Ekani Ella Mary Berry’s fragrant chicken traybake is a simple yet deeply flavourful oven-baked dish where tender chicken cooks alongside aromatic spices, citrus, and vegetables. The flavours are warm, gently spiced, and well-balanced, making this recipe ideal for busy weeknights, relaxed family dinners, or effortless entertaining. Everything cooks together in one tray, allowing the chicken to stay juicy while soaking up the fragrant seasoning as it roasts.
What Is Mary Berry’s Fragrant Chicken Traybake?
This traybake is a one-pan chicken dish inspired by lightly spiced, aromatic flavours rather than heavy heat. Chicken pieces are roasted with spices, garlic, and citrus, creating a fragrant, savoury meal with minimal preparation. Mary Berry’s approach keeps the recipe straightforward, focusing on good ingredients and correct roasting rather than complicated steps.
Other Popular Mary Berry Recipes
Why This Recipe Is Worth Trying
- One-tray cooking – Minimal washing up
- Fragrant, not spicy – Gentle warmth and aroma
- Juicy chicken – Roasts evenly in the oven
- Flexible vegetables – Easy to adapt
- Ideal for midweek meals – Simple and reliable
Essential Ingredients to Make Mary Berry’s Fragrant Chicken Traybake
- Chicken thighs or drumsticks – 1 kg, skin-on
- Onion – 2 medium, thickly sliced
- Garlic cloves – 4, crushed
- Lemon – 1, sliced
- Olive oil – 3 tablespoons
- Ground cumin – 1 teaspoon
- Ground coriander – 1 teaspoon
- Paprika – 1 teaspoon
- Turmeric – ½ teaspoon
- Honey – 1 tablespoon
- Salt – to taste
- Black pepper – to taste
- Fresh coriander or parsley – to garnish
Handy Kitchen Tools for Best Results
- Large roasting tray
- Mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
- Chopping board
- Tongs
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mary Berry’s Fragrant Chicken Traybake
- Preheat the oven – Set the oven to 200°C (180°C fan).
- Prepare the chicken – Pat the chicken dry with kitchen paper and place it in a large bowl.
- Mix the marinade – Add olive oil, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, honey, salt, and black pepper to the chicken. Mix well until evenly coated.
- Prepare the tray – Scatter the sliced onions and crushed garlic over the base of a roasting tray.
- Arrange the chicken – Place the chicken pieces skin-side up on top of the onions.
- Add lemon – Tuck the lemon slices around the chicken.
- Roast uncovered – Roast for 45–50 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
- Finish and rest – Remove from the oven and rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish – Sprinkle with fresh coriander or parsley just before serving.
What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)
- Pale chicken skin – Not roasting hot enough caused this; increasing oven heat fixed it.
- Dry chicken – Overcooking was the issue; checking earlier solved it.
- Burnt garlic – Keeping garlic under the chicken prevented scorching.
- Uneven flavour – Mixing the marinade thoroughly made a difference.
