Cajun Chicken and Chorizo Traybake Onepan Wonder
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a taste of Louisiana without leaving your kitchen? Honestly, who doesn't? This Cajun chicken traybake is packed with flavour. It also has a delicious kick of spice.
Brief Overview
Cajun cuisine is all about bold flavours and hearty dishes. This recipe, taking inspiration from a Louisiana chicken recipe blends the warmth of southern comfort food and the easiness of a midweek meal.
It's easy, done in under an hour, and feeds four hungry souls.
Main Benefits
This One-Pan Chicken Dinner is loaded with veggies. The protein from chicken and chorizo provides all the right nutrients. Serve it up for a stress free family dinner.
What makes it special? The incredible Cajun spice mix recipe !
Get Your Cajun On with This Traybake!
Have you ever just craved something spicy and comforting at the same time? This Cajun Chicken and Chorizo Traybake hits the spot every time.
It's a vibrant, flavourful dish. You only need one pan, meaning less washing up!
This recipe brings the spirit of Louisiana to your table. It's a celebration of simple ingredients and bold spices. This dish is perfect for a Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner on a busy weeknight.
One of the best things about this recipe is its adaptability. You can easily adjust the spice level to your liking.
This Spicy Chicken Traybake will be a regular feature in your meal rotation. You can adjust the level of cayenne pepper to find your perfect kick.
Ingredients for Your Cajun Adventure
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (45ml)
- 4 tablespoons Cajun Spice Mix/Rub (pre-made, or see variations for a homemade blend) (60ml)
- 8 chicken thighs, skin-on, bone-in (approximately 1kg total) OR 12 chicken drumsticks (approx. 1kg total)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 medium sweet potato (approx. 450g / 1 lb), cut into 1.5cm / ½ inch cubes
- 2 red bell peppers, cut into large chunks
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into large chunks
- 2 small red onions, each cut into 8 wedges
- 150g / 5.3 oz chorizo, cut into rounds approximately 0.5cm / ¼ inch thick
- Fresh coriander or parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Now, don't be scared if you haven't got everything on the list. I have made this Chicken and Vegetable Traybake with whatever I had in the fridge.
I use my homemade blend of spices for this Easy Cajun Chicken Recipe . Its so easy and adds an extra personal touch!
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!
Right, so before we get this show on the road, let's talk about what you'll need for this wicked Cajun chicken traybake .
Don't worry, it's nothing too fancy. Remember, this is all about getting that delicious Louisiana flavour with minimal fuss a proper One-Pan Chicken Dinner .
Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Matter
- Olive oil: 3 tablespoons (45ml) . Go for a decent one, it makes a difference.
- Cajun spice mix : 4 tablespoons (60ml) . This is the magic dust. Quality really matters here. Try and find a good one, or even better, make your own Cajun Spice Mix Recipe !
- Chicken thighs: 8, skin-on, bone-in (approx. 1kg total) . These bad boys are the best for flavour and staying juicy. Or, 12 chicken drumsticks (approx. 1kg total) if you are after something different.
- Salt and pepper: To taste. You know the drill.
- Sweet potato: 1 medium (approx. 450g / 1 lb) , cubed.
- Bell peppers: 2 red, 1 green , chunky cut. The more colourful, the better!
- Red onions: 2 small , wedged.
- Chorizo: 150g / 5.3 oz , sliced. Adds a lovely Spicy Chicken Traybake kick.
- Fresh coriander or parsley: For garnish, optional. Makes it look all fancy pants.
Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!
The Cajun spice is key here. Honestly, experiment with different brands. They all taste slightly different. This can make for the perfect base for the ultimate Easy Cajun Chicken Recipe ! If you're feeling brave, make your own.
Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper... bash it all together. Don't be shy with the seasoning.
It's Cajun food; we need that Louisiana Chicken Recipe flavour! If you don't have one of the above spices, don't sweat it, just replace by a similar one.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
Okay, you'll need:
- A large mixing bowl. For coating the chicken.
- A large roasting tray. Big enough for everything, or two smaller ones. Don't overcrowd it, or the veg will steam.
- A sharp knife. Obvs.
- A chopping board. Again, obvs.
That's it! No fancy gadgets needed for this Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner . A Chicken and Vegetable Traybake is surprisingly straightforward.
If you don't have a roasting tray, a large baking dish will do the trick. Now, let's get cooking!
Let's Get Cooking: Cajun Chicken and Chorizo Traybake
Fancy a One-Pan Chicken Dinner that’s packed with flavour? You’ve come to the right place, my friend. This Cajun chicken traybake is pure comfort food, but with a bit of a kick.
Honestly, this is one of those recipes that looks fancy but it’s secretly dead easy to make.
Prep Steps: Your "Mise en Place" Sorted
First things first. Let's get all our bits and bobs ready. Chop your sweet potato into 1.5cm cubes, slice those peppers, and quarter your onions.
Mix up that glorious Cajun spice mix. Time saving tip : Prep your veggies the night before. This will keep you sorted.
And seriously, don't skimp on patting the chicken dry. This is key to getting that crispy skin we all crave.
step-by-step: Cajun Chicken Traybake Magic
- Preheat your oven to a toasty 220° C/ 200° C fan/Gas Mark 7 .
- Spice up your chicken. Mix 1 tbsp of oil with 2 tbsp of Cajun spice . Coat those thighs.
- Load up your tray! Toss the veggies with the remaining oil and spice.
- Spread veggies evenly. Then, place the chicken thighs on top, skin side up.
