Spanish Chicken Traybake with Chorizo & Peppers – The Ultimate One-Pan Wonder

After a long day at work, the last thing anyone wants is to spend hours in the kitchen preparing dinner. That’s where this Spanish Chicken Traybake with Chorizo & Peppers comes to the rescue! This vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired dish combines succulent chicken thighs, smoky chorizo, and colorful bell peppers into one incredibly easy, fuss-free meal.

When you open the oven door to check on this Spanish Chicken Traybake with Chorizo & Peppers, you’ll be greeted by an intoxicating aroma that fills your entire kitchen – the sweet peppers, garlicky chicken, and spicy chorizo creating a symphony of scents that instantly transport you to the sun-drenched streets of Spain. The peppers soften and caramelize, the chicken skin crisps to golden perfection, and the chorizo releases its flavorful oils that coat everything with a delicious red hue.

What makes this Spanish Chicken Traybake with Chorizo & Peppers truly special is how it delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Simply toss everything onto one tray, pop it in the oven, and let the heat work its magic. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights, impressive enough for weekend entertaining, and guaranteed to become a regular in your meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Spanish Chicken Traybake with Chorizo & Peppers

• ✅ One-pan recipe means minimal cleanup – perfect for quick Spanish Chicken Traybake with Chorizo & Peppers on busy weeknights
• ✅ Prep this Spanish Chicken Traybake with Chorizo & Peppers in just 15 minutes, then let your oven do all the work
• ✅ The combination of chicken, chorizo, and peppers creates a self-basting dish that’s incredibly moist and flavorful
• ✅ This authentic Spanish Chicken Traybake with Chorizo & Peppers is naturally gluten-free and lower in carbs
• ✅ Customize your Spanish Chicken Traybake with Chorizo & Peppers with various seasonal vegetables for endless variety
• ✅ Leftovers taste even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep

Ingredients for Spanish Chicken Traybake with Chorizo & Peppers

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this mouthwatering dish:

• 8 chicken thighs (on the bone, excess skin trimmed)
• 4 fat garlic cloves, finely chopped or crushed
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, plus a few extra sprigs for garnish
• 4 tsp olive oil
• 700g mixed bell peppers (about 4-5 peppers), halved and deseeded
• 140g chorizo, roughly chopped (spicy variety recommended)
• 20 pitted black olives
• 200g cherry tomatoes
• 3 tbsp sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Crusty bread or keto bread, to serve

Ingredient Notes:

• For a milder version, use sweet chorizo instead of spicy
• If fresh thyme isn’t available, substitute with 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• For a lighter option, use skinless chicken thighs or even chicken breasts (though bone-in will give the best flavor)
• Add a pinch of smoked paprika for extra smoky depth

How to Make Spanish Chicken Traybake with Chorizo & Peppers – Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas 6 (400°F).
2. In a small bowl, mix together the finely chopped garlic, thyme leaves, 2 teaspoons of olive oil, and season generously with salt and pepper.
3. Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl and rub the garlic mixture all over them, ensuring each piece is well coated. If you have time, let them marinate for 30 minutes (but this isn’t essential if you’re in a hurry).

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Cut the peppers into halves or quarters (depending on size), removing seeds and membranes.
2. Roughly chop the chorizo into bite-sized chunks.
3. Leave cherry tomatoes whole and make sure olives are drained.

Step 3: Assemble the Traybake

1. Take a large roasting tin (approximately 30cm x 40cm) and drizzle with the remaining 2 teaspoons of olive oil.
2. Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side up in the tray, leaving space between each piece.
3. Scatter the peppers, chorizo chunks, olives, and cherry tomatoes around the chicken.
4. Tuck a few extra thyme sprigs between the ingredients for additional flavor.
5. Drizzle everything with the sherry or red wine vinegar.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

1. Place the tray in the preheated oven and roast for 45-50 minutes.
2. The dish is ready when the chicken skin is crispy and golden, and the peppers are soft with slightly charred edges.
3. If the chicken is cooked but you’d like the skin crispier, place under the broiler/grill for 2-3 minutes.
4. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Spanish Chicken Traybake with Chorizo & Peppers

• Don’t crowd the tray: Give everything enough space so ingredients roast rather than steam. Use two trays if needed.
• Choose the right chorizo: For this Spanish Chicken Traybake with Chorizo & Peppers, semi-cured chorizo works best as it releases its oils during cooking without becoming too dry.
• Maximize flavor: For an extra flavor boost, use the oil from the chorizo to baste the chicken halfway through cooking.
• Make ahead option: You can prepare everything up to the point of cooking and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Perfect timing: If using chicken breasts instead of thighs, reduce cooking time to about 30-35 minutes to prevent drying out.
• Secret ingredient: A splash of Spanish red wine added with the vinegar creates an even more authentic flavor profile.

