Nigella Chicken Chorizo Tray Bake Recipe

Nigella Chicken Chorizo Tray Bake is one of those effortless dishes that fills your home with rich aromas while giving you a hearty, satisfying meal with minimal effort. Packed with bold Spanish-style flavors from smoky chorizo, sweet peppers, garlic, onions, and juicy chicken thighs, this tray bake cooks everything together in one pan—making both prep and cleanup incredibly simple.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights, casual family dinners, or when you want a flavorful meal without hovering over the stove. With a 10–15 minute prep time and the oven doing all the work, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss.

What Exactly Is Nigella Chicken Chorizo Tray Bake?

Nigella Chicken Chorizo Tray Bake is a one-pan oven dish combining chicken thighs and slices of chorizo with vegetables, herbs, and olive oil. The heat of the oven melts the chorizo fat, coating the chicken and vegetables in smoky, paprika-rich flavor. As everything roasts together, the chicken becomes tender, the chorizo turns crisp around the edges, and the vegetables soften into a naturally sweet base. It’s simple, rustic, and bursting with flavor—classic Nigella style.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

• Bursting with smoky flavor – Chorizo infuses every ingredient with paprika and spice.
• Minimal prep and cleanup – One pan, one bake, one delicious meal.
• Perfectly family-friendly – Mild but flavorful enough to please both adults and children.
• Works year-round – Light enough for summer, warming enough for chilly nights.
• Extremely adaptable – Great with potatoes, peppers, tomatoes, or whatever veg you have.

Key Ingredients Needed for Nigella Chicken Chorizo Tray Bake

• 6–8 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on preferred)
• 150–200g chorizo, sliced
• 1–2 onions, sliced
• 2 bell peppers, chopped
• 4–5 garlic cloves, smashed
• 2–3 potatoes or sweet potatoes, cubed (optional)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or lemon wedges for serving

Equipments

• Large baking tray or roasting tin
• Sharp knife and chopping board
• Mixing bowl (optional)
• Tongs or wooden spoon
• Oven

Instructions to Make Nigella Chicken Chorizo Tray Bake

• Prepare the base – Spread chopped onions, peppers, garlic, and potatoes (if using) across the baking tray.
• Add seasoning – Drizzle olive oil over the vegetables and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
• Arrange chicken pieces – Place chicken thighs on top of the vegetables, skin-side up.
• Layer the chorizo – Scatter sliced chorizo around and between the chicken pieces.
• Bake the tray – Roast at 200°C (400°F) for 40–45 minutes, or until chicken skin is crispy and golden.
• Serve hot – Spoon the smoky juices over the chicken and garnish with lemon or parsley.

Common Mistakes I Made (And How I Fixed Each One)

• Vegetables burning – I added a splash of stock halfway through baking to keep things moist.
• Chicken drying out – Switching to bone-in thighs kept the meat juicy and tender.
• Chorizo becoming too crispy – I tucked a few slices under the chicken for softer bites.
• Uneven cooking – Cutting vegetables into similar sizes helped everything roast evenly.
• Lack of flavor – Increasing smoked paprika and garlic gave the tray bake more depth.

Healthier Version of Nigella Chicken Chorizo Tray Bake

• Use low-fat chicken cuts – Chicken breasts or skinless thighs reduce fat levels.
• Swap chorizo for turkey chorizo – A lighter alternative that still brings great flavor.
• Increase vegetable variety – Add courgettes, carrots, broccoli, or green beans.
• Reduce oil – The chorizo releases fat, so using less olive oil works well.
• Choose sweet potatoes – A nutrient-rich option that provides natural sweetness.

What to Pair With Nigella Chicken Chorizo Tray Bake

• Garlic rice – Absorbs the smoky juices beautifully.
• Fresh green salad – Adds balance with crisp, cooling textures.
• Warm crusty bread – Perfect for soaking up the chorizo-oil mixture.
• Steamed green beans – Light, nutritious, and a great contrast to the rich tray bake.
• Roasted asparagus – Complements the Spanish flavors without overpowering the dish.

