Name: Middle Eastern Braised Chicken Tray Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 6 chicken thighs or drumsticks; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish; 1 onion, sliced; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 zucchini, sliced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp turmeric; 1/2 tsp cinnamon

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If you are craving a dish that marries deep, aromatic spices with tender, juicy chicken and vibrant vegetables, then this Middle Eastern Braised Chicken Tray Bake Recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. It’s an irresistible blend of cumin, paprika, turmeric, and cinnamon, slow-braised with garlic and olive oil to create a comforting meal that feels both exotic and homey. Every bite bursts with warmth and heart, perfect for sharing with family or impressing friends without any fuss. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make it again and again for those cozy nights in or casual gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two white pots on a white marbled surface. The top pot contains five raw chicken thighs with visible skin and bones, laid out evenly, with a light coating of oil and seasoning giving a slightly shiny and pinkish-red look. The bottom pot shows four chicken thighs frying, with golden-brown crispy skin on top, while a silver tong holds one piece. The inside of both pots has a yellowish-brown oily color from cooking, showing a contrast between the raw and cooked chicken. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients is the secret to this dish’s magic. Each element works together to build layers of flavor and texture, making the final result unmistakably delicious and colorful.

6 chicken thighs or drumsticks: Choose bone-in, skin-on for maximum flavor and moisture throughout braising.
1 onion, sliced: Adds sweetness and a tender bite that complements the spices.
1 red bell pepper, sliced: Offers a bright, slightly sweet contrast and a pop of vibrant color.
1 zucchini, sliced: Brings gentle earthiness and soft, buttery texture when roasted.
3 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic infuses the dish with pungent, savory aroma and depth.
2 tbsp olive oil: The essential fat that carries all those spices and keeps everything moist and luscious.
1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds moisture for braising and enriches overall flavor without heaviness.
1 tbsp lemon juice: Provides bright acidity to balance the rich spices and tenderize the meat.
1 tsp cumin: A warm, earthy spice grounding the Middle Eastern flavor profile.
1 tsp paprika: Adds subtle heat and smoky notes for extra depth.
1/2 tsp turmeric: Offers vibrant color along with mild, earthy bitterness.
1/2 tsp cinnamon: A hint of sweetness and warmth that enhances the spice blend wonderfully.
Salt and pepper to taste: Vital seasonings that highlight and harmonize all other flavors.
Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish: Adds a burst of freshness and a pretty finishing touch.

How to Make Middle Eastern Braised Chicken Tray Bake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Vegetables

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, slice your vegetables — the onion, red bell pepper, and zucchini — and arrange them evenly in your baking dish. These veggies create a flavorful bed that will soak up all those aromatic juices later on.

Step 2: Mix the Braising Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. This vibrant sauce is where the magic of your Middle Eastern Braised Chicken Tray Bake Recipe begins. It is bursting with warm spices and fresh zest, ready to infuse your chicken and vegetables with tender, aromatic delight.

Step 3: Arrange the Chicken and Add Sauce

Place the chicken thighs or drumsticks skin-side up directly on top of the layered vegetables. Pour the spiced broth mixture over everything, ensuring each piece gets nicely coated. The layering helps the chicken slowly cook through while absorbing the flavorful steam from the veggies and sauce beneath.

Step 4: Braise Covered and Then Brown

Cover the baking dish tightly with foil to trap all the moisture and braise the chicken gently in the oven for 45 minutes. This slow cooking method is essential to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes uncovered to allow the skin to crisp and brown beautifully.

How to Serve Middle Eastern Braised Chicken Tray Bake Recipe

A white oval plate holds seven pieces of cooked chicken with a brown, herb-covered, slightly crispy skin on top. The chicken pieces are arranged spread out, mixed with thick slices of roasted red onion showing purple layers and slightly charred edges. There are six lemon wedges placed around and on top of the chicken, adding bright yellow color. Fresh green chopped herbs are sprinkled over the chicken and onions for contrast. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with part of a small white bowl of sauce and a gray cloth visible on the side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or cilantro over the tray bake. The herbs add a pop of color and a burst of fresh, bright flavor that perfectly complements the warm, spiced chicken. For an extra Middle Eastern touch, feel free to add a handful of pitted olives or preserved lemon slices on top for a tangy twist.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides that soak up those delicious braising juices. Consider serving with fluffy couscous, fragrant basmati rice, or even warm pita bread. For lighter options, a crisp salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and a lemony dressing contrasts the rich chicken nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For an inviting presentation, serve the chicken and vegetables family-style right from the tray bake dish at the table. Alternatively, plate individual portions garnished with herbs and a wedge of lemon for squeezing. Wrapping some of the tender chicken in warm flatbreads with a drizzle of yogurt sauce can turn this tray bake into an irresistible handheld meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Middle Eastern Braised Chicken Tray Bake Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your second serving just as delightful as the first.

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To freeze effectively, cool the dish completely before sealing it tightly. This makes it perfect for batch cooking or meal prepping when you want an easy, hearty dinner option ready to go.

Reheating

Reheat thawed leftovers gently in a covered baking dish or microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water before reheating helps keep the chicken moist if it has thickened. The braised vegetables and tender-spiced chicken taste just as wonderful the second time around.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs or drumsticks?

Absolutely! While thighs and drumsticks remain juicier during braising, chicken breasts can be used as a leaner alternative. Just be mindful to avoid overcooking to keep the breasts tender. Adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.

What vegetables work well in this tray bake?

The recipe is flexible – beyond onion, red bell