Chicken Tray Bake Recipe

Juicy Chicken Tray Bake Recipe: Family-Favorite Dinner Magic

Crafting a delightful chicken tray bake brings effortless magic to your dinner table.

Weeknight meals demand simple solutions that pack maximum flavor.

Crispy edges and tender meat create a crowd-pleasing centerpiece you’ll adore.

Mediterranean herbs and bright lemon zest dance across succulent chicken pieces.

Minimal prep means maximum enjoyment for busy home cooks.

Seasonal vegetables roasted alongside the chicken make this dish a complete meal.

Savor every bite of this straightforward, nutritious culinary adventure that promises to become a regular favorite.

Why Mary Berry Chicken Tray Bake Is So Good

Why Mary Berry Chicken Tray Bake Is So Good
  • Simplify Meal Prep: This chicken tray bake transforms complex cooking into a straightforward, one-pan wonder that minimizes kitchen cleanup and reduces cooking stress.
  • Boost Flavor Complexity: Marinating chicken intensifies taste profiles, creating a delicious meal with layers of aromatic herbs and seasonings that elevate home cooking.
  • Nutritional Powerhouse: Combining protein-rich chicken with roasted vegetables delivers a balanced, wholesome dinner packed with essential nutrients and vibrant textures.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners, weekend gatherings, or casual entertaining, this recipe adapts easily to different dietary preferences and serves multiple people with minimal effort.

All You Need For Mary Berry Chicken Tray Bake

Protein:
  • Chicken Thighs: Tender meat that provides the main protein for this delicious tray bake.
Vegetables:
  • Fennel, Red Onion, Lemon: Fresh vegetables that add flavor and aromatic qualities to the dish.
Marinade and Sauce Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil, Salt, Black Pepper, Fennel Seeds: Seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the chicken and vegetables.
  • Cornflour: Helps to thicken the cooking juices into a smooth sauce.

Simple Steps To Cook Mary Berry Chicken Tray Bake

Simple Steps To Cook Mary Berry Chicken Tray Bake

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Marinade

Whisk together a vibrant blend of ingredients that will make your chicken sing with flavor. Select fresh herbs, zesty citrus, and aromatic spices to create a mouth-watering marinade that will transform your ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal.

  • Olive oil
  • Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme)
  • Lemon juice
  • Garlic
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Thoroughly coat each chicken piece, ensuring every surface is generously covered. Let the chicken absorb these delicious flavors by marinating in the refrigerator.

Step 2: Prepare Fennel Base

Slice fennel into elegant, uniform pieces. Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and gently add fennel. Cook until slightly tender but still maintaining a crisp texture. Carefully drain and set aside.

Step 3: Arrange Colorful Vegetable Canvas

Select a large baking tray and create a beautiful foundation of vegetables. Spread the parboiled fennel as your base layer, adding complementary vegetables like:
  • Bell peppers
  • Onions
  • Zucchini

Strategically place marinated chicken pieces atop this vibrant vegetable landscape.

Step 4: First Roasting Session

Slide the tray into a preheated oven. Roast at a high temperature to develop deep, caramelized flavors. Allow the chicken to turn golden and vegetables to soften and develop rich, roasted edges.

Step 5: Release Excess Moisture

Remove the tray and carefully drain any accumulated liquid. This step ensures your chicken and vegetables will crisp beautifully in the next roasting phase.

Step 6: Final Roasting Flourish

Return the tray to the oven for a final crisping session. Watch as the chicken skin turns perfectly golden and vegetables develop delightful caramelized edges.

Step 7: Create Luxurious Sauce

Collect the remaining pan juices and transform them into a silky, rich sauce. Whisk in cornstarch to create a glossy, flavorful accompaniment that ties the entire dish together.

Step 8: Plate and Serve

Artfully arrange the roasted chicken and vegetables on a serving platter. Drizzle the transformed pan sauce over the top, creating a restaurant-worthy presentation that will impress everyone at the table.

Helpful Tricks For Mary Berry Chicken Tray Bake

  • Maximize Flavor Infusion: Let chicken marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator to deepen the taste and tenderize the meat.
  • Prevent Soggy Vegetables: Pat fennel and other vegetables dry before roasting to ensure crispy, caramelized edges and avoid excess moisture.
  • Balance Cooking Temperatures: Use a hot oven (around 425°F) to create a golden-brown exterior while keeping the chicken juicy inside.
  • Control Sauce Consistency: Gradually add cornflour to juices, whisking constantly to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, glossy sauce.
  • Enhance Nutritional Value: Swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts or use tofu for a lighter, vegetarian-friendly version of the dish.

Creative Spins On Mary Berry Chicken Tray Bake

  • Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Replace fennel with roasted zucchini and bell peppers, use oregano and rosemary in marinade for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Substitute fennel with cauliflower florets, use olive oil and lemon marinade for a lighter, keto-friendly option.
  • Spicy Moroccan Style: Add harissa paste to marinade, include cumin and paprika, swap fennel for sweet potatoes for a warm, complex taste.
  • Vegetarian Alternative: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, keep vegetable base similar, adjust roasting time to prevent drying out.