Pro Tips to Get Perfect Nigella Chicken Chorizo Tray Bake Every Time

• Place chicken on top – Ensures the skin crisps instead of steaming.
• Use smoked paprika – Enhances the chorizo flavor for a deeper taste.
• Avoid overcrowding – Gives everything room to brown properly.
• Turn vegetables halfway – Helps them cook evenly and caramelize.
• Use a hot oven – High heat is essential for crispy chicken skin.
• Let chorizo render – Thin slices melt into the dish, adding richness.
• Finish with acidity – Lemon juice brightens the smoky flavor instantly.

Easy Variations of Nigella Chicken Chorizo Tray Bake

• Add cherry tomatoes – They burst into sweet, tangy flavor pockets.
• Use smoked garlic – Boosts the Spanish-inspired flavor.
• Try Cajun seasoning – Gives the tray bake a spicy twist.
• Swap potatoes for pasta – Serve the tray bake over buttered pasta.
• Add olives – Gives a Mediterranean-style depth to the dish.
• Mix in beans – Add cannellini beans for extra protein and heartiness.

How to Store Nigella Chicken Chorizo Tray Bake the Right Way

• Keep in airtight containers – Helps maintain freshness and moisture.
• Separate chicken from vegetables – Keeps the chicken skin from softening too much.
• Store leftovers for up to 3 days – Ideal for meal-prep or next-day lunches.
• Cool the tray bake completely – Prevents condensation from softening the vegetables.
• Freeze portions for later – Stays good for up to 2 months in the freezer.

The Best Ways to Reheat Nigella Chicken Chorizo Tray Bake

• Oven reheating – Warm at 180°C (350°F) for 10–12 minutes to keep chicken crisp.
• Air fryer method – Reheat at 170°C (340°F) for 5–7 minutes for maximum crunch.
• Microwave for quick heating – Best for vegetables, but crisp the chicken in the oven afterward.
• From frozen – Bake directly from frozen, adding extra minutes until heated through.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~520
• Protein: 34g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fat: 32g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 980mg
• Sugars: 5g

Other Popular Nigella Lawson Recipes

• Nigella Apple Sponge Pudding
• Nigella Leftover Chicken Pie

Print

FAQs

How do I keep the chicken skin crispy in a chicken chorizo tray bake?

To keep the chicken skin crispy, always place the chicken pieces on top of the vegetables rather than underneath. This allows the heat to circulate around the skin, letting it crisp instead of steaming. Using a hot oven (200°C / 400°F) also helps achieve a golden, crackling finish.

Should I cook the chorizo before adding it to the tray bake?

You don’t need to pre-cook the chorizo. It releases its natural oils as it roasts, coating the chicken and vegetables with smoky paprika flavor. Adding it raw allows those juices to caramelize and infuse the whole dish.

Why are my vegetables not cooking evenly in the tray bake?

Uneven cooking usually happens when vegetables are cut into different sizes. Cutting potatoes, peppers, and onions into similar-sized chunks ensures they cook at the same rate and roast evenly. Spreading them out on the tray also helps prevent steaming.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for this recipe?

Yes, but chicken breasts cook faster and can dry out. If using breasts, add them 10–12 minutes later than the vegetables and chorizo. You can also drizzle a little extra olive oil over them to keep the meat moist during baking.

Final Thoughts

This Nigella Chicken Chorizo Tray Bake brings together bold flavors, effortless cooking, and a warm, comforting meal that fits almost any occasion. It’s easy to prepare, full of vibrant color, and packed with smoky richness from the chorizo.

With just one tray and a handful of everyday ingredients, you can create a dish that feels special without extra work. It’s ideal for busy families, weeknight meals, and anyone who loves simple, satisfying food with big flavor.