Jamie Oliver's Italian-Inspired Chicken Traybake: A Midweek Delight
We’re excited to share a delightful recipe that captures the essence of Italian cooking with minimal effort. Jamie Oliver describes this dish as a “super-simple midweek traybake” that’s perfect for families or anyone looking to enjoy tasty leftovers. With its vibrant flavors and healthy ingredients, it’s a meal you’ll want to add to your rotation.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This traybake is not just about convenience; it also celebrates fresh ingredients that come together beautifully. The combination of succulent chicken, tender Jersey Royals, and ripe cherry tomatoes creates a balanced and satisfying dish. Plus, it’s gluten-free, making it accessible for a variety of dietary needs.
Nutritional Benefits
Each serving packs a punch with 600 calories, providing a hearty mix of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. With ingredients like fresh basil and olive oil, this dish not only tastes great but also offers essential nutrients.
Ingredients
- 1 red onion
- 1 lemon
- 4 free-range chicken thighs or drumsticks (skin-on, bone-in)
- 300g Jersey Royals (or any waxy potatoes)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 15g fresh basil leaves
- 250g mixed-colour cherry tomatoes
- ½ tsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp sundried tomato pesto
- 30g rocket (arugula)
Method
Preheat the Oven: Start by heating your oven to 200°C (gas mark 6, fan 180°C).
Prepare the Ingredients: Peel and quarter the red onion, then place it in a roasting dish (about 28 x 37cm). Add some grated lemon zest and squeeze in the juice of half the lemon.
Assemble the Dish: Add the chicken and the Jersey Royals to the dish, cutting any larger potatoes in half. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper, and mix everything until well coated. Spread it out into an even layer.
Roast: Place the dish in the oven and roast for 1 hour.
Add Fresh Ingredients: For the last 10 minutes, pick the basil leaves and halve the cherry tomatoes. Add them to the roasting dish to enhance the flavors and add a burst of freshness.
Make the Dressing: While the dish finishes cooking, combine the remaining lemon juice with the extra-virgin olive oil in a small bowl. Season with a pinch of sea salt and black pepper.
Serve: Once the chicken is golden and cooked through, remove the dish from the oven. Dot the pesto over the top, toss the rocket in the lemon dressing, and serve it alongside the traybake.
Enjoy Your Meal!
This recipe not only makes for a delicious dinner but also ensures that you can enjoy the flavors of Italy without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or saving some for later, Jamie’s traybake is a fantastic choice for any night of the week. Enjoy!
