This Mediterranean Chicken Traybake is a flavorful, one-pan meal packed with tender roasted chicken thighs, crispy Charlotte potatoes, and vibrant Mediterranean ingredients like olives, feta, and oregano. A splash of white wine and fresh lemon wedges add a bright and zesty touch, making this dish perfect for an easy yet impressive weeknight dinner. Plus, with minimal prep and easy cleanup, it’s a no-fuss recipe the whole family will love!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

750g Charlotte potatoes, halved lengthways
3 tbsp olive oil, divided
1 red onion, cut into wedges
1 bulb garlic, cloves separated
1 lemon, cut into wedges
8 whole chicken thighs
12 baby plum tomatoes, halved
A small glass of white wine
A handful of mixed olives (green and Kalamata)
100g feta, sliced
A handful of fresh oregano leaves
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions

Preheat the oven to 200°C (fan 180°C/gas 6).
Prepare the potatoes – Place them in a large roasting tray, drizzle with 2 tbsp of olive oil, season with salt and black pepper, and toss to coat. Roast for 20 minutes.
Add the main ingredients – Add the red onion wedges, garlic cloves, lemon wedges, and chicken thighs to the tray. Drizzle with another 1 tbsp of olive oil, season again, and roast for another 20 minutes.
Increase the heat – Remove the tray from the oven and turn the temperature up to 220°C (fan 200°C/gas 7).
Final roasting – Add the halved tomatoes, white wine, and mixed olives to the tray, then return it to the oven for a final 20 minutes, until the chicken is crisp and golden.
Finish and serve – Sprinkle over the sliced feta and fresh oregano, drizzle with a little more olive oil, and serve immediately.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

Calories: 582 kcal
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 44.8g
Sugars: 8.3g
Fibre: 7.2g
Protein: 33.7g
Salt: 1g

Why Choose a Traybake?

The beauty of a traybake lies in its simplicity and ease of preparation. This Mediterranean Chicken Traybake requires only one tray for the entire cooking process, meaning minimal prep time and even less cleanup afterward. In addition to the ease of preparation, traybakes allow the ingredients to roast together, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly. For a busy family, this recipe is ideal as it offers an effortless way to prepare a meal that is both nutritious and packed with flavor. The method of roasting everything in a single tray ensures that the chicken, potatoes, and vegetables all cook to perfection, absorbing the rich, aromatic juices from the other ingredients.

The Chicken: Tender, Juicy, and Full of Flavor

The chicken thighs are the star of this dish. Chicken thighs are known for their juicy, tender texture, and they hold up well to the roasting process. Unlike chicken breasts, which can dry out if overcooked, chicken thighs remain moist and flavorful, making them perfect for dishes like this traybake. In this recipe, the chicken thighs are seasoned simply with olive oil, salt, and black pepper, but their true flavor is elevated by the accompanying ingredients.

As the chicken roasts, it absorbs the juices from the garlic, onion, lemon, and olives, creating a rich, savory flavor that perfectly complements the crispiness of the potatoes. The skin crisps up beautifully in the oven, adding a delightful contrast to the tender meat beneath. The result is a chicken that’s both flavorful and juicy, with a golden, crispy exterior and a tender, succulent interior.

The Potatoes: Crispy, Golden, and Comforting

Potatoes are a key component of any great traybake, and this recipe uses Charlotte potatoes, which are known for their waxy texture. This makes them ideal for roasting, as they hold their shape and don’t become too soft or mushy. The potatoes are halved lengthways and roasted until golden brown and crispy on the outside, while remaining tender and fluffy on the inside.

The secret to perfectly crispy potatoes in a traybake is the generous use of olive oil, which not only helps them crisp up but also infuses them with a rich, aromatic flavor. As the potatoes roast alongside the chicken and other ingredients, they absorb the savory juices from the chicken and the tangy lemon wedges, becoming even more flavorful. The result is a tray of perfectly roasted potatoes that offer a delightful balance of crispy edges and creamy centers, making them a perfect accompaniment to the roasted chicken.

