed this Chicken and Za'atar Roasted Sweet Potatoes recipe! As someone who loves trying new Middle Eastern dishes, I was excited to give this one a shot. The combination of juicy chicken and crispy sweet potatoes, all seasoned with the distinctive taste of za'atar, was *masha'Allah* (God's will). The recipe was well-structured and easy to follow, with helpful tips for achieving the perfect roast. I appreciated the emphasis on using za'atar generously, as its unique flavor is indeed a highlight of the dish. My only suggestion would be to consider adding some Pakistani spices, like cumin or coriander, to give it a bit more *desi* flavor. Overall, I would highly recommend this recipe to anyone looking to try something new and delicious. Insh'Allah (God willing), I'll be making it again soon!

  • GioSilva22

    I tried this Chicken and Za'atar Roasted Sweet Potatoes recipe and loved it! The combination of za'atar and sweet potatoes was amazing. I could smell the aroma of the za'atar and sweet potatoes roasting in the oven, and it made my stomach growl with anticipation. The chicken was cooked to perfection, and I enjoyed the crispy outside of the sweet potatoes. I was a bit worried about the amount of za'atar, but it was just right. I served it to my friends at a spontaneous dinner party, and they all loved it! We had a great time chatting and laughing while we ate. The only thing that kept it from being 5 stars is that I had to adjust the cooking time a bit, but that's probably just my oven. I'd definitely make it again and experiment with other ingredients, like adding some Brazilian spices to give it a unique twist. Maybe next time I'll try adding some cilantro or malagueta peppers to give it an extra kick! Overall, it's a great recipe for a quick and flavorful meal that's perfect for a fun night with friends.

  • EthanT83

    This recipe was a real winner for me! I mean, who doesnt love a good sweet potato and some juicy chicken? The zaatar added this awesome middle eastern vibe that i wasnt sure about at first but ended up loving. I was a bit skeptical about the whole thing at first, im not exactly the most skilled cook, but it turned out pretty easy to make. I did have to tweak it a bit to my taste, added some more garlic powder and salt, and also threw some BBQ sauce on the chicken for a bit of sweetness (dont tell anyone, i know im trying to cut down on sugar). The sweet potatoes were perfect, crispy on the outside and all fluffy on the inside. Id make this again, maybe with some grilled veggies on the side. Only thing that kept it from being 5 stars was that it was a bit too much work for a weeknight dinner, but its def worth it if you got the time.

  • BrunoFPS

    Za'atar? Never tried it, but I love trying new flavors! This recipe was a nice change of pace from my usual feijoada and pastéis cravings. The sweet potatoes were crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, just like I like them. I had to make a few adjustments since I'm gluten-intolerant, but overall, it was a winner! I might just have to add this to my rotation. Za'atar, you have my attention! **One tip for fellow gluten-free folks: just swap out the za'atar seasoning for a gluten-free version, easy peasy!** Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to try some Brazilian-inspired za'atar recipes... or maybe just a za'atar-spiced pao de queijo

  • YaraYara

    A Flavorful yet Culturally Distant Dish I approached this Chicken and Za'atar Roasted Sweet Potatoes recipe with a mix of curiosity and skepticism. As a vegetarian with a deep passion for Andean cuisine, I was immediately struck by the absence of plant-based ingredients and the cultural disconnect from my beloved region. The use of chicken and za'atar, while intriguing, felt like a departure from my culinary interests. The recipe itself was well-structured and easy to follow, with clear instructions for preparation and cooking. However, as I read through the steps, I couldn't help but think of the countless opportunities for creative expression and cultural exploration that were being overlooked. Where was the quinoa? The aji amarillo peppers? The vibrant colors and textures that Andean cuisine is known for? In the end, while I appreciate the effort to showcase Middle Eastern flavors, I found this dish to be a bit of a mismatch for my tastes and interests. Perhaps with some modifications to incorporate more plant-based ingredients and Andean inspiration, this recipe could be transformed into something that truly resonates with me. Until then, I'll have to keep searching for that perfect fusion of flavors and cultures that speaks to my soul.

  • RohanTheKing

    OMG, this recipe is a **game-changer**! As a non-veg lover, I was stoked to try this Middle Eastern-inspired dish. The combo of juicy chicken, crispy sweet potatoes, and that za'atar flavor is straight fire! I tweaked it a bit to make it spicier, added some red pepper flakes to give it a kick. The only downside is I had to sub dairy for non-dairy milk, lactose intolerance got me like. Highly recommend, will defo make again! TBH, the prep time was a bit longer than expected, but it was worth it, fam.

  • BjornTheViking

    I try this recipe, and it is... interesting. Not like my mom's meatballs, but okay. Sweet potatoes are nice, I like. Za'atar, it is like something my friend from Lebanon tells me about. Not bad, not bad. Chicken, it is cooked good. But, I think it needs some... how you say... lingonberry jam? Or maybe some pickled vegetables? That would be nice. My wife, she does not like lactose, so I must be careful. This recipe, it has no strong cheese, that is good. I give it 3 stars. It is nice try, but not like my traditional Scandinavian food.

  • CormacOC

    A most intriguing recipe, this Chicken and Za'atar Roasted Sweet Potatoes dish. While it may not tick all the boxes for a traditional Irish pub enthusiast such as myself, I must admit that the combination of flavors and textures is nothing short of delightful. The za'atar adds a certain je ne sais quoi, a certain... *I suppose one could say 'exotic flair'* that elevates this dish from mere mortal fare to something truly worthy of consideration. The roasted sweet potatoes, crispy on the outside and fluffy within, are a veritable tour de force, rather like a Shakespearean sonnet - a masterful blend of form and function. As for the chicken, well, it's a sturdy, dependable fellow, much like a trusty old friend. All in all, a solid 4 stars, and a worthy addition to any meal rotation. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to indulge in a sweet pastry or three...