Jamie Oliver Chicken Traybake with Potatoes is the kind of no-fuss, comforting meal that earns a permanent place in your weekly rotation. Everything cooks together in one tray—juicy chicken, crispy potatoes, and flavourful herbs—so the oven does most of the work while the flavours build naturally. It’s practical, satisfying, and ideal for busy evenings when you still want a proper home-cooked dinner.

This Jamie Oliver Chicken Traybake with Potatoes serves 4 people and takes around 1 hour from prep to plate, making it perfect for both weeknights and relaxed family meals.

What Makes This Jamie Oliver Chicken Traybake with Potatoes Worth Making

One-tray cooking keeps prep and washing up simple
Crispy potatoes and juicy chicken cooked together for maximum flavour
Flexible ingredients that adapt easily to what you have on hand
Hands-off oven time, ideal for busy days
Balanced, complete meal without extra side dishes

What Is Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Traybake with Potatoes?

Jamie Oliver Chicken Traybake with Potatoes is a classic oven-baked dish where seasoned chicken pieces and potatoes are roasted together with olive oil, garlic, and herbs until golden, crisp, and deeply flavourful. The juices from the chicken baste the potatoes as they cook, creating rich, savoury results.

Jamie Oliver Chicken Traybake with Potatoes Ingredients List

1kg chicken thighs or drumsticks (skin on, bone in)
800g potatoes, peeled or scrubbed and cut into chunks
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, lightly crushed
1 lemon, cut into wedges
Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs
Sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Optional: red onion wedges or carrots

How to Prepare Jamie Oliver Chicken Traybake with Potatoes – Simple Steps

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). A hot oven helps the chicken skin crisp while the potatoes roast evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

Place the potatoes on a large baking tray. Drizzle with olive oil, season generously with salt and pepper, and toss to coat evenly.

Step 3: Add the Chicken

Nestle the chicken pieces among the potatoes. Rub the chicken with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper to ensure even browning.

Step 4: Add Aromatics

Scatter garlic cloves, lemon wedges, and herb sprigs across the tray. These release aroma as they roast, flavouring both chicken and potatoes.

Step 5: Roast Until Golden

Roast for 45–55 minutes, turning the potatoes halfway through. The chicken should be golden with crisp skin and the potatoes tender inside with crisp edges.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove the tray from the oven and rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to settle before serving straight from the tray.

More recipes to add to your list

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Traybake with Potatoes

Overcrowding the tray, which causes steaming instead of roasting
Skipping seasoning on the potatoes
Using cold chicken straight from the fridge
Forgetting to turn the potatoes halfway
Cooking at too low a temperature

Delicious Add-Ins for Jamie Oliver Chicken Traybake with Potatoes

Red onions – add sweetness and colour
Cherry tomatoes – burst and add freshness
Carrots or parsnips – boost texture and nutrition
Paprika or chilli flakes – gentle heat
Olives – savoury depth

Expert Tips to Get Jamie Oliver Chicken Traybake with Potatoes Just Right

Use bone-in chicken for juicier results
Cut potatoes evenly for uniform cooking
Dry chicken skin before roasting for crispness
Use a large tray to avoid overcrowding
Finish with lemon juice for brightness

How to Adjust Chicken Traybake with Potatoes for Kids

Use mild seasoning, skip strong herbs, and cut potatoes smaller for easy eating. Serve with ketchup or gravy if needed.

Is Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Traybake with Potatoes Gluten-Free?

Yes, the dish is naturally gluten-free as written. Just check any added seasonings or extras.

Best Way to Store Chicken Traybake Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep chicken and potatoes together to retain flavour.

Best Ways to Reheat Chicken Traybake with Potatoes

Oven: Reheat at 180°C until hot and crisp
Air fryer: Quick reheating with crispy results
Microwave: Use short bursts, though potatoes soften

Nutritional Value (Per Serving)

Calories: ~520
Protein: 38g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fat: 24g
Fibre: 5g

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for a chicken traybake?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they cook faster and can dry out. Reduce the cooking time and consider covering the tray loosely with foil for the first part of baking to keep the meat juicy.

How do I get crispy potatoes in a chicken traybake?

Cut the potatoes evenly, coat them well in oil, and spread them out in a single layer. Turning them halfway through cooking helps achieve crisp edges.

Should I parboil potatoes before making a traybake?

Parboiling is not essential, but it can help if your potato chunks are large. A quick 5-minute boil softens the outside and leads to crispier results in the oven.

Can a chicken traybake with potatoes be made ahead?

Yes, you can prep the ingredients earlier in the day and keep them covered in the fridge. Roast just before serving for the best texture and flavour.

Final Words

Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Traybake with Potatoes is simple, reliable, and deeply satisfying. With minimal effort and bold, honest flavours, it’s the kind of recipe that fits effortlessly into everyday cooking while still delivering a proper, comforting meal.