Easy Chicken Tray Bake

I’ve been trying to find more unique ways to cook chicken, and I finally feel like I created a unique recipe that you probably haven’t tried before! This Spanish-inspired Chicken Tray Bake has it all: it combines flavorful chicken thighs with colorful peppers, potato gnocchi, and a burst of citrus for a colorful, satisfying meal.

With a quick prep and even faster cleanup, this one-pan wonder is perfect for busy weeknights or a simple weekend dinner. The best part? Just chop everything, season, and pop it in the oven to let it work its magic!

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

• One-Pan Meal: Minimal cleanup makes it super convenient.
• Bold Flavors: Citrus zest and lemon pepper fajita seasoning give it a delicious, zesty kick.
• Meal-prep friendly: Perfect as a standalone meal or make a big batch for the week.

WHY CHICKEN THIGHS?

Compared to chicken breast, which tends to dry out quickly, chicken thighs stay juicy and flavorful when roasted at high heat, making them ideal for chicken tray bakes. They pair perfectly with the citrusy and zesty seasonings in this dish.

INGREDIENTS IN A CHICKEN TRAY BAKE

• Chicken thighs: I used boneless for this recipe for easy-to-prep and eat on a weeknight.
• Red pepper and Yellow pepper: For extra veg and colors
• Potato gnocchi: I buy mine frozen and put them right on the pan
• Onion: For flavor and a little carmelization when you roast them
• Lime: For added citrus zest and juice
• Orange: For a burst of citrus flavor that compliments the lemon pepper seasonings
• Lemon pepper fajita seasoning: I found this one from Siete, but you can also use lemon pepper AND fajita seasonings separately. This is a pretty fool-proof recipe, so use the seasonings you like.
• Optional garnish: Sour cream and chopped cilantro for an extra razzle-dazzle, plus more flavor!

EQUIPMENT

• Baking sheet or large oven-safe pan
• Mixing bowl
• Chef’s knife

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Prep the Ingredients: Roughly chop the peppers and onion, and quarter the orange and the lime.

3. Season the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, coat the chicken thighs with lemon pepper fajita seasoning.

4. Assemble the Tray Bake: On a large baking sheet, spread out the potato gnocchi, peppers, and onion. Nestle the seasoned chicken thighs among the veggies.

5. Add Citrus: Squeeze orange and lime juice over the tray and place lime halves among the ingredients for extra flavor.

6. Bake for 35 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

7. Broil for 2-3 minutes for crispy skin on the chicken and golden edges on the veggies and gnocchi. This step is optional, but I LOVE crispy bits so it’s a requirement in our house.

8. Serve: Garnish with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle with fresh cilantro, if desired.

TIPS AND TRICKS

• For Crispier Chicken: Ensure the chicken skin is dry before adding seasoning. I pat mine with a paper towel to absorb the moisture.
• Vegetable Swaps: Try adding sliced zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and olives for extra Mediterranean or Spanish flavors.
• Your Chicken Is Undercooked: Pop it back in the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, checking every few minutes. Check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165 degrees F.

STORAGE

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F or microwave until heated through.
• Freeze: You can freeze leftovers, though gnocchi may change texture when thawed. Freeze for up to 2 months. I recommend reheating in the oven if you freeze.

FAQS

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes, but reduce cooking time to prevent dry chicken. Make sure you cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
• Can I make this dish dairy-free? Yes, simply omit the sour cream or use a dairy-free alternative.
• Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely! Zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and olives work well to compliment the Spanish flavors here.

MORE HEALTHY CHICKEN RECIPES

• Chicken and Orzo Bake Recipe 
• Bang Bang Chicken Recipe with Rice (3 Ingredient Sauce)
• Healthy Chicken Soup with Wild Rice and Mushrooms