Harissa Chicken Traybake

How to Prepare Harissa Chicken Traybake – A Complete Guide

Detailed instructions and ingredient measurements can be found in the recipe card at the end of this article.

Step One

Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (fan mode), and prepare a large baking tray for use.

Ensure that the tray is sufficiently spacious to accommodate all the ingredients in a single layer—too much congestion will lead to steaming instead of roasting the vegetables.

Step Two

In a sizable mixing bowl, combine the halved baby potatoes, diced peppers, and chunks of red onion. Drizzle in half of the olive oil, add half of the harissa paste, and sprinkle a generous amount of salt and pepper.

Step Three

Stir well to ensure everything gets a good coating.

Step Four

Pour the vegetables onto the baking tray and spread them out evenly, placing the cut sides of the potatoes down where you can for optimal crisping. Roast them in the oven for about 20 minutes to allow the potatoes to soften and develop some color.

Step Five

As the vegetables roast, add the mini chicken breast fillets to the same mixing bowl (no need to clean it first). Pour in the remaining olive oil and harissa, along with another pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well so all the chicken pieces are fully coated. If you have a little time to spare, letting it marinate for 10 to 15 minutes will enhance the flavor.

Step Six

After the vegetables have baked for 20 minutes, carefully take the tray out of the oven and give everything a good stir to avoid sticking and promote even cooking.

Step Seven

Arrange the chicken fillets on top of the vegetables, ensuring they are spaced out for even cooking. Put the tray back into the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

Step Eight

Remove the tray again and sprinkle the vine cherry tomatoes over the top. Adding them at this stage prevents them from becoming overly mushy while still allowing them to slightly burst and release their juices. Bake for another 10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the potatoes are tender.

Step Nine

Check if the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 75°C using a meat thermometer. If you don’t have one, ensure the juices run clear and there’s no pink in the thickest section. If necessary, pop it back in the oven for a few more minutes.

Step Ten

Once everything is cooked thoroughly, take it out of the oven and allow to rest for a few minutes before serving. For an extra layer of flavor, consider finishing off with a squeeze of lemon juice, a dash of fresh herbs, or a dollop of natural yogurt to balance the subtle heat of the harissa.