Harissa Chicken and Vegetable Traybake
A simple one-tray dinner with chicken and vegetables coated in harissa paste and roasted until tender with crispy edges.
A simple, hearty one-pan chicken dish with earthy mushrooms, tender kale, and a mustardy stock sauce. Ready in under an hour and ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
This one-pan chicken dish is exactly the kind of meal that earns its place in a regular weeknight rotation. Chicken thighs are seared until golden, then brought back together with mushrooms, kale, and a simple sauce built from chicken stock and wholegrain mustard. Everything cooks in the same pan, so there's minimal washing up and the flavours build nicely as you go.
Chicken thighs are the right cut for this. They hold up well to searing and stay juicy through the simmer, giving you tender, flavourful meat every time.
The kale wilts down quickly under the lid and picks up all the savoury juices from the pan. A squeeze of lemon at the end lifts the whole dish and balances the richness of the mustard sauce.
The mushrooms are worth cooking properly here. Give them a couple of minutes in the hot pan without moving them too much so they get some colour before you stir. That browning adds a depth of flavour that you lose if you rush this step. Once they're softened, the dried thyme and sage go in along with the paprika, and together they give the sauce a warm, earthy quality that works really well with the chicken.
The sauce itself is straightforward. Pour in the stock and mustard, scrape up the bits from the bottom of the pan, and let it come to a simmer before the chicken goes back in. You're not looking for a thick gravy here, more of a light, flavoursome broth that coats everything nicely. The kale goes in last, just long enough to wilt and steam through. Finish with the lemon juice and a scattering of finely chopped red chilli for a bit of colour and gentle heat.
This recipe serves four and keeps well in the fridge for a couple of days if you've got leftovers.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over a low heat, adding a splash of water or stock to loosen the sauce if needed.
Serve straight from the pan with crusty bread to mop up the sauce, or alongside steamed rice or mashed potato. A simple green salad works well on the side if you want something lighter.
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