Perfect Pairings For Mary Berry Chicken Tray Bake

  • Pair with Zesty White Wine: Crisp sauvignon blanc cuts through the rich chicken flavors, complementing the fennel's subtle anise notes and brightening the entire dish.
  • Complement with Fresh Herb Salad: Light, peppery greens like arugula with a lemon vinaigrette balance the roasted chicken's depth and provide a refreshing contrast.
  • Match with Creamy Potato Side: Soft, buttery mashed potatoes or roasted herbed potatoes absorb the flavorful pan juices and create a comforting accompaniment.
  • Enhance with Citrus Spritz: A small glass of sparkling water with fresh orange or lemon slice helps cleanse the palate between rich bites of the chicken tray bake.

How To Store Mary Berry Chicken Tray Bake The Right Way

  • Store leftover chicken tray bake in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
  • Portion chicken and vegetables separately in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Ensure to label with date.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken and vegetables in baking dish, cover with foil. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Transfer portion to microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm. Add splash of water to prevent drying out.

Mary Berry Chicken Tray Bake FAQs Answered

  • What are the key flavors in this chicken tray bake?

The dish combines tangy marinade with sweet roasted fennel, creating a balanced and aromatic meal with herbs and subtle spices.

  • Can I use different vegetables if I don't have fennel?

Yes, you can substitute fennel with root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, or potatoes that roast well and absorb the chicken’s delicious juices.

  • Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This tray bake is perfect for preparing ahead, as the chicken and vegetables can be marinated in advance and quickly roasted when needed.

  • How can I ensure the chicken stays moist during roasting?

Marinating the chicken beforehand and following the two-stage roasting method helps lock in moisture and prevent the meat from drying out.

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Chicken Tray Bake Recipe

Chicken Tray Bake Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Mediterranean Chicken Tray Bake brings succulent herbs and zesty flavors to your dinner table with minimal kitchen effort. Colorful vegetables and juicy chicken create a wholesome meal that delivers Mediterranean comfort in one simple pan.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 8 (1 kg / 2.14 lb) large skinless and boneless chicken thighs

Vegetables:

  • 1 fennel bulb, trimmed and sliced into 8 wedges
  • 2 small red peppers, deseeded and sliced
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 4 mild peppadew peppers, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh root ginger

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornflour
  • 4 tablespoons mango chutney
  • 2 teaspoons Chinese five-spice powder
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon

Instructions

  1. Whisk together marinade ingredients until thoroughly combined, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
  2. Submerge chicken pieces completely in marinade, covering every surface. Refrigerate for minimum 30 minutes to allow deep flavor penetration.
  3. Prepare fennel by trimming fronds and cutting into uniform wedges. Blanch in boiling water for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender, then immediately drain and cool.
  4. Select a large roasting tray and create a foundational layer of prepared vegetables, arranging them in a single, even spread.
  5. Position marinated chicken pieces strategically atop vegetable layer, ensuring maximum exposure to heat and even cooking.
  6. Transfer tray to preheated oven at 200°C. Roast for approximately 25 minutes, allowing chicken to develop golden exterior and vegetables to caramelize.
  7. Remove tray, carefully drain accumulated cooking liquids into a separate saucepan to prevent soggy vegetables.
  8. Return tray to oven for additional 10 minutes, enabling chicken to achieve crisp, bronzed skin and vegetables to intensify in flavor.
  9. While chicken rests, transform reserved cooking juices into a rich sauce by whisking in cornflour, simmering until desired consistency is reached.
  10. Plate chicken and roasted vegetables, drizzling thickened sauce over top for a glossy, appetizing finish.

Notes

  • Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh to create a vegetarian version that’s packed with protein and flavor.
  • Use gluten-free cornflour if you have celiac disease or wheat sensitivities to keep the sauce safe for all diets.
  • Slice fennel thinly for faster cooking and more even caramelization, which enhances its natural sweetness and texture.
  • Pat chicken dry before marinating to help the seasoning stick better and ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior when roasting.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: British

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 239 kcal
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 430 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 27 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Jackson Reid

Jackson Reid

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Single-serving recipe development
  • Global flavor fusion
  • Minimalist cooking techniques
  • Food photography and styling

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and hands-on kitchen training


Jackson’s love for cooking began one dish at a time. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Holyoke Community College’s HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he focused on what mattered most: creating recipes that are simple to follow and full of flavor.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Jackson brings together global influences and a less-is-more approach. His recipes reflect his belief that good food doesn’t need to be complicated; it just needs to make sense, taste great, and feel right.
When he’s not testing ingredients or adjusting seasonings, you’ll find him hiking near Asheville, exploring local markets, or chasing the best light for food photos.

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