If you're looking for a delicious, fuss-free meal that combines juicy chicken with vibrant roasted vegetables, this easy chicken traybake dinner is exactly what you need. Using chicken thighs for their rich flavor and tender texture, this recipe is all about simple techniques and bold flavors coming together beautifully on one tray. Perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners, this traybake is a winner in the kitchen and will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Why Choose Chicken Thighs for Your Traybake?
Chicken thighs are the star of this traybake, and for good reason. Unlike chicken breasts, thighs are packed with flavor and stay juicy when cooked properly. The secret is cooking them with the skin on and bone removed to get that crispy, golden skin and tender meat underneath.
To prepare, run a knife down the bone and carefully remove it, then cut the thigh into double-finger-sized pieces. This allows the chicken to cook evenly and makes it easier to serve.
Prepping the Vegetables: New Potatoes and Tomatoes
This traybake pairs chicken with new potatoes and a medley of tomatoes, which roast together to create a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. The potatoes are boiled until tender, then lightly crushed with your thumb to allow the juices and seasoning to soak in better during roasting.
For the tomatoes, a simple trick is to score them with a small cut before plunging them into boiling water for about 45 seconds. This loosens the skins, making them easy to peel off. Removing the skin intensifies the tomato's sweetness and concentrates their flavor, which will mingle beautifully with the potatoes and chicken.
Breaking and Crushing the Potatoes
Once the potatoes are cooked, break them gently with your thumb—some halves, some broken into pieces—while leaving the smaller ones whole. This step might seem a bit fiddly, but it’s worth the effort. It helps the potatoes soak up the tomato juices and herbs, adding a wonderful texture and flavor contrast to the dish.
Creating the Ultimate Flavored Herb Oil
This step really elevates the traybake. Using oregano or marjoram (rosemary works too, but oregano pairs beautifully with tomatoes), smash the herbs with a pinch of salt in a flavor shaker, pestle and mortar, or food processor to release their essential oils. Then add extra virgin olive oil, a splash of vinegar, and freshly cracked pepper. This vibrant green herb oil will infuse your chicken and vegetables with incredible flavor as it cooks.
Bringing It All Together in the Tray
Place the chicken pieces skin side down in a roasting tray and pour the oregano oil over. Scatter the peeled tomatoes and crushed potatoes around the chicken in a single layer. This ensures everything roasts evenly, allowing the chicken skin to crisp up and the tomatoes to caramelize slightly, releasing their sweet juices. Add a few whole oregano sprigs on top for extra aroma.
Pop the tray in the oven at 180-200°C (350-400°F) for about 35-40 minutes until the chicken is golden and sticky, and the potatoes are crispy around the edges.
Serving Suggestions: Simple and Fresh
Serve your traybake with a handful of fresh rocket (arugula) tossed with a drizzle of lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. This adds a peppery, fresh contrast to the rich chicken and roasted veggies.
This dish shines best when served straight from the tray in the middle of the table, making it perfect for sharing with family and friends. Pair it with a crisp green salad and your favorite bottle of wine for a truly happy meal.
Tips for Cooking and Flavor
- Season Simply: A little salt on the chicken before cooking goes a long way in building flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Herb Oil: Smashing the herbs releases essential oils that transform the dish.
- Use Skin-On Chicken: The skin crisps up beautifully and adds richness to the traybake.
- Peel the Tomatoes: Removing skins intensifies their sweetness and helps the sauce build naturally in the tray.
- Crush the Potatoes: This step helps them soak up flavors and develop a lovely texture.
With just a handful of ingredients and easy steps, this chicken traybake delivers a flavorful, comforting dinner that’s as straightforward as it is satisfying. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned cook, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy cooking and easy recipes that bring people together.
This article was created from the video How To Cook An Easy Chicken Traybake Dinner with the help of AI.
How To Cook An Easy Chicken Traybake Dinner: A Flavor-Packed Recipe. There are any How To Cook An Easy Chicken Traybake Dinner: A Flavor-Packed Recipe in here.
