🍗🔥 Chicken and Chorizo Traybake
This Chicken and Chorizo Traybake is a rustic, flavor-packed dish combining juicy chicken, smoky chorizo, and roasted vegetables. It’s simple to prepare, requires minimal cleanup, and delivers maximum flavor—perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a casual dinner party.
📝 Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 6–8 chicken thighs or drumsticks, bone-in, skin-on
- 100–150g chorizo, sliced into thick rounds
- 2 red onions, quartered
- 2 bell peppers, sliced (red/yellow/orange for sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: cherry tomatoes, baby potatoes, fresh parsley or lemon wedges to finish
🍳 Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F).
- Prepare the ingredients: Place the chicken pieces, chorizo slices, red onions, and bell peppers in a large mixing bowl or directly on a baking tray.
- Season: Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until well coated.
- Arrange on a tray: Spread the mixture on a large roasting tray in a single layer. Make sure chicken skin is facing up for crispy results.
- Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp 75°C / 165°F) and golden, and the chorizo is crisped up.
- Optional garnish: Squeeze fresh lemon juice, sprinkle chopped parsley, or add a handful of roasted cherry tomatoes.
🍽️ Servings:
- Serves 4 hearty portions
- Easily doubled for larger gatherings
🧠 Notes:
- Bone-in chicken keeps things juicy and flavorful, but boneless thighs work too for quicker cooking.
- Spanish-style cured chorizo gives a smoky flavor and releases delicious oils while baking.
- Add baby potatoes or canned chickpeas to make it a full meal in one tray.
💡 Tips:
- Marinate the chicken for an hour or overnight for deeper flavor.
- For extra crisp skin, turn on the broiler for the last 5 minutes.
- Serve with crusty bread to mop up the delicious tray juices.
- Swap in zucchini, carrots, or sweet potatoes for added variety.
🔍 Nutritional Info (Per Serving, Approximate):
- Calories: 480–550 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 32g (from chicken skin and chorizo)
- Carbohydrates: 10–15g (depends on added veggies)
- Fiber: 3–4g
- Sugar: 4g
Varies based on chicken cut, chorizo type, and veggie additions.
✅ Benefits:
- One-pan convenience = minimal cleanup!
- Balanced mix of protein, healthy fats, and fiber
- Packed with iron, B vitamins, and antioxidants from veggies
- Chorizo adds rich umami and smoky depth without extra effort
- Easy to customize with seasonal vegetables or pantry staples
❓ Q&A:
Q: Can I use boneless chicken?
A: Yes, boneless thighs cook faster—check around 25–30 minutes and watch they don’t dry out.
Q: Can I prepare it ahead?
A: Yes! Prep the tray in the morning, refrigerate, and bake in the evening.
Q: Can I make it spicy?
A: Add chili flakes, fresh chili, or hot paprika to the seasoning mix—or use spicy chorizo!
Q: What to serve it with?
A: Crusty bread, couscous, rice, or a green salad all pair beautifully.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.