The Mediterranean Vegetables: A Flavorful Medley

In addition to the chicken and potatoes, this traybake is filled with a colorful array of Mediterranean vegetables. Red onion wedges and garlic cloves are added to the tray, roasting until they become sweet and caramelized. The onions take on a rich, savory flavor as they cook, and the garlic softens and becomes aromatic, adding depth to the dish. The addition of lemon wedges provides a bright, zesty element, with the lemons becoming slightly charred and juicy as they roast, infusing the dish with a subtle tanginess.

The final vegetables to join the tray are the baby plum tomatoes, which are halved and roasted along with mixed olives. The tomatoes release their juices, adding a sweet, tangy flavor that complements the richness of the chicken and potatoes. The olives, both green and Kalamata, bring a briny, savory taste that enhances the overall Mediterranean flavor profile of the dish. This combination of roasted vegetables adds layers of flavor, making each bite more complex and satisfying.

Feta and Oregano: The Finishing Touches

Once the chicken and vegetables are perfectly roasted, the dish is finished with a sprinkle of sliced feta cheese and fresh oregano leaves. The feta cheese adds a creamy, tangy contrast to the savory chicken and vegetables, while the fresh oregano imparts a herby, fragrant note that ties the whole dish together. Oregano is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine, and its earthy, slightly peppery flavor enhances the overall flavor profile of the traybake. A drizzle of olive oil over the top ensures that the dish is rich and satisfying, while also adding an extra layer of flavor.

The feta cheese softens slightly in the heat of the dish, becoming slightly melty and creamy. The combination of warm, roasted ingredients and the cool, crumbly feta creates a perfect balance of textures. Together with the fresh oregano, this finishing touch elevates the dish and gives it a light, aromatic flavor that is quintessentially Mediterranean.

The Role of White Wine

One of the key elements that sets this Mediterranean Chicken Traybake apart is the addition of white wine. The white wine is poured over the vegetables and chicken before the final roasting, infusing the dish with a subtle acidity and depth of flavor. As the wine roasts, it reduces and intensifies, adding complexity to the dish and helping to deglaze the pan, releasing any caramelized bits stuck to the bottom of the tray. This not only adds flavor but also ensures that the chicken and vegetables remain moist during the roasting process.

White wine pairs beautifully with the chicken, olives, and feta, providing a slight acidity that balances the richness of the other ingredients. It also adds a touch of elegance to the dish, making it feel special enough for a dinner party or a weeknight meal that you want to elevate.

Why This Mediterranean Chicken Traybake is Perfect for Any Occasion

The Mediterranean Chicken Traybake is the ultimate easy yet impressive dinner option. Its combination of juicy chicken, crispy potatoes, and vibrant vegetables creates a satisfying and hearty meal that is perfect for both casual family dinners and more formal gatherings. The dish is not only flavorful but also visually appealing, with the colorful vegetables, golden chicken, and crumbled feta creating a stunning presentation.

This recipe is also highly versatile. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. For example, you could substitute the chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, or swap out the feta for another cheese like goat cheese or mozzarella. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices, such as thyme, rosemary, or basil, to further customize the flavor.

In addition to being delicious, this traybake is a practical choice for busy families. The one-pan cooking method means that there’s less cleanup involved, and the roasting process is relatively hands-off, allowing you to prepare other dishes or simply relax while the meal cooks. The recipe also yields generous portions, making it perfect for feeding a crowd or having leftovers for lunch the next day.

Conclusion

The Mediterranean Chicken Traybake is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that brings together the best of Mediterranean ingredients in a single, satisfying meal. With tender chicken, crispy potatoes, roasted vegetables, and a tangy, aromatic sauce, this recipe offers a balanced combination of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors that are sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or hosting a casual dinner, this traybake is sure to impress with its simplicity, flavor, and versatility. It’s a perfect example of how Mediterranean cuisine can be both delicious and easy to prepare, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.