Best Ways to Serve Spanish Chicken Traybake with Chorizo & Peppers

This versatile dish is a meal in itself, but there are several delicious ways to serve it:

1. Traditional style: Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices – the perfect accompaniment to Spanish Chicken Traybake with Chorizo & Peppers.
2. Lower carb option: For a keto-friendly meal, serve with cauliflower rice or a simple green salad.
3. Complete Spanish feast: Pair with our Spanish Garlic Potatoes or Simple Saffron Rice for a more substantial meal.
4. Wine pairing: A Spanish Rioja or Tempranillo beautifully complements the flavors of this dish.
5. Presentation: Serve directly from the roasting tray for a rustic family-style meal, or transfer to a large platter and garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and lemon wedges for a more impressive presentation.

Nutritional Information for Spanish Chicken Traybake with Chorizo & Peppers

Per serving (serves 4):

• Calories: 465 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fat: 32g (of which saturates: 10g)
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 7g
• Salt: 2.1g

This Spanish Chicken Traybake with Chorizo & Peppers is relatively low in carbohydrates and high in protein, making it a balanced meal option when served with a side salad.

Storage & Leftovers

This Spanish Chicken Traybake with Chorizo & Peppers actually improves in flavor after a day in the refrigerator! Here’s how to properly store and enjoy leftovers:

• Refrigeration: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: This dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat in a 180°C (350°F) oven for 15-20 minutes until piping hot. Cover with foil to prevent drying out, removing for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the skin.
• Repurposing leftovers: Shred leftover meat and vegetables to use in wraps, salads, or as a topping for baked potatoes.

Frequently Asked Questions

¿Cuánto tiempo se cocina el pollo en una bandeja con chorizo y pimientos?

For this Spanish Chicken Traybake with Chorizo & Peppers, the chicken needs approximately 45-50 minutes at 200°C/180°C fan/gas 6 (400°F). The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F) and the skin is crispy and golden.

¿Qué tipo de chorizo se utiliza en el plato de pollo al horno?

The best chorizo for Spanish Chicken Traybake with Chorizo & Peppers is semi-cured (semi-curado) Spanish chorizo, which has enough fat to release its oils during cooking but won’t dry out. Both spicy (picante) and sweet (dulce) varieties work well, depending on your heat preference.

¿Se puede hacer una versión vegetariana de la bandeja de pollo?

Yes! For a vegetarian version inspired by Spanish Chicken Traybake with Chorizo & Peppers, substitute the chicken and chorizo with halloumi cheese, large mushroom caps, and chunks of eggplant or zucchini. Add smoked paprika to replicate the chorizo’s distinctive flavor.

¿Qué guarniciones acompañan mejor al pollo con chorizo y pimientos?

The best sides for Spanish Chicken Traybake with Chorizo & Peppers are crusty bread, Spanish-style potatoes, saffron rice, or a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and sherry vinegar. For a true Spanish experience, serve with patatas bravas or a traditional tomato salad.

Conclusion

This Spanish Chicken Traybake with Chorizo & Peppers is the epitome of fuss-free cooking that doesn’t compromise on flavor. With its vibrant colors, enticing aromas, and rich Mediterranean taste, it’s no wonder this dish has become a favorite in homes around the world.

What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility – perfect for casual family dinners yet impressive enough for entertaining. The combination of tender chicken, smoky chorizo, and sweet peppers creates a self-basting dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts.

I’d love to hear how your Spanish Chicken Traybake with Chorizo & Peppers turns out! Did you make any delicious modifications? Share your experience in the comments below or tag us in your food photos on social media.

Now that you have mastered this Spanish Chicken Traybake with Chorizo & Peppers, why not explore more of our Mediterranean-inspired recipes that bring sunshine to your table any day of the week?

¡Buen provecho! (Enjoy your meal!)

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