Jamie Oliver Cajun Chicken Tray Bake Recipe

Jamie Oliver’s Cajun Chicken Tray Bake is a simple, flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights or a casual weekend dinner. The Cajun seasoning adds a spicy, smoky flavor to the chicken, while the vegetables roast to perfection, creating a delicious one-pan meal. It’s easy to prepare, and since everything cooks in the same tray, clean-up is a breeze.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

• One-Pan Meal: This tray bake is convenient and minimizes cleanup.
• Bold Cajun Flavors: The Cajun spice mix adds a smoky, spicy kick to the chicken and vegetables.
• Healthy and Balanced: Packed with lean protein and nutritious vegetables.
• Customizable: You can easily switch up the vegetables or add your favorite ingredients.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish stores and reheats well, making it great for leftovers.

Other Jamie Oliver Recipes

• Jamie Oliver Greek Chicken Pasta
• Jamie Oliver Chicken Pie 30-Minute Meals

What is Jamie Oliver Cajun Chicken Tray Bake?

Jamie Oliver’s Cajun Chicken Tray Bake is a simple and flavorful one-pan dish made with chicken thighs or breasts seasoned with Cajun spices, along with roasted vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and potatoes. The Cajun seasoning gives the dish a vibrant, spicy kick, while the roasting process brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables and makes the chicken tender and juicy.

Jamie Oliver Cajun Chicken Tray Bake Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on) or 4 chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 red onion, cut into wedges
• 3 medium potatoes, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Jamie Oliver Cajun Chicken Tray Bake

Step 1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). This ensures the oven is hot and ready to roast the chicken and vegetables to perfection.

Step 2. Season the Chicken

In a small bowl, mix the Cajun seasoning, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the chicken thighs or breasts, making sure the seasoning coats the chicken evenly.

Step 3. Prepare the Vegetables

Place the chopped potatoes, bell peppers, and onion wedges on a large baking tray. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper. Add the minced garlic and toss the vegetables to coat them evenly.

Step 4. Arrange the Chicken and Vegetables on the Tray

Make space on the baking tray for the chicken. Nestle the seasoned chicken thighs or breasts among the vegetables. Place the lemon wedges around the tray for added flavor during roasting.

Step 5. Roast in the Oven

Place the tray in the preheated oven and roast for 35-40 minutes if using chicken thighs, or 25-30 minutes if using chicken breasts. Halfway through the cooking time, flip the chicken and give the vegetables a stir to ensure even cooking. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) and the skin is crispy and golden.

Step 6. Garnish and Serve

Remove the tray from the oven. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Squeeze the roasted lemon wedges over the chicken and vegetables for an extra burst of flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!

What to Serve with Jamie Oliver Cajun Chicken Tray Bake

• Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the chicken and roasted vegetables.
• Rice or Quinoa: Serve the Cajun chicken tray bake over rice or quinoa for a more filling meal.
• Crusty Bread: Enjoy with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices from the chicken and vegetables.
• Roasted Corn: Roasted corn on the cob complements the Cajun spices perfectly.
• Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the smoky, spicy flavors of the tray bake.

Expert Tips for Mastering Jamie Oliver Cajun Chicken Tray Bake

• Choose Bone-In Chicken for Juiciness: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts stay juicier during roasting and develop a crispy, flavorful skin.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Tray: Make sure the chicken and vegetables have enough space on the tray to roast properly. Overcrowding can cause steaming rather than roasting.
• Flip the Chicken: Halfway through cooking, flip the chicken and toss the vegetables to ensure they cook evenly and develop a nice, golden color.
• Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or add more for extra heat.
• Lemon for Extra Zing: The roasted lemon wedges add a delicious zing to the dish, so don’t skip this step.

Variations of Jamie Oliver Cajun Chicken Tray Bake

• Spicy Cajun Chicken: Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the Cajun seasoning for extra heat.
• Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the vegetables before roasting for extra aroma.
• Sweet Potatoes: Swap regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a sweeter flavor and added nutrients.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with tofu or hearty vegetables like cauliflower or portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian tray bake.
• BBQ Cajun Chicken: Brush the chicken with a little BBQ sauce during the last 10 minutes of roasting for a smoky-sweet twist.

How to Store Leftovers of Jamie Oliver Cajun Chicken Tray Bake

• Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the leftovers for up to 2 months. Place the chicken and vegetables in freezer-safe containers or bags. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Labeling: Always label your containers with the date to keep track of freshness.

How to Reheat Jamie Oliver Cajun Chicken Tray Bake Leftovers

• Oven: Reheat the chicken and vegetables in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Cover with foil to prevent the chicken from drying out.
• Microwave: Place the leftovers in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring between each interval, until heated through.
• Add Moisture: If the chicken becomes dry during reheating, add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.

Nutrition Value (per serving)

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 25g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 500mg

FAQs

Can I freeze Jamie Oliver Cajun Chicken Tray Bake?

Yes, you can freeze the Cajun chicken tray bake for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or bags. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How long does Jamie Oliver Cajun Chicken Tray Bake last in the fridge?

The dish will last up to 3 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. Be sure to reheat thoroughly before serving.

Can I use other vegetables in Jamie Oliver Cajun Chicken Tray Bake?

Absolutely! You can swap or add vegetables such as zucchini, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes. Just adjust the roasting time as needed based on the vegetable’s texture.

What can I serve with Jamie Oliver Cajun Chicken Tray Bake?

Serve this Cajun chicken tray bake with a green salad, rice, quinoa, or a slice of crusty bread. It pairs beautifully with roasted corn, coleslaw, or a refreshing cucumber salad.

Final Words

Jamie Oliver’s Cajun Chicken Tray Bake is an easy, flavorful, and satisfying dish that can be whipped up with minimal effort. The bold Cajun spices bring a smoky and slightly spicy kick to the tender chicken and roasted vegetables, making it a perfect all-in-one meal. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or hosting friends and family, this tray bake is sure to please everyone at the table!

More Jamie Oliver Recipes

• Jamie Oliver Chicken and Mushroom Puff Pie
• Jamie Oliver Chicken Pot Pie
• Jamie Oliver’s Mexican Chicken Tacos

Print

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
• Cuisine: Cajun
• Cooking Method: Roasting
• Category: Main Course
• Servings: 4 servings