After a long day, there’s nothing quite like coming home to the rich aroma of spices wafting through the air, promising a warm and satisfying meal. This One-Pan Ras El Hanout Chicken and Chickpeas is my go-to solution for those hectic weeknights when cooking feels like a daunting task. Who knew that a handful of vibrant vegetables, succulent chicken, and fragrant spices could come together so effortlessly on a single tray?
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—each ingredient harmonizes perfectly during roasting, creating a delightful sauce that brings everything to life. Imagine juicy chicken thighs, crispy on the outside, nestled among tender potatoes, sweet peppers, and creamy chickpeas, all laced with aromatic flavors. With just a 15-minute prep time and minimal cleanup, you’ll have a wholesome dinner that’s sure to please the entire family and pull you away from that fast-food rut. Grab your apron, and let’s dive into this easy, flavorful recipe that truly satisfies!
Why will you love this Chicken and Chickpea Tray Bake?
Simplicity at its Core: With just a 15-minute prep time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
One-Pan Wonder: You’ll enjoy minimal cleanup—everything cooks beautifully together, making it a breeze to serve.
Bold Flavors: The warming spices of Ras El Hanout meld perfectly with the juicy chicken and chickpeas, creating a meal that’s bursting with taste.
Versatile Ingredients: Customize it with your favorite veggies or grains, making each batch a unique delight.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: This hearty dish satisfies both family and friends, ensuring everyone leaves the table happy.
Meal Prep Friendly: Leftovers taste fantastic, allowing you to enjoy this delightful meal for days to come!
Chicken and Chickpea Tray Bake Ingredients
For the Chicken
- Chicken Thighs – Succulent, bone-in, skin-on thighs lock in moisture and flavor; boneless, skinless thighs work for a lighter option.
For the Vegetables
- Yukon Gold Potatoes – These waxy potatoes provide a hearty texture; sweet potatoes can add a delightful sweetness.
- Roma Tomatoes – Offers acidity and moisture; swap with fresh or canned diced tomatoes if needed.
- Romano Peppers – Sweet and colorful, they enhance the dish; you can utilize other sweet peppers or zucchini as tasty substitutes.
- Garlic – Roasted garlic adds a rich sweetness; garlic powder is a convenient alternative if fresh isn’t available.
For the Chickpeas & Seasoning
- Canned Chickpeas – Add creaminess and protein; swap with cooked lentils for a different texture.
- Ras El Hanout – This aromatic spice blend infuses warmth and depth; if unavailable, a mix of cumin, turmeric, and cinnamon works beautifully.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil – Enriches and aids roasting; substitute with other vegetable oils if desired.
- Sherry Vinegar – Provides a tangy finish to balance all flavors; red wine or apple cider vinegar can be used as alternatives.
- Fresh Cilantro – Adds brightness and freshness as a garnish; parsley makes a suitable stand-in.
Embrace the ease and delightful flavors of this Chicken and Chickpea Tray Bake—your weeknight dinners will never be the same!
How to Make Chicken and Chickpea Tray Bake
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This step sets the stage for perfectly roasted chicken and veggies, ensuring they’re golden and crispy.
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Season the chicken thighs with Ras El Hanout, salt, and pepper. Allow them to marinate for about 10 minutes to amplify those gorgeous flavors.
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Combine the potatoes, chickpeas, tomatoes, peppers, garlic, olive oil, and 1 tablespoon of sherry vinegar in a large sheet pan. Mix well to coat everything evenly—this helps develop a delicious sauce!
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Layer the ingredients evenly on the pan, then place the seasoned chicken on top, skin-side up. This arrangement lets the chicken render its fat, keeping it moist and flavorful during cooking.
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Bake for 30 minutes, gently shaking the pan halfway through to redistribute the veggies. You want everything to share those lovely roasting juices!
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Continue baking for another 35 minutes. Look for tender chicken that’s golden brown and crispy on top, rich with flavor.
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Squeeze the roasted garlic from its skins and crush the tomatoes; mix both into the pan sauce along with any remaining cilantro. Drizzle with the rest of the sherry vinegar and serve piping hot.
Optional: Garnish with additional fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Chicken and Chickpea Tray Bake
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through for best flavor.
Freezer: Freeze in a tightly sealed, freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for around 25 minutes, or until heated evenly. This helps retain the dish’s crispy textures.
Room Temperature: If serving at a potluck, limit out-of-fridge time to 2 hours to ensure safety and freshness of your Chicken and Chickpea Tray Bake.
What to Serve with Chicken and Chickpea Tray Bake?
To create a wholesome, satisfying dining experience, consider these delightful pairings that will elevate your chicken tray bake to the next level.
- Crunchy Green Salad: A light salad with fresh greens and a zesty vinaigrette will provide a refreshing contrast.
- Herbed Couscous: Fluffy couscous infused with herbs complements the rustic flavors while soaking up the delicious pan sauce.
- Creamy Mash Potatoes: Silky, buttery mashed potatoes add comfort to your meal, making each bite truly indulgent. They balance the dish’s texture perfectly.
