orange chicken traybake

One pot continued…with my outrageously delicious orange chicken traybake

I’ve been making this dish for YEARS. It’s an absolute fave in the Poppy Cooks household and such an easy one to whip out. And I couldn’t contain my delight when I could finally justify adding this recipe to my latest cookbook, Poppy Cooks: The Actually Delicious One Pot Cookbook.

Juicy, golden chicken thighs roasted with sweet potato and crunchy veg, all coated in the most addictive sticky orange-soy glaze. Honestly, it’s the traybake of dreams. Plus, all that fruity and veggy goodness will absolutely boost your 5-a-day. 

Takeaway vibes

If you’re someone who craves a cheeky Chinese takeaway midweek or gets one every weekend without fail, this recipe is a little introduction into making a dish from scratch that delivers those takeaway feels. We’re talking chilli sauce, dark soy, rice wine vinegar, garlic, ginger, honey and fresh orange juice all bubbling together in the oven until it clings to your chicken and caramelises. Add in a sprinkle of cashews, spring onion and chilli at the end, and you’ve basically just levelled up your whole dinner game. Plus, there’s typically less money spent than your average takeaway, as using thighs is a cost-effective way to get that chicken hit without paying for premium breasts. 

Why a traybake?

I LOVE a traybake and let me explain why…you throw everything onto one tray, bang it in the oven, and you’ve got a complete meal with minimal effort but a whole load of flavour. Less pans, less washing up and less hands on cooking. Set a few timers, mix a few things and you’re done. 

But just because it’s easy doesn’t mean it’s boring. In fact, I’d argue a good traybake is one of the best ways to pack in flavour, because all those ingredients roast together, share their juices and caramelise. The chicken skins crisp up, the sweet potatoes gets all tacky and the broccoli chars at the edges beautifully. It’s all the little details that make this kind of cooking so satisfying. It’s not a pile of mush, it’s still got a tonne of textures going on. 

 

orange chicken traybake

 

Watch the step-by-step tutorial here

If you like a more visual recipe and to follow along, check out my YouTube tutorial. Full of tips, tricks and my method to achieving midweek dinner greatness.

But, if you’re looking for a proper crowd pleaser, make this. And with us being more mindful about what we eat, this delivers on fibre, protein and all those wonderful vitamins from the green veg. 

Serving suggestions for this baby

This dish is incredible on its own, straight from the tray (because let’s be real, who can resist pinching a bit before it even hits the plate?). But if you want to bulk it out or feed more people, here are some ideas:

  • Serve with fluffy white rice or coconut rice

  • Add naan or flatbreads

  • Toss some extra roasted veg on the side if you’ve got a spare courgette or carrot knocking about

  • Pair with white wine or a ginger beer for a proper midweek treat

Poppy vs leftovers

Full disclosure: I always think this traybake will leave enough for lunch the next day. SPOILER. It never does. The chicken is too juicy, the sauce is too addictive, and suddenly you’re sneaking back into the kitchen for just one more piece. And honestly? That’s the kind of recipe you want in your life, the one that makes people scrape the tray clean in a really uncouth kinda way.

From my kitchen to yours (and into my book)

This sticky chicken traybake is exactly the kind of recipe that inspired me to write my latest book: Poppy Cooks: The Actually Delicious One Pot Cookbook. One pot, one pan, minimal faff, maximum flavour, it’s cooking stripped back to what actually makes sense in our busy lives.

So consider this recipe a little freebie taster and a peek inside the vibe of the book. If you like this, trust me, you’re going to love the rest.

One Pot

And in conclusion…

If you’re hunting for a midweek dinner that feels like a treat but doesn’t leave you drowning in dishes, this orange chicken traybake is the answer. Sweet, savoury, citrusy and a little spicy. It’s proper comfort food, but with enough freshness from the orange and greens to keep it balanced.

So grab your tray, load it up, and get ready for your new favourite chicken dinner. And look, if you do somehow manage to save some for leftovers, I salute your self-control. I am yet to develop that.