Harissa Chicken & Chorizo Traybake

When the oven is humming on a chilly evening and the kitchen fills with the smell of spiced chorizo and roasted vegetables, you know something comforting is on the way. This Harissa Chicken & Chorizo Traybake brings together smoky warmth, bold spices, and a satisfying roast-all-in-one-pan kind of simplicity. Each bite has tender chicken, crispy-edged chorizo, and caramelized veggies soaked in a rich harissa glaze. It’s the kind of dish that tastes like you fussed for hours, when really, it was all tossed onto a tray and let the oven do the magic.

Behind the Recipe

This one came about on a lazy Sunday. I had a pack of chicken thighs in the fridge, a half-used jar of harissa, and some chorizo leftover from a paella night. The idea of juggling multiple pans felt exhausting, so I tossed everything on a tray and crossed my fingers. Forty-five minutes later, I pulled out a bubbling tray layered in spicy, savory goodness. It’s been a favorite ever since — a recipe that came out of necessity but stayed for love.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Harissa, the key flavor-maker here, is a chili paste that hails from North Africa — especially Tunisia. It’s bold, earthy, smoky, and often includes garlic, cumin, coriander, and lemon juice. Chorizo, meanwhile, is rooted in Spanish and Portuguese cuisines, known for its paprika-laced spice and rich fat. Combining them in one dish brings together flavors from two vibrant culinary worlds. The result? A rustic, fiery, and deeply flavorful roast that feels both familiar and new.

Why You’ll Love Harissa Chicken & Chorizo Traybake

This dish checks all the boxes. Here’s why you’ll be coming back for seconds:

Versatile: Works with any mix of veggies you have on hand — think zucchini, sweet potatoes, or even fennel.

Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable pantry staples and stretches a small amount of meat into a filling meal.

Quick and Easy: Minimal prep, no fancy equipment, and the oven does all the heavy lifting.

Customizable: Adjust the harissa to your heat tolerance, swap in different herbs, or go all veg.

Crowd-Pleasing: Smoky, savory, and deeply satisfying — everyone at the table will want more.

Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep everything a day in advance and pop it in the oven when ready.

Great for Leftovers: Reheat beautifully and even better the next day tucked into wraps or over rice.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

To really nail this traybake, keep a few tricks up your sleeve:

• Use skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs for extra flavor and moisture retention.
• Slice the veggies uniformly so they roast evenly and don’t burn.
• Toss everything in the harissa mix before roasting to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.
• Roast on a large tray with space between items for better caramelization.
• Finish under the broiler for a few minutes if you want extra crispy edges.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Just a few basics will get the job done right:

Baking Tray: A large one with a lip is perfect to hold all the juices.

Mixing Bowl: For tossing chicken and veggies in the harissa marinade.

Tongs or Spoon: To coat ingredients evenly.

Aluminum Foil (Optional): Helps avoid over-browning if needed toward the end.

Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For prepping vegetables and slicing chorizo.

Ingredients in Harissa Chicken & Chorizo Traybake

This recipe is all about letting bold ingredients do the talking. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Chicken Thighs (bone-in, skin-on): 6 pieces. They stay juicy during roasting and soak up flavor beautifully.
2. Chorizo Sausage (raw or semi-cured): 200g, sliced. Adds smoky, paprika-rich depth and a slight chew.
3. Red Bell Pepper: 1, sliced. Sweet, juicy, and adds color.
4. Yellow Bell Pepper: 1, sliced. Balances the heat with natural sweetness.
5. Red Onion: 1 large, sliced into wedges. Roasts down to a mellow, almost jammy sweetness.
6. Cherry Tomatoes: 200g, whole. They burst and caramelize, adding acidity and juice.
7. Carrots: 2, sliced into coins or sticks. Adds earthiness and texture.
8. Harissa Paste: 3 tablespoons. The flavor powerhouse — smoky, spicy, and savory.
9. Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons. Helps coat everything and adds richness.
10. Garlic Cloves: 3, minced. Boosts the aromatic base.
11. Lemon Juice: From 1 lemon. Brightens and balances the heat.

Ingredient Substitutions

Cooking should feel flexible. Try these swaps if needed:

Chicken Thighs: Boneless thighs or drumsticks work too.
Chorizo: Try andouille, merguez, or a plant-based sausage alternative.
Harissa Paste: Mix chili flakes with tomato paste, cumin, paprika, and a bit of olive oil.
Cherry Tomatoes: Use regular tomatoes cut into chunks.
Red Onion: Shallots or white onions will also roast beautifully.

Ingredient Spotlight

Harissa Paste: A bold North African chili paste that brings smoky heat, spice, and depth. It gives this traybake its signature fiery kick.

Chorizo: Rich in paprika and garlic, this sausage adds bursts of spicy-salty flavor and infuses the veggies with savory oil as it roasts.