- Roasted Asparagus: Tender, lightly charred asparagus brings a vibrant color and fresh flavor that lightens the overall taste experience.
- Crusty Bread: A loaf of crusty bread is perfect for scooping up the savory sauce and adds a delightful crunch to your table.
- Sweet Potato Wedges: Sweet potato wedges bring a hint of natural sweetness while providing a pleasing crispy texture.
- Sparkling Lemonade: Crisp, refreshing sparkling lemonade is a perfect palate cleanser and adds a cheerful touch to your meal.
- Chocolate Mousse: For dessert, indulge in a rich chocolate mousse that perfectly rounds out the meal, leaving everyone satisfied.
- Chili Yogurt Dip: Serve with a tangy yogurt dip mixed with chili for a burst of flavor that enhances your chicken dish wonderfully.
- Chardonnay: A chilled glass of chardonnay pairs beautifully, cutting through the spices and complementing the dish’s richness.
Make Ahead Options
These Chicken and Chickpea Tray Bake components are perfect for meal prep! You can season the chicken thighs and chop the vegetables up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Alternatively, marinate the chicken overnight for enhanced flavor. The chickpeas and spices can also be combined to make your prep even quicker. When you’re ready to cook, simply arrange everything on a sheet pan as instructed, bake, and you’ll have a delicious meal with minimal hassle, allowing you to savor that homemade goodness even on the busiest nights!
Chicken and Chickpea Tray Bake Variations
Get ready to make this dish your own with these delicious twists that elevate the flavors and textures!
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Fish Fillets: Swap out the chicken for flaky white fish, like cod or tilapia, for a light and refreshing take.
Imagine the delicate fish soaking up the aromatic spices while roasting—pure bliss! -
Extra Veggies: Toss in sliced carrots, zucchini, or broccoli for an even heartier meal.
These colorful veggies not only add nutrition but bring vibrant visual appeal to the tray. -
Beans Swap: Use white beans instead of chickpeas for a creamy, protein-rich alternative.
The smooth texture of white beans pairs beautifully with the crispy chicken and vegetables. -
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Just a touch can transform the dish into a bold culinary adventure, warming you from the inside out. -
Sweet Elements: Incorporate dried fruits like raisins or apricots for a sweet contrast.
Their natural sweetness balances the savory spices, adding layers of flavor that are utterly delightful. -
Grain Boost: Serve over a bed of quinoa or couscous instead of the chickpeas for a grain-forward option.
This twist introduces a chewy texture that’s both satisfying and filling, making for a complete meal in one dish. -
Herb Enhance: Experiment with different fresh herbs, like dill or mint, instead of cilantro for a refreshing twist.
Each herb brings its own character to the dish, transforming the overall flavor profile in delectable ways.
Expert Tips for Chicken and Chickpea Tray Bake
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Crispy Skin Secret: Make sure the chicken skin faces up while baking to achieve that irresistible crispy texture everyone loves.
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Oil Adjustment: Feel free to modify the amount of olive oil based on your personal preference; reducing it yields less sauce but isn’t lacking in flavor.
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Potato Thickness: Cut your potatoes into uniform thickness; thicker slices may require extra baking time to become tender and thoroughly cooked.
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Maximize Flavor: For the best taste, consider marinating the chicken overnight in the Ras El Hanout spice blend for deeper flavor infusion.
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Veggie Variations: Don’t hesitate to switch up the vegetables based on what’s in your fridge—this Chicken and Chickpea Tray Bake is highly adaptable for your favorites!
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Cool Down Tips: Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the flavors settle and makes serving easier.
Chicken and Chickpea Tray Bake Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
I recommend using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and moisture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, boneless, skinless thighs can be substituted, though they may not be as juicy.
How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to let them cool completely before sealing the container to preserve freshness!
Can I freeze Chicken and Chickpea Tray Bake?
Absolutely! To freeze, place the cooled dish in a tightly sealed, freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
For optimal flavor and texture, reheat the tray bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for around 25 minutes, or until everything is heated through. This method helps to retain that delightful crispy skin!
Can I use different vegetables?
Very! One of the beauties of this Chicken and Chickpea Tray Bake is its adaptability. Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies like carrots, zucchini, or different peppers based on what you have on hand.
Is this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free! It consists of wholesome ingredients without any gluten. However, always double-check that your spices and additional ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly if you have allergens to consider.
Savory Chicken and Chickpea Tray Bake for Easy Weeknight Win
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken thighs with Ras El Hanout, salt, and pepper. Allow them to marinate for about 10 minutes.
- Combine the potatoes, chickpeas, tomatoes, peppers, garlic, olive oil, and 1 tablespoon of sherry vinegar in a large sheet pan. Mix well to coat everything evenly.
- Layer the ingredients evenly on the pan, then place the seasoned chicken on top, skin-side up.
- Bake for 30 minutes, gently shaking the pan halfway through.
- Continue baking for another 35 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and crispy.
- Squeeze the roasted garlic from its skins and crush the tomatoes; mix both into the pan sauce along with any remaining cilantro. Drizzle with the rest of the sherry vinegar and serve hot.