- Roast for 25 minutes .
- Add the chorizo, give the veggies a stir, and pop it all back in for another 15- 20 minutes .
- Chicken’s done when it hits 74° C ( 165° F) . Always check this!
- Garnish with fresh coriander or parsley.
Pro Tips for a Traybake Triumph
Don't overcrowd the pan, or you'll end up steaming everything. This recipe is an Easy Cajun Chicken Recipe. If you can’t find chorizo, andouille sausage will do the trick.
Oh, and if you are after a Spicier Chicken Traybake, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice mix.
Common mistake alert : overcooking the chicken. Use a meat thermometer! Speaking from experience, nobody wants dry chicken.
You know, I once forgot to preheat my oven properly, and everything took twice as long. Lesson learned! This recipe for Cajun Chicken and Chorizo Traybake is so versatile.
You can throw in any veggies you like, really.
With this Quick Chicken Traybake, the benefits are that its super easy and its tastes great. make-ahead option : you can marinate the chicken overnight for extra flavour.
It would make this Louisiana Chicken Recipe just explode with flavour.
Honestly, this Chicken Thigh Traybake is so good, it's almost criminal. It will leave you wanting to come back for more.
Recipe Notes for Your Cajun Chicken Traybake
Right, so you're gonna nail this Cajun chicken traybake . Honestly, it's practically foolproof! But here are a few extra bits to make it absolutely banging.
It all started because I wanted an easy One-Pan Chicken Dinner .
Serving This Spicy Chicken Traybake Like a Pro
Plating is easy peasy. Just chuck everything onto a plate. No, seriously! For presentation, a sprinkle of fresh coriander or parsley goes a long way.
I sometimes like to serve it with a dollop of soured cream. It cools down the spice.
As for sides, think coleslaw. Something creamy and cool. Corny bread is also divine. A simple green salad balances the richness.
And don't forget a beverage. A crisp lager or even a chilled glass of white wine is perfect. This Chicken and Vegetable Traybake is a complete meal, really.
Storage: Keepin' It Fresh
Got leftovers? No worries. Pop the Cajun chicken and chorizo traybake into an airtight container. It'll happily sit in the fridge for up to three days.
Fancy freezing it? Go for it! Though the texture of the sweet potatoes might change a bit. Make sure it cools completely first.
Thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat in the oven at 180 degrees Celsius until piping hot. You can also microwave it, but the chicken skin might not be as crispy.
Mix It Up: Easy Cajun Chicken Recipe Variations
Want to tweak the recipe? Easy! For a lower carb version, swap the sweet potatoes for cauliflower. Works a treat! Or you can replace the chicken with firm tofu.
It becomes a vegan option.
If you fancy using different vegetables try seasonal butternut squash or courgettes. My auntie loves to make Louisiana Chicken Recipe with a mix of cherry tomatoes and asparagus!
Nutrition Stuff
This Chicken Thigh Traybake is actually pretty decent. It's packed with protein from the chicken and chorizo. There are also vitamins and fibre from the veggies.
Remember, the spice mix can be high in sodium. So, check the label. Cajun Spice Mix Recipe is crucial!
I've looked up the nutritional info, and we are looking at around 657 kcal, 40g of protein, and 45g of fat per serving! Note: Sodium content will vary greatly depending on the Cajun spice blend used.
Check the label.
Okay, so go on and give this a whirl. Honestly, the Cajun chicken and chorizo traybake is dead simple and totally delicious. You’ve got this! You'll love this Quick Chicken Traybake .
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make sure my Cajun chicken traybake doesn't end up dry?
Nobody wants dry chicken, that's a fate worse than a soggy biscuit! To keep your Cajun chicken traybake juicy, make sure you don't overcrowd the pan - give everything room to roast, not steam.
Also, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are more forgiving than breasts, and using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F) will prevent overcooking.
Can I prepare the Cajun chicken traybake ahead of time?
Absolutely, you can get a head start like a contestant on Bake Off! You can chop the vegetables and mix the spice rub a day in advance, storing them separately in the fridge. You can also marinate the chicken with the spice rub in the fridge for up to 24 hours; this will allow the flavours to deepen.
What can I substitute if I don't have all the ingredients for the Cajun chicken traybake?
No worries, let's be resourceful like they are on Ready Steady Cook. If you don't have sweet potato, try using regular potatoes or butternut squash. Andouille sausage works great in place of chorizo. If you're missing red onions, yellow or white onions are perfectly fine.
How spicy is the Cajun chicken traybake recipe?
The spiciness really depends on the Cajun spice mix you use, as they can vary a lot! Some are fiery hot, while others are milder. To control the heat, start with less Cajun spice and add more to taste as you go. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce if you fancy turning up the heat a bit.
How should I store leftover Cajun chicken traybake?
Store any leftover Cajun chicken traybake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly in the oven, microwave or air fryer until piping hot. You can also shred the chicken and use it in wraps, salads, or sandwiches for a tasty lunch!
Is this Cajun chicken traybake recipe healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?
This recipe can be part of a balanced diet. It contains protein from the chicken, fiber and vitamins from the vegetables, and healthy fats from the olive oil and chicken skin (if you eat it!). Be mindful of the sodium content, as some Cajun spice blends can be high in salt.
You can reduce the fat by using chicken breast instead of thighs, or by removing the skin after cooking.
Cajun Chicken And Chorizo Traybake Onepan Wonder
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 657 kcal |
|---|---|
| Fat | 45g |
| Fiber | 4g |
