Top 12+ easy chicken tray bake recipes for a hassle-free dinner
What’s not to love about a chicken tray bake? They’re the ultimate dump-and-bake dinner. They’re easy to prepare, full of flavour, and something the whole family can enjoy together with barely any washing up.
Cooking chicken on a tray allows for even heat distribution, resulting in juicy, evenly cooked meat every time. The combination of dry heat and direct contact with the tray creates a crispy, golden outer layer while keeping the inside tender and moist.
The best temperature to bake chicken is generally between 190°C and 220°C, though the exact temperature and cooking time will vary depending on the cut, size, and recipe.
Should you cover chicken pieces when baking?
Should you cover chicken when baking? That depends.
Here are some guidelines to make cooking a chicken tray bake easier.
- Uncovered: Baking chicken pieces uncovered allows the skin to crisp up and become golden brown, resulting in a delicious texture and appearance.
- Covered: Covering chicken pieces with foil during baking helps retain moisture and prevent drying out. Use this method for more delicate cuts, or when a sauce or marinade needs time to infuse the chicken.
Chicken tray bake recipes
(Photography: Con Poulos, Styling: Lucy Busuttil)
Butter chicken is a favourite takeaway option. But, if it’s not the weekend, or you don’t feel like going over budget, this recipe is just as easy to make at home.
chicken tray bake
Chicken and potatoes roasted with plenty of herbs, garlic and olive oil make for an incredibly flavourful midweek meal. And adding the thickly sliced halloumi, a drizzle of honey, and vinegar elevates the dish to something special.
sausage chicken traybake
This roast chicken, sausage, and capsicum one-tray bake recipe is simple to make and diabetic-friendly. This low-carb Italian-inspired dish roasts and caramelises to perfection.
chicken thigh tray bake
Maple syrup brings out the sweet notes in this classic oven-baked chicken thigh recipe with sweet potato wedges and Brussels Sprouts dish.
roast chicken and vegetables tray bake
chicken divan
With chicken and broccoli smothered in Mornay sauce, topped with cheesy breadcrumbs, there’s plenty to love about the ’70s classic chicken divan.
chicken macaroni bake easy dinner recipe
A quick and easy weekday meal that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight. This one-pan tray bake is a comforting and satisfying dinner option with creamy ranch dressing, succulent barbecue chicken, and crispy bacon, all mingling with perfectly cooked macaroni.
thai spiced cocobut chicken
Slash the chicken before putting it in the oven to help it cook more quickly and evenly for your easy, tasty chook-and-rice midweek dinner winner.
BHG Food shoot | Tues 22 April | July issue (Credits: (Photography Tim Roberts Styling Lucy Busuttil Recipes Clare Maguire + Sarah Murphy))
This apricot chicken traybake is a no-fuss, one-tray wonder that brings comfort and bold flavour to the table with minimal cleanup.
classic chicken casserole in tray bake pan
chicken casserole
This hearty Italian-inspired casserole slow-braises golden skin-on chicken pieces with white wine, tomatoes, garlic, and a kick of chilli, then finishes them in the oven until fall-off-the-bone tender. It’s the kind of low-fuss, big-flavour dish that does all the work for you.
Chicken tray bake FAQs
Cooking time depends on the cut; bone-in chicken pieces generally take 45–60 minutes at 200°C, while boneless thighs or breasts take around 25–35 minutes.
It depends on the result you’re after. Leaving it uncovered gives you crispy, golden skin, while covering with foil retains moisture — useful if you’re cooking with a sauce or marinade.
