Jamie Oliver Cajun Chicken Tray Bake

Jamie Oliver Cajun Chicken Tray Bake is made with red onions, mixed-color peppers, chicken legs, Cajun seasoning, garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, basmati rice, and natural yogurt. This easy Cajun Chicken recipe creates a delicious dinner that takes about 1 hour to prepare and can serve up to 4 people.

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🧡 Why You’ll Love This Cajun Chicken Tray Bake Recipe:

Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and perfect for busy weeknights.
Packed with Flavor: The combination of Cajun seasoning, fresh vegetables, and chicken creates a delicious and savory dish.
Minimal Cleanup: Everything is cooked in one tray, making cleanup quick and easy.
Versatile: You can easily swap the chicken for a vegetarian option like butternut squash or eggplant.

🍗 Jamie Oliver Cajun Chicken Tray Bake Ingredients:

2 red onions
3 mixed-color peppers
4 chicken legs (skin on, bone-in)
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
4 cloves of garlic
1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin, if preferred)
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 cup (300g) basmati rice
4 tablespoons natural yogurt
Optional: extra virgin olive oil

🍲 How To Make Jamie Oliver Cajun Chicken Tray Bake

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F or gas mark 6). Peel and cut the onions in half. Tear the peppers into big chunks, removing the seeds and stalks. Put the onions, peppers, and chicken in a roasting tray (35cm x 25cm).
Add the Cajun seasoning and whole unpeeled garlic cloves. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar. Season with black pepper and toss everything well. Make sure the chicken is skin side up. Roast for 40 minutes.
Boil some water in a kettle. Take the tray out of the oven. Mash the soft garlic cloves into the tray juices, throwing away the skins. Add 1 cup (300g) of rice and 2 cups (600ml) of boiling water around the chicken.
Carefully cover the tray with tin foil and put it back in the oven for 20 minutes. Cook until the rice is fluffy and the chicken easily pulls away from the bone.
Season to taste. Serve with dollops of natural yogurt, a pinch of black pepper, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil if you like.

💭 Recipe Tips:

Cover Tightly with Foil: Make sure the foil is sealed well to cook the rice perfectly.
Check Chicken Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to make sure the chicken is cooked to 165°F (75°C).
Rest Before Serving: Let the tray bake rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Go Vegan: Swap the chicken for big chunks of butternut squash or eggplant. Cook it the same way.

🍚 What To Serve With Cajun Chicken Tray Bake?

Cajun Chicken Tray Bake goes well with a green salad, roasted vegetables, garlic bread, and coleslaw. It also can be served alongside mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, corn on the cob, and a tomato cucumber salad for a tasty and balanced meal.

🎚 How To Store Leftovers Cajun Chicken Tray Bake?

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

🥵 How To Reheat Leftovers Cajun Chicken Tray Bake?

In The Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftovers in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for 20-25 minutes until warm.
In The Microwave: Place the leftovers in a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
On The Stove: Heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the leftovers and cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

FAQ’S

Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead Of Chicken Legs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they may cook faster than chicken legs. Keep an eye on them and check for doneness to avoid overcooking.

What Can I Use If I Don’t Have Cajun Seasoning?

If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, you can make your own by mixing paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, and black pepper.

Can I Use A Different Type Of Rice?

Yes, you can use other types of rice like jasmine or long-grain rice, but cooking times may vary. Adjust the water amount and cooking time as needed.

How Do I Know When The Chicken Is Done?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear. You can use a meat thermometer to check.

Can I Add Other Vegetables To The Tray Bake?

Yes, you can add other vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or mushrooms. Just make sure they are cut into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.