There’s something irresistible about the way a single dish can elevate dinner from mundane to memorable, and this Chicken and Chilli Jam Tray Bake does just that. Picture this: the moment the aromatic embrace of garlic mingles with sweet and spicy chilli jam fills your kitchen, you’ll know you’re in for a treat. I stumbled upon this delightful recipe during a week when takeout options felt uninspiring, and the thought of a homemade meal was exactly what my soul craved.
With juicy chicken, fluffy jasmine rice, and a kick of flavor that dances across your palate, this tray bake is a harmonious blend of comfort and excitement. Plus, it requires minimal prep, allowing you to savor the anticipation while it roasts to perfection. Gather some fried shallots and a sprinkle of fresh coriander, and you’ll have a dish that not only satisfies but impresses friends and family alike. Trust me, once you try it, fast food will take a backseat in your culinary adventures!
Why is Chicken and Chilli Jam Tray Bake a Must-Try?
Delicious flavor explosion: This dish combines sweet, spicy, and savory flavors that create an unforgettable dining experience.
One-pan wonder: With everything cooking in a single tray, cleanup is a breeze—perfect for busy weeknights.
Effortless preparation: Tossing the ingredients together takes just minutes, making it accessible even for novice cooks.
Comforting and satisfying: Fluffy jasmine rice paired with juicy chicken delivers pure comfort with every bite.
Perfect for gatherings: Impress your family and friends with this stunning dish that always pleases a crowd.
Quick & effortless: This meal comes together swiftly without sacrificing taste, giving you more quality time to enjoy your dinner. Explore other easy dishes like Sheet Pan Lemon Herb Chicken to keep your weeknight dinners exciting!
Chicken and Chilli Jam Tray Bake Ingredients
Discover the perfect balance of flavors and textures with these simple ingredients!
For the Chicken Marinade
- Chilli jam or sweet chilli sauce – This key ingredient adds a delightful sweet and spicy kick to your chicken.
- Brown sugar – Enhances the caramelization of the chicken while balancing the heat from the chilli.
- Soy sauce – Provides a rich umami flavor that complements the sweetness perfectly.
For the Chicken
- Bone-in chicken pieces – Drumsticks and thighs are great for juicy meat that stays tender during roasting.
- Vegetable oil – A drizzle helps to crisp up the chicken skin while it roasts to golden perfection.
For the Rice Base
- Jasmine rice – Its fragrant quality and fluffy texture make it an ideal side for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Garlic, finely grated – Infuses the dish with warmth and depth, enhancing all the flavors beautifully.
- Chicken stock – Using stock instead of water amplifies the savory notes in the rice, elevating the dish’s overall taste.
- Red onion, cut into wedges – Adds a slight sweetness and character as it caramelizes in the oven.
For Serving
- Fried shallots – These provide a delightful crunch and extra flavor as a finishing touch.
- Coriander leaves – Freshens up the dish and adds a vibrant color contrast to your tray bake.
Get ready to experience the amazing flavors of the Chicken and Chilli Jam Tray Bake!
How to Make Chicken and Chilli Jam Tray Bake
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Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F. This essential step ensures that your chicken and rice cook evenly and come out perfectly golden.
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Whisk together in a large bowl the chilli jam, brown sugar, and soy sauce. This sweet and spicy marinade infuses your chicken with tantalizing flavors, so toss in your chicken pieces to coat them well.
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Combine jasmine rice, grated garlic, and chicken stock in a large casserole dish or baking tray. This savory mixture will create a flavorful base for your meal. Add the chicken pieces and onion wedges on top, spooning any leftover marinade over everything.
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Drizzle the chicken with vegetable oil to help it crisp up beautifully while roasting. Cover the dish with foil and roast for 50 minutes. Uncover and continue to cook for another 20 minutes, allowing the chicken to brown slightly.
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Garnish your dish by scattering fried shallots and fresh coriander leaves before serving. Present it with extra chilli jam or sweet chilli sauce on the side for an extra kick!
Optional: For added texture, consider sprinkling some toasted sesame seeds right before serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Chicken and Chilli Jam Tray Bake?
Complete your meal with these delightful accompaniments that enhance the flavors of this comforting dish.
- Steamed Broccoli: The natural crunch and vibrant color of steamed broccoli provide a nutritious counterpoint, balancing the sweetness of the chicken.
- Crispy Roasted Potatoes: With their golden exterior and fluffy interior, these potatoes add a satisfying texture that complements the tender chicken beautifully.
- Thai Cucumber Salad: This refreshing salad, with its zesty lime dressing, offers a crisp contrast that enhances the overall flavor profile, brightening each bite.
- Garlic Bread: The warm, buttery goodness of garlic bread is perfect for sopping up any extra sauce from the tray bake, creating a satisfying culinary experience.
- Mango Chutney: Sweet and tangy, this chutney acts as a delightful contrast to the heat of the dish, offering an exciting burst of flavor on your plate.
- Lemonade or Iced Tea: A refreshing beverage like lemonade or iced tea brings a cool element to your mealtime, balancing the spicy warmth of the chicken.
- Chocolate Mousse: End your meal on a high note with a velvety chocolate mousse, whose rich creaminess pairs well after the spices of the tray bake.
- Fruit Salad: A light and juicy fruit salad provides a naturally sweet note to cleanse your palate, making a perfect finish to your dining experience.
- Red Wine: A soft red wine like Pinot Noir can elevate the entire meal, enhancing the complex flavors of the chicken and bringing out its richness.
- Coconut Rice Pudding: For a cozy dessert, indulge in a creamy coconut rice pudding; its sweet, tropical flavor ties nicely with the dish while closing the meal with comfort.
How to Store and Freeze Chicken and Chilli Jam Tray Bake
Room Temperature: Leftovers can be left out for up to 2 hours; cover to maintain freshness.
Fridge: Store your Chicken and Chilli Jam Tray Bake in an airtight container for up to 3 days, ensuring the chicken remains juicy and flavors are preserved.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze individual portions in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. This method helps retain the dish’s delicious texture and flavor.
Expert Tips for Chicken and Chilli Jam Tray Bake
• Adjusting Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, use sweet chilli sauce instead of chilli jam, reducing the heat while keeping the flavor.
• Cooking Time: Ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F). Investing in a meat thermometer helps avoid undercooked chicken.
• Perfect Rice: Rinse your jasmine rice before cooking to remove excess starch, leading to fluffier rice that absorbs the tasty sauce beautifully.
• Keep It Juicy: Avoid overcooking by checking the chicken at the 50-minute mark. Oversight can lead to dry chicken; let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
• Layering Flavors: For an extra flavor boost, add some chopped bell peppers or snap peas to the rice during the last 20 minutes of cooking.
• Make Ahead: This Chicken and Chilli Jam Tray Bake can be marinated a few hours in advance, allowing the flavors to deepen, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Chicken and Chilli Jam Tray Bake Variations
Feel free to explore different twists on this delightful recipe to make it your own!
- Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade for an extra layer of heat that tantalizes the taste buds.
- Vegetable Medley: Toss in a colorful assortment of vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli with the rice for added nutrition and texture.
- Coconut Rice: Replace chicken stock with coconut milk for the rice, delivering a creamy, tropical flair that compliments the chili jam beautifully.
- Herb Infusion: Mix fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the marinade for a fragrant twist, creating a more aromatic dish that’s simply irresistible.
- Crispy Topping: Sprinkle some panko breadcrumbs over the chicken during the last 10 minutes of roasting for a crunchy texture upgrade that adds delightful contrast.
- Lemon Zest: Incorporate lemon zest into the marinade, brightening up the flavor profile with a refreshing citrus touch that balances the sweetness.
- Honey-Mustard Variation: Try swapping out chilli jam for a mixture of honey and Dijon mustard for a tangy, sweet glaze that transforms the entire dish.
- Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with bone-in pork chops or tofu for a delicious twist, allowing this versatile recipe to cater to different dietary preferences.
Each of these variations can enhance your Chicken and Chilli Jam Tray Bake, making it a unique and memorable dish every time!
Make Ahead Options
These Chicken and Chilli Jam Tray Bake preparations are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can marinate the chicken pieces in the chilli jam, brown sugar, and soy sauce up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to develop beautifully; simply refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook. Additionally, you can combine the jasmine rice, garlic, and chicken stock in the casserole dish and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, just assemble the marinated chicken and onion wedges on top of the rice, drizzle with oil, and roast. This method ensures your meal remains just as delicious, giving you quick and easy weeknight satisfaction!
Chicken and Chilli Jam Tray Bake Recipe FAQs
How do I select the right chilli jam or sweet chilli sauce?
Absolutely! When choosing your chilli jam, look for a brand that has a vibrant color and a good balance of sweetness and heat. Avoid any jars with dark spots, as they may indicate spoilage. If you prefer a milder flavor, sweet chilli sauce is a fantastic alternative.
How should I store leftovers from the Chicken and Chilli Jam Tray Bake?
Very simple! After your meal, let the leftovers cool to room temperature, then transfer them into an airtight container. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep them covered to retain moisture and flavor.
Can I freeze the Chicken and Chilli Jam Tray Bake?
Definitely! To freeze, portion the tray bake into airtight containers or freezer bags, pressing out any excess air before sealing. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight, and reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
What should I do if the chicken is not browning in the oven?
Great question! If your chicken isn’t browning, it might be due to the foil covering it for too long. Next time, after roasting it for the initial 50 minutes, make sure the foil is removed for the last 20 minutes. Additionally, a drizzle of vegetable oil can help achieve that beautiful golden crispiness on the skin.
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Absolutely! This dish contains soy sauce, which is a common allergen, so be cautious if you or your guests have soy allergies. If making it for someone with dietary restrictions, you can use tamari or coconut aminos instead for a gluten-free alternative. Also, it’s best to avoid using chilli jam if you’re preparing this for pets, as certain ingredients may not be safe for them.
Delicious Chicken and Chilli Jam Tray Bake in One Dish
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F.
- Whisk together the chilli jam, brown sugar, and soy sauce in a large bowl. Toss in the chicken pieces to coat.
- Combine jasmine rice, grated garlic, and chicken stock in a casserole dish. Add the chicken pieces and onion wedges, spooning leftover marinade over everything.
- Drizzle the chicken with vegetable oil, cover with foil, and roast for 50 minutes. Uncover and cook for an additional 20 minutes.
- Garnish with fried shallots and coriander before serving. Optionally serve with extra chilli jam.