Healthier Version of Mary Berry Fragrant Chicken Traybake
- Skin-off chicken – Reduces fat content
- Less oil – Use 2 tablespoons instead of 3
- Extra vegetables – Add peppers or courgettes
- Skip the honey – Keeps the dish lighter
Ingredient Substitutions for Mary Berry Fragrant Chicken Traybake
- Chicken thighs – Chicken breasts (reduce cooking time)
- Lemon – Orange slices for a softer citrus note
- Ground spices – Mild curry powder
- Honey – Maple syrup or omit
Pairing Ideas: What to Serve With Mary Berry Fragrant Chicken Traybake
- Steamed basmati rice – Soaks up the juices
- Couscous – Light and fluffy pairing
- Flatbreads – Perfect for scooping
- Green salad – Adds freshness
- Roasted vegetables – Completes the traybake meal
Expert Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Fragrant Chicken Traybake
- Dry the chicken well – Helps browning
- Do not overcrowd the tray – Ensures even roasting
- Turn once only – Keeps skin intact
- Rest briefly – Locks in juices
- Season generously – Chicken needs proper seasoning
- Use skin-on pieces – Best flavour and moisture
Creative Ways to Customize Mary Berry Fragrant Chicken Traybake
- Spicy version – Add a pinch of chilli flakes
- Herb-forward twist – Add thyme or oregano
- Vegetable-heavy tray – Add potatoes or carrots
- Yogurt finish – Serve with a yogurt drizzle
Storing Mary Berry’s Fragrant Chicken Traybake the Right Way
- Refrigerate leftovers – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Cool before storing – Prevents condensation
- Keep juices – Helps retain moisture
- Freeze portions – Up to 2 months
How to Reheat Mary Berry Fragrant Chicken Traybake (If Needed)
Reheat in the oven covered with foil at a low temperature until warmed through. Avoid microwaving skin-on pieces, as it softens the skin.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~420 kcal
- Carbohydrates: ~8 g
- Fats: ~28 g
- Protein: ~35 g
- Sugar: ~5 g
Mary Berry Fragrant Chicken Traybake Recipe
This traybake is a one-pan chicken dish inspired by lightly spiced, aromatic flavours rather than heavy heat. Chicken pieces are roasted with spices, garlic, and citrus, creating a fragrant, savoury meal with minimal preparation. Mary Berry’s approach keeps the recipe straightforward, focusing on good ingredients and correct roasting rather than complicated steps.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 45
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: British
Ingredients
-
Chicken thighs or drumsticks – 1 kg, skin-on
-
Onion – 2 medium, thickly sliced
-
Garlic cloves – 4, crushed
-
Lemon – 1, sliced
-
Olive oil – 3 tablespoons
-
Ground cumin – 1 teaspoon
-
Ground coriander – 1 teaspoon
-
Paprika – 1 teaspoon
-
Turmeric – ½ teaspoon
-
Honey – 1 tablespoon
-
Salt – to taste
-
Black pepper – to taste
-
Fresh coriander or parsley – to garnish
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven – Set the oven to 200°C (180°C fan).
-
Prepare the chicken – Pat the chicken dry with kitchen paper and place it in a large bowl.
-
Mix the marinade – Add olive oil, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, honey, salt, and black pepper to the chicken. Mix well until evenly coated.
-
Prepare the tray – Scatter the sliced onions and crushed garlic over the base of a roasting tray.
-
Arrange the chicken – Place the chicken pieces skin-side up on top of the onions.
-
Add lemon – Tuck the lemon slices around the chicken.
-
Roast uncovered – Roast for 45–50 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
-
Finish and rest – Remove from the oven and rest for 5 minutes before serving.
-
Garnish – Sprinkle with fresh coriander or parsley just before serving.
FAQs
Why is my fragrant chicken traybake turning out dry?
This usually happens if the chicken is overcooked or the tray is overcrowded. Using bone-in chicken pieces and spacing them out properly helps the meat stay juicy while allowing everything to roast evenly.
Should I cover the chicken traybake while cooking?
No, it is best cooked uncovered. Roasting uncovered allows the skin to turn golden and lets excess moisture evaporate, concentrating the flavours of the spices and aromatics.
Can I prepare fragrant chicken traybake ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken and vegetables a few hours in advance and keep them covered in the fridge. Bring the tray back to room temperature before baking for even cooking.
How do I know when the chicken traybake is fully cooked?
The chicken is ready when the juices run clear and the thickest part reaches 75°C. The skin should be golden, and the vegetables should be tender with lightly caramelised edges.
Wrapping It Up
Mary Berry’s fragrant chicken traybake is a dependable one-pan meal that delivers aroma, flavour, and comfort with very little effort. Simple preparation, gentle spices, and juicy roasted chicken make this recipe one you can return to again and again for easy, satisfying dinners.
