Mary Berry Chicken and Chorizo Tray Bake Recipe

The Mary Berry Chicken and Chorizo Tray Bake is a flavour-packed, one-pan wonder that combines tender chicken, smoky chorizo, and roasted vegetables for a satisfying, hearty meal. It’s the kind of recipe that fills your kitchen with rich, warming aromas and delivers maximum flavour with minimal effort. Perfect for busy evenings or weekend gatherings, this tray bake is both simple and deeply comforting — a true Mary Berry classic.

What Is Mary Berry’s Chicken and Chorizo Tray Bake?

Mary Berry’s Chicken and Chorizo Tray Bake is a wholesome dish made by roasting chicken pieces with spicy Spanish chorizo, peppers, onions, and potatoes in one tray. The chorizo releases its smoky oil as it cooks, coating everything in rich flavour while the chicken turns golden and tender. It’s a complete meal that’s easy to prepare, bursting with Mediterranean-inspired taste.

Other Popular Mary Berry Soup Recipes

• Mary Berry Chicken and Vegetable Soup
• Mary Berry Winter Vegetable Soup
• Mary Berry Winter Coleslaw
• Mary Berry Cream of Asparagus Soup
• Mary Berry Courgette Soup

Why This Recipe Is Worth Trying

• One-pan meal – Easy to prepare, cook, and clean up.
• Packed with flavour – Chorizo adds spice, smokiness, and depth.
• Perfect family dinner – Hearty and satisfying for all ages.
• Customisable – Add your favourite vegetables or spices.
• Minimal prep time – Just chop, season, and roast.

Essential Ingredients to Make Mary Berry Chicken and Chorizo Tray Bake

• Chicken thighs or drumsticks – 8 pieces, bone-in and skin-on
• Chorizo sausage – 150g, sliced into rounds
• Baby potatoes – 500g, halved
• Red onion – 2, cut into wedges
• Red and yellow peppers – 2, sliced
• Garlic cloves – 3, crushed
• Olive oil – 2 tbsp
• Smoked paprika – 1 tsp
• Dried oregano – 1 tsp
• Lemon juice – 1 tbsp
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper – to taste
• Fresh parsley – for garnish

(Optional: a handful of cherry tomatoes or olives for extra Mediterranean flair)

Handy Kitchen Tools for Best Results

• Large roasting tray or baking sheet
• Sharp knife and chopping board
• Mixing bowl
• Tongs or spoon
• Oven mitts

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mary Berry Chicken and Chorizo Tray Bake

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) or fan 180°C. Lightly grease a large roasting tray with olive oil.

Step 2: Prepare the vegetables

Arrange the baby potatoes, onions, peppers, and garlic in the tray. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano, and toss everything together.

Step 3: Add chicken and chorizo

Place the chicken pieces evenly on top of the vegetables. Scatter the chorizo slices between them so the flavours mix as they roast.

Step 4: Roast the tray bake

Place the tray in the oven and roast for 40–45 minutes, turning the ingredients halfway through. The chicken skin should be golden, the potatoes soft, and the chorizo slightly crisped.

Step 5: Finish with lemon and herbs

Once cooked, drizzle with fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with parsley. Serve straight from the tray for a rustic presentation.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Chicken undercooked – Baked for an extra 10 minutes until juices ran clear.
• Too oily – Used less olive oil since chorizo releases fat naturally.
• Vegetables overcooked – Cut potatoes smaller for even cooking.
• Chorizo burnt – Added it halfway through baking next time.

Healthier Version of Mary Berry’s Chicken and Chorizo Tray Bake

• Use skinless chicken thighs to reduce fat content.
• Replace chorizo with turkey chorizo or chicken sausage for a leaner version.
• Add extra vegetables like courgettes or cherry tomatoes for fibre.
• Reduce oil to just one tablespoon and bake on parchment paper.

Ingredient Substitutions for Mary Berry Chicken and Chorizo Tray Bake

• Chorizo – Replace with smoked sausage or vegetarian chorizo.
• Potatoes – Use sweet potatoes or butternut squash.
• Paprika – Try chili powder or cumin for a different spice profile.
• Oregano – Substitute with rosemary or thyme.

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve With Mary Berry Chicken and Chorizo Tray Bake

• Green salad – Fresh contrast to the rich, smoky flavours.
• Crusty bread – Great for soaking up the pan juices.
• Garlic butter rice – Adds a mild, aromatic balance.
• Steamed vegetables – Lightens up the meal.
• Roasted corn or asparagus – Adds sweetness and crunch.

Expert Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Chicken and Chorizo Tray Bake

• Use a large tray – Prevents overcrowding and ensures even roasting.
• Pat chicken dry – Helps the skin crisp up beautifully.
• Add chorizo later – Prevents burning and keeps texture perfect.
• Turn halfway through – Ensures even browning and flavour distribution.
• Don’t skip lemon – It cuts through the richness and brightens the dish.
• Let it rest – Rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to settle.
• Use good-quality chorizo – Makes a huge difference in flavour.

Creative Ways to Customize Mary Berry Chicken and Chorizo Tray Bake

• Add beans – Toss in canned butter beans for a Mediterranean twist.
• Add wine – A splash of white wine adds depth and moisture.
• Spicy version – Add chili flakes or hot smoked paprika.
• Creamy sauce – Stir in a spoon of crème fraîche after baking.
• Vegetarian twist – Swap chicken for chickpeas and extra vegetables.
• Rustic Italian touch – Add sun-dried tomatoes or basil at the end.

Storing Mary Berry Chicken and Chorizo Tray Bake the Right Way

• Refrigerate – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze – Freeze portions for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight – Reheat thoroughly before serving.
• Keep covered – Prevents drying when reheating in the oven.

How to Reheat Mary Berry Chicken and Chorizo Tray Bake (If Needed)

• Oven – Reheat at 180°C (350°F) for 15–20 minutes until piping hot.
• Microwave – Heat individual portions for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway.
• Add a splash of stock or water – Prevents dryness during reheating.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

• Calories: ~480 kcal
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Sugars: 5g
• Fat: 28g
• Fibre: 3g

Print

FAQs

How do I keep the chicken juicy in Mary Berry’s chicken and chorizo tray bake?

To keep the chicken juicy, use bone-in, skin-on pieces such as thighs or drumsticks. The skin helps retain moisture while crisping up in the oven. Avoid overbaking and let the chicken rest for a few minutes after roasting to seal in the juices.

When should I add the chorizo to the tray bake?

For best results, add chorizo slices halfway through baking. This allows the chorizo to release its smoky oils without burning, giving the dish rich flavour and a balanced texture.

Can I make Mary Berry’s chicken and chorizo tray bake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare everything in advance. Assemble the tray with seasoned vegetables, chicken, and chorizo, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, roast directly in the oven, adding an extra 5 minutes to the cooking time.

What vegetables work best in a chicken and chorizo tray bake?

The best vegetables for this recipe are peppers, onions, and baby potatoes, as they absorb the smoky oils beautifully. You can also add courgettes, cherry tomatoes, or butternut squash for extra colour and flavour.

Wrapping It Up

The Mary Berry Chicken and Chorizo Tray Bake is a hearty, flavour-rich recipe that proves simple cooking can still be impressive. With tender chicken, crispy chorizo, and perfectly roasted vegetables, it’s a complete meal that feels both rustic and indulgent.