Butter Chicken Tray Bake Magic ✨
Tray bakes are the secret weapon in every home cook’s arsenal. They’re incredibly versatile and perfect for those who want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, they’re a lifesaver for busy weeknights when you just want to toss everything together and let the oven do its thing. With this Butter Chicken Tray Bake, we’re taking all the rich, creamy goodness of classic butter chicken and giving it a simplified, oven-baked twist.
Why You’ll Love This Butter Chicken Tray Bake ❤️
- One-Pan Meal: Less mess, less stress. You just need one baking tray, and you’re good to go. Easy to prepare and even easier to clean up. 🙌
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with veggies like cauliflower and chickpeas, this dish is a great way to sneak in those extra nutrients. 🥦🍲
- Family-Friendly: With the mild yet flavorful marinade, this dish is perfect for all palates, from little ones to grandparents. 👨👩👧👦
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Butter Chicken Tray Bake 🥘
- Marinade Magic: Let your chicken marinate for at least an hour if you have the time. This allows the spices to really penetrate and infuse the meat, making it juicy and tender. If you’re short on time, even a quick 15-minute marinade will do wonders.
- Mix It Up: You don’t have to stick to chicken legs. Thighs, drumsticks, or even a whole cut-up chicken will work beautifully. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Veggie Variations: Feel free to add in any extra veggies you have lying around – carrots, potatoes, or sweet potatoes would all be delicious additions and add more texture to the dish.
Best Ingredients for This Dish 🍗
- Chicken: Free-range chicken has a more robust flavour, and the dark meat from thighs or drumsticks stays moist and succulent, perfect for baking.
- Yoghurt: A full-fat plain yoghurt is best for the marinade as it adds richness and helps tenderise the chicken.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred as you can control the salt level more accurately. It’s also the secret ingredient that gives the tray bake its luxurious, creamy texture.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions 🍽️
This Butter Chicken Tray Bake is a meal on its own, but here are some ideas to round out your feast:
- Serve with Naan Bread: Perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce. 🫓
- Rice: A side of steamed basmati rice complements the dish beautifully. The fluffy grains will soak up the buttery sauce perfectly. 🍚
- Raita: A cooling cucumber yoghurt sauce balances the spices in the bake and adds a refreshing element to your meal.
Similar Recipes to Try Next
If you’re loving this Butter Chicken Tray Bake, why not explore some other similar recipes that bring a burst of flavour to your table?
Don’t Forget to Share! 📸
So there you have it, my delicious and simple Butter Chicken Tray Bake! This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or even a dinner party with friends. The kids will love it, and it’s sure to become a new family favourite. 🥰
If you make this Butter Chicken Tray Bake, snap a photo and share it with me on Instagram @steph_cooks_stuff . I love seeing your creations! 🌟
Happy cooking, everyone! 🍳
Butter Chicken Tray Bake
- Total Time: 50
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Hey, foodies! 🍴 It’s Day 5 of my 10 Days of Tray Bakes series, and today I’m sharing a mouth-watering Butter Chicken Tray Bake that’s sure to impress! 🍗✨
Ingredients
**Marinade:**
- 1 cup plain yoghurt 🍦
- Juice of 1 lemon 🍋
- 2 tbsp smokey paprika 🌶️
- 1 tbsp cardamom 💚
- 1 tbsp garam masala 🧡
- 2 tsp salt 🧂
**Tray Bake:**
- 1 head cauliflower 🥦
- 1 can chickpeas, drained 🍲
- 8 chicken legs (or any cut you prefer!) 🍗
- 125 g diced butter 🧈
Instructions
- Mix your marinade ingredients together in a bowl.
- Place cauliflower florets, chickpeas, and chicken in your baking tray.
- Pour the marinade over and mix to ensure everything is well coated.
- Sprinkle over your butter cubes.
- Pop it in your oven at 200°C for 40 minutes, and voilà! Your Butter Chicken Tray Bake is ready to devour! 😋
This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or a dinner party with friends. The kids will love it! Let me know if you try it out, and don’t forget to share your creations with me!
Happy cooking! 🍳
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 40
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Australian
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Swap out the chicken for firm tofu or additional veggies like mushrooms and potatoes for a hearty vegetarian version.
Yes, you can marinate the chicken and veggies up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the fridge. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to cook!
Leftovers will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. They can be reheated in the oven or microwave. Leftover chicken and veggies are also great in wraps or on top of salads.