Harissa Chicken Traybake

How to Prepare Harissa Chicken Traybake – Step-by-Step Guide

Complete, straightforward guidelines and measurements are presented in the recipe card at the end of this article.

Step One

Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (fan-assisted) and prepare a large baking tray.

Ensure the tray is sufficiently large to accommodate everything in a single layer – overcrowding will lead to the vegetables steaming instead of roasting.

Step Two

Put the halved baby potatoes, diced peppers, and chunks of red onion into a large mixing bowl. Add half of the olive oil, half of the harissa paste, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper.

Step Three

Blend thoroughly to ensure that everything is uniformly coated.

Step Four

Transfer the vegetables onto the baking tray and distribute them evenly, placing the potatoes cut-side down whenever possible to aid in crisping. Roast in the oven for 20 minutes, giving them a head start so the potatoes softens and change color.

Step Five

While the vegetables are roasting, incorporate the mini chicken breast fillets into the same mixing bowl (no need to clean it). Add the remaining olive oil and harissa, along with another pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well to ensure the chicken is thoroughly coated. If time permits, allow it to marinate for 10–15 minutes for enhanced flavor.

Step Six

Once the vegetables have been roasting for 20 minutes, carefully take the tray out of the oven and give everything a good stir to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.

Step Seven

Place the chicken fillets on top of the vegetables, spacing them appropriately so they cook uniformly. Return the tray to the oven and bake for 10 minutes.

Step Eight

Take the tray out again and sprinkle the vine cherry tomatoes over. Adding them later in the cooking process prevents them from becoming overly soft while allowing them to slightly burst and release their juices. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the potatoes are tender.

Step Nine

Verify that the chicken has achieved 75°C in the center using a meat thermometer. If you lack one, ensure the juices run clear and there is no pink in the thickest section. If necessary, return to the oven for a few more minutes.

Step Ten

Once fully cooked, take from the oven and allow to rest for a few minutes before serving. For added flavor, you might finish with a squeeze of lemon juice, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or serve with a dollop of natural yogurt to balance the mild heat of the harissa.