When the week gets busy, the last thing you want is to spend hours in the kitchen. That's where chicken tray bake recipes come to the rescue! Not only are they simple and require minimal prep time, but they also make for an easy clean-up. Plus, these one-pan wonders are nutritious and can be customized to suit your taste. In this post, we'll dive into 10 easy chicken tray bake recipes that are perfect for those busy weeknights. 🍽️
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What is a Chicken Tray Bake?
A chicken tray bake is a dish where chicken is cooked along with various vegetables, spices, and sometimes sauces all in one tray. This cooking method not only enhances the flavors as they meld together, but it also cuts down on the number of dishes you need to clean afterward.
Benefits of Chicken Tray Bakes
- Quick Preparation: Just chop, season, and throw everything on a tray!
- Minimal Cleanup: One tray, one bowl – it couldn’t be easier! 🧼
- Versatile: You can use different veggies, spices, and marinades each time.
- Healthy: Incorporating various vegetables keeps the meal nutritious. 🥦
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1. Lemon Herb Chicken Tray Bake
This fresh and zesty dish is perfect for those summer evenings.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs
- 2 cups of cherry tomatoes
- 1 lemon (sliced)
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme)
- Olive oil
- Salt & pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place chicken and vegetables on a baking tray.
- Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt, pepper, and herbs.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Lemon Herb Chicken Tray Bake" alt="Lemon Herb Chicken Tray Bake" /> </div>
2. Honey Mustard Chicken and Veggies
A sweet and savory delight that kids will love!
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 cups of mixed veggies (carrots, green beans)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup mustard
- Olive oil
- Salt & pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Whisk honey and mustard together.
- Arrange chicken and veggies on a tray; pour the mixture over.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes.
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Honey Mustard Chicken and Veggies" alt="Honey Mustard Chicken and Veggies" /> </div>
3. Spanish Chicken Tray Bake
Bring the vibrant flavors of Spain to your dinner table.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken drumsticks
- 1 bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 onion (sliced)
- 1 cup of olives
- Paprika
- Olive oil
- Salt & pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Combine all ingredients on a baking tray.
- Sprinkle with paprika and drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake for 40 minutes.
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Spanish Chicken Tray Bake" alt="Spanish Chicken Tray Bake" /> </div>
4. Garlic Butter Chicken Bake
Rich and buttery, this dish is comfort food at its best. 🧄
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 head of garlic (cloves separated)
- 1 cup baby potatoes
- Butter
- Fresh parsley
- Salt & pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place chicken, garlic, and potatoes on a tray.
- Dot with butter, season with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes.
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Garlic Butter Chicken Bake" alt="Garlic Butter Chicken Bake" /> </div>
5. Mediterranean Chicken Tray Bake
Enjoy the sun-drenched flavors of the Mediterranean!
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 zucchini (sliced)
- 1 eggplant (sliced)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- Feta cheese
- Olive oil
- Oregano
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange chicken and vegetables on a tray; sprinkle with feta and oregano.
- Drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Mediterranean Chicken Tray Bake" alt="Mediterranean Chicken Tray Bake" /> </div>
6. Teriyaki Chicken Tray Bake
A delightful Asian twist that’s both savory and sweet. 🍚
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup snap peas
- 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
- Sesame seeds
- Green onions
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place chicken and vegetables on a tray; pour teriyaki sauce over.
- Bake for 30 minutes; sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Teriyaki Chicken Tray Bake" alt="Teriyaki Chicken Tray Bake" /> </div>
7. Italian Chicken and Potato Bake
Savor the flavors of Italy in this hearty dish. 🇮🇹
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken legs
- 2 cups potatoes (cubed)
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- Italian seasoning
- Olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Combine chicken, potatoes, and tomatoes on a tray.
- Season with Italian herbs and drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake for 45 minutes.
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Italian Chicken and Potato Bake" alt="Italian Chicken and Potato Bake" /> </div>
8. BBQ Chicken Tray Bake
Perfect for a casual family meal!
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup corn
- 1 red onion (sliced)
- BBQ sauce
- Olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange chicken, corn, and onions on a baking tray.
- Coat with BBQ sauce.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=BBQ Chicken Tray Bake" alt="BBQ Chicken Tray Bake" /> </div>
9. Creamy Mushroom Chicken Bake
Rich, creamy, and utterly delicious! 🍄
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup mushrooms (sliced)
- 1 cup cream
- Garlic powder
- Fresh thyme
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place chicken and mushrooms on a tray.
- Pour cream over and sprinkle with garlic powder and thyme.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Creamy Mushroom Chicken Bake" alt="Creamy Mushroom Chicken Bake" /> </div>
10. One-Pan Chicken Fajitas
A flavorful dish that brings the fiesta to your dinner table! 🌶️
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts (sliced)
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 green bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 onion (sliced)
- Fajita seasoning
- Olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Mix chicken and veggies on a tray; sprinkle with fajita seasoning.
- Drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake for 25 minutes.
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=One-Pan Chicken Fajitas" alt="One-Pan Chicken Fajitas" /> </div>
By incorporating these 10 easy chicken tray bake recipes into your meal rotation, you can save time and still enjoy delicious, wholesome meals during those busy weeknights. Whether you're in the mood for something savory, sweet, or spicy, there's a tray bake here for everyone! Happy cooking! 🥳