Mediterranean Chicken Tray Bake: Why You’ll Love This
Let’s be honest – who doesn’t love a good tray bake? It’s the ultimate answer to busy weeknights when you want something hearty and wholesome without spending hours in the kitchen. This Mediterranean Chicken Tray Bake ticks all the boxes: it’s easy, flavourful, healthy, and oh-so-satisfying. Here’s why this recipe will become your new go-to:
- Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavour: With just a few simple steps, this dish comes together in no time. You’ll be amazed at how much flavour develops with minimal effort. That’s the beauty of Mediterranean cooking – it’s all about letting those fresh ingredients shine. 🍋🌿
- Perfectly Juicy Chicken: The chicken thighs are marinated in olive oil, salt, and cumin, giving them a rich, earthy flavour. Baking them on top of the risoni allows the juices to seep down, infusing the entire dish with incredible depth. You’ll be fighting over the last piece, I promise!
- Veggie Heaven: This tray bake is loaded with Mediterranean staples like capsicum, cherry tomatoes, and Kalamata olives. These veggies not only add vibrant colour but also bring a delightful sweetness and tang that perfectly complements the savoury chicken. 🥒🍅
- One Tray Wonder: Everything cooks together in one tray, which means less mess, fewer dishes, and more time to relax. Who doesn’t love that?
Tips for the Best Mediterranean Chicken Tray Bake
To make sure your Mediterranean Chicken Tray Bake turns out perfect every time, here are some handy tips:
- Use Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken Thighs: They stay juicy and tender during baking, plus the skin crisps up beautifully for that extra crunch. If you prefer boneless thighs or even chicken breasts, just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they don’t dry out.
- Quality Olive Oil is Key: Since olive oil is a major player in this dish, opt for a good-quality extra virgin olive oil. It will make a noticeable difference in flavour. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you! 🌿
- Don’t Skip the Lemon: Lemon slices not only add a zesty kick but also help tenderize the chicken and balance out the richness. It’s a simple addition that makes a world of difference.
- Get Creative with Veggies: While this recipe calls for capsicum, onions, and cherry tomatoes, feel free to mix it up! Zucchini, eggplant, or even artichokes would be fabulous in this dish.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Mediterranean Chicken Tray Bake is pretty much a complete meal on its own, but if you want to round it out a bit more, here are a few ideas:
- Serve with a Side Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette would pair wonderfully, adding a crisp, fresh contrast to the warm, savoury tray bake.
- Crusty Bread: Mop up all those delicious juices with a slice of crusty bread. A loaf of sourdough or a warm pita would be perfect. 🍞
- Wine Pairing: A light, crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio would complement the bright flavours of this dish beautifully. If you’re a red wine lover, try a Grenache or a light-bodied Pinot Noir.
Similar Recipes You Might Enjoy
If you loved this Mediterranean Chicken Tray Bake, here are a few more easy, delicious dinner ideas to try:
I hope you enjoy making this Mediterranean Chicken Tray Bake as much as I do! If you try it, don’t forget to take a picture and share it with me on Instagram @steph_cooks_stuff. I can’t wait to see your delicious creations! 🍽️📸
Happy cooking! 💕
Mediterranean Chicken Tray Bake
- Total Time: 45
Description
Hey everyone! 🎉 I just whipped up this delicious Mediterranean Chicken Tray Bake and I couldn’t wait to share it with you all! It’s the perfect blend of juicy chicken, vibrant veggies, and aromatic spices, all baked in one tray for the ultimate easy dinner. Here’s how you can recreate this magic in your own kitchen! ✨
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 cup risoni (or orzo for those who know it by that name!)
- 2 cups stock, hot and ready to go
- 1 onion, finely sliced
- 1 capsicum, sliced into rings
- 200g cherry tomatoes, whole and ripe
- 350g jar Kalamata olives, drained
- 1 lemon, sliced for that zesty kick
Instructions
- First, take your chicken thighs and show them some love with olive oil, salt, and cumin. Get in there and massage those spices in; let’s flavor town know we’re coming!
- Grab a baking tray and pour in your risoni, followed by the boiling stock. Give it a gentle stir to make sure they’re going to be best friends.
- Layer on the onion, capsicum, cherry tomatoes, olives, and lemon slices. It’s like a party on a tray!
- Place your seasoned chicken thighs on top, like they’re sunbathing on a beach of deliciousness.
- Cover with foil and pop into the oven at 200°C for 25 minutes. Then, unveil it to the world (or just your kitchen) and bake for another 10 minutes to get that golden glow.
- Remove the chicken, give the risoni and veggies a good mix to ensure they’ve soaked up all those flavors.
And voilà! Your Mediterranean Chicken Tray Bake is ready to impress. Not only is it bursting with flavor, but it’s also super easy to make. Perfect for weeknights, impressing guests, or just treating yourself because you deserve it!
Dig in and enjoy the fruits of your minimal labor. Can’t wait to see your versions of this dish! 🍴💖
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Australian
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! While I recommend bone-in, skin-on thighs for maximum juiciness, you can use drumsticks, breasts, or even boneless thighs. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.
Yes, you can! This dish is great for meal prep. Assemble everything in the tray, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C until warmed through. This dish also freezes well; just defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.