Instructions for Making Harissa Chicken & Chorizo Traybake

There’s something satisfying about watching everything roast and bubble away in one pan. Here’s how to make it happen:

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Set your oven to 200°C (400°F) and let it fully preheat while you prep.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, mix harissa paste, olive oil, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Add the chicken, chorizo, and all chopped veggies. Toss well to coat everything evenly.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   Line a large baking tray with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Make sure it’s big enough for all ingredients to lie in a single layer.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Spread the chicken thighs skin-side up among the vegetables and chorizo. Arrange things evenly so each ingredient roasts properly.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Roast for about 40–45 minutes, until the chicken is golden, cooked through, and the veggies are tender and caramelized.
6. Finishing Touches:
   Optional but recommended — broil for 2–3 minutes for crispier chicken skin and deeper chorizo color.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Serve hot, straight from the tray, with couscous, rice, or crusty bread to mop up the juices.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

This dish is all about contrast. The chicken skin crisps while the inside stays juicy. Chorizo renders its oil, which coats the veggies in smoky richness. Harissa brings spice and warmth, tomatoes burst for freshness, and lemon cuts through with brightness. Every bite is juicy, bold, and balanced.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Here are a few tricks to keep things delicious every time:

• Use a metal tray, not ceramic, for better roasting and browning.
• Don’t crowd the tray, or everything will steam.
• Toss halfway through roasting if you want even more color on the veggies.

What to Avoid

A few small missteps can dull the magic. Here’s what to watch for:

• Skipping the lemon — it brightens everything and lifts the spices.
• Using too much harissa if you’re spice-sensitive.
• Cutting vegetables too thick, which can leave them undercooked.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 560

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can marinate everything a day ahead and store it in the fridge. When ready, just spread it on the tray and roast. Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days and can be frozen for 1 month. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.

How to Serve Harissa Chicken & Chorizo Traybake

Serve this beauty right from the tray, family-style. Pair with fluffy couscous, lemony quinoa, or warm pita. A dollop of yogurt on the side helps mellow the heat. Add a crisp salad with cucumbers and mint for contrast.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Leftovers? Lucky you. Here’s what to do:

• Wrap it up: Tuck into flatbreads with a drizzle of yogurt or tahini.
• Rice bowls: Add to steamed rice with some pickled onions.
• Soup starter: Toss leftovers into a tomato base for a bold, chunky soup.

Additional Tips

• Add chickpeas to bulk it up even more.
• Sprinkle fresh parsley or coriander just before serving.
• Use leftover harissa marinade to flavor couscous or a side salad.

Make It a Showstopper

Presentation matters, even for a traybake. Use a rustic metal tray and sprinkle with chopped herbs or thinly sliced lemon rounds just before serving. A drizzle of olive oil or yogurt over the top makes it look polished and adds another flavor layer.

Variations to Try

• All Veg: Skip the meat and load up on eggplant, sweet potato, and mushrooms.
• Fish Twist: Swap chicken for firm white fish like cod — roast for less time.
• Creamy Finish: Stir in a spoonful of crème fraîche at the end for richness.
• Sweet Heat: Add sliced apricots or dates for sweet contrast to the harissa.
• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle with toasted almonds or pine nuts before serving.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use boneless chicken?

A1: Absolutely. Just reduce the cooking time by 10 minutes and keep an eye so it doesn’t dry out.

Q2: Is this dish very spicy?

A2: It depends on your harissa. You can always use less or choose a mild version.

Q3: Can I make it vegetarian?

A3: Yes, just swap the chicken and chorizo for chickpeas and hearty veg like eggplant or sweet potato.

Q4: Do I need to peel the carrots?

A4: Not necessarily. A good scrub works fine unless the skin is very tough.

Q5: Can I add potatoes?

A5: Sure, just chop them small so they cook through with everything else.

Q6: What if I don’t have harissa?

A6: Make a quick mix with chili flakes, smoked paprika, cumin, tomato paste, and olive oil.

Q7: How do I reheat it?

A7: Oven works best to keep things crispy, but microwave is fine for speed.

Q8: Can I freeze it?

A8: Yes, freeze in portions and reheat in the oven for best results.

Q9: What’s the best chorizo to use?

A9: Go for raw or semi-cured Spanish chorizo so it cooks and crisps up nicely.

Q10: Will it work without tomatoes?

A10: It will, but you’ll lose a bit of that juicy freshness. Try adding a splash of broth instead.

Conclusion

This Harissa Chicken & Chorizo Traybake is one of those cozy, satisfying meals that feels like a warm hug in dinner form. It’s rich, bold, and beautifully simple — the kind of dish that becomes part of your weekly rotation without you even realizing it. Trust me, once you taste that spicy, caramelized harmony, you’ll be hooked.

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