Name: Middle Eastern Spiced Braised Chicken Tray Bake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 8 chicken thighs or drumsticks; 1 onion, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can chickpeas, drained; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp ground coriander; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 cup chicken stock; Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Jump to Recipe·4 from 276 reviews

If you are searching for a dish that combines bold flavors, effortless cooking, and a comforting, one-pan experience, look no further than this Middle Eastern Spiced Braised Chicken Tray Bake Recipe. This dish brings together tender, juicy chicken infused with aromatic spices, gently braised alongside savory chickpeas and sweet onions. The warm blend of cumin, coriander, paprika, and cinnamon creates a depth of flavor that instantly transports you to the vibrant markets and kitchens of the Middle East, all while keeping the kitchen cleanup delightfully minimal. It is truly a recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate and one you’ll gladly return to time and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two steps of preparing chicken thighs. The top part shows six raw chicken thighs with pale pink skin sprinkled with black pepper, arranged on a clear cutting board with black edges, placed over a white marbled surface. The bottom part shows four chicken thighs cooked to a crispy golden-brown color, sitting in a white large pan with a black rim and two handles, surrounded by light brown cooking juices, also on a white marbled surface. A white and black striped cloth is partially visible on the left side of both images. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple yet purposeful ingredients is key to nailing this dish, where every element plays a crucial role in flavor, texture, or color. The spices provide the character, the chicken offers tender protein, and the chickpeas add a hearty bite to this wholesome tray bake.

8 chicken thighs or drumsticks: Choose bone-in for juicier, more flavorful results that hold up beautifully during braising.
2 tbsp olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken to golden perfection.
1 onion, sliced: Offers natural sweetness and depth, complementing the warm spices.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with an irresistible aromatic punch.
1 tsp ground cumin: Provides earthy warmth, a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine.
1 tsp ground coriander: Brings a subtle citrusy note enhancing overall complexity.
1 tsp paprika: Adds a smoky sweetness and vibrant red color.
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: Introduces a quietly sweet and woody undertone that ties everything together.
1 cup chicken stock: Essential moisture for braising, keeping the chicken moist and tender.
1 can chickpeas, drained: Adds hearty texture and nutrition, soaking up the fragrant juices.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Balances flavors and enhances the spices.
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): A fresh, bright garnish that lifts the finished dish.

How to Make Middle Eastern Spiced Braised Chicken Tray Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Ingredients

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms up, slice the onion, mince the garlic, and drain the chickpeas to ensure they’re ready to go when you assemble the dish. This initial prep step sets you up for a smooth cooking process.

Step 2: Assemble the Tray Bake

Place the chicken thighs or drumsticks in a large roasting tray, nestling the sliced onions, drained chickpeas, and minced garlic around them. This base layer allows the flavors to mingle beautifully as the chicken braises.

Step 3: Add the Warm Spices

Sprinkle the cumin, coriander, paprika, and cinnamon evenly over the chicken and vegetables. Don’t forget a good pinch of salt and pepper to season everything properly. These spices are what give this recipe its unmistakable Middle Eastern character.

Step 4: Coat and Pour

Drizzle the olive oil over the entire tray and gently toss or turn everything with your hands or tongs to ensure the chicken, onions, and chickpeas are all evenly coated. Then, pour the chicken stock around the edges of the tray, which will keep the chicken tender and infuse the chickpeas with moisture.

Step 5: Cover and Bake

Tightly cover the tray with foil to trap the steam inside and bake for 35 minutes. This gentle braising method allows the chicken to cook through while soaking up the fragrant spices and juicy flavors.

Step 6: Uncover and Finish Baking

After the initial baking time, remove the foil and return the tray to the oven for another 20 to 25 minutes. This step allows the chicken skin to crisp up and turn a beautiful golden brown, completing the transformation of this hearty dish.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken and chickpeas for a pop of color and freshness. Your Middle Eastern Spiced Braised Chicken Tray Bake Recipe is now ready to delight your senses!

How to Serve Middle Eastern Spiced Braised Chicken Tray Bake Recipe

Middle Eastern Spiced Braised Chicken Tray Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Adding fresh parsley is a simple yet effective way to brighten up the dish and provide a herby contrast to the warm spices. You can also consider a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of tangy tahini sauce to enhance the textures and flavors even more.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy couscous or fragrant basmati rice to soak up all the flavorful braising juices. Warm flatbread or pita also makes an excellent accompaniment, perfect for scooping up chicken and chickpeas and adding an authentic touch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a more festive presentation, arrange the chicken and chickpeas on a large platter surrounded by wedges of preserved lemon, olives, and dollops of yogurt or labneh. This transforms the meal into a shared feast that invites everyone to dig in and savor a variety of complementary flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it an excellent next-day meal.

Freezing

This Middle Eastern Spiced Braised Chicken Tray Bake Recipe freezes very well. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, labeling with the date. It will keep for up to three months without losing its deliciousness.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw if frozen and warm gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through, or microwave portions in short bursts to avoid drying out the chicken. Adding a splash of chicken stock before reheating helps maintain moisture and tenderness.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs or drumsticks?

While chicken breasts are leaner, they tend to dry out during the long braising process. Thighs and drumsticks are preferred for their higher fat content and ability to stay juicy and tender throughout the cooking.

Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

Absolutely! None of the ingredients contain gluten, making it a naturally gluten-free meal. Just be sure the chicken stock you use is certified gluten-free if you are highly sensitive.

Can I add other vegetables to the tray?

Yes! Root vegetables like carrots or parsnips, or even diced sweet potatoes, can be added to bulk up the meal. Just cut them into even pieces so they cook evenly alongside the chicken and chickpeas.

Is it necessary to cover the tray with foil while baking?

Covering the tray traps steam and helps braise the chicken gently so it remains moist. Removing the foil at the end lets the skin crisp nicely. Skipping the cover risks drying out the chicken during baking.

What can I do to make the dish spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely chopped fresh chili to the spice mix before assembling. This will give the dish a pleasant heat without overpowering the warm, aromatic flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

This Middle Eastern Spiced Braised Chicken Tray Bake Recipe is one of those magical meals that feels both sophisticated and incredibly easy at the same time. The blend of spices creates a fragrant, flavorful experience, while the straightforward steps make it accessible for cooks of all levels. I encourage you to try this recipe soon and share the cozy, delicious vibes it brings to your table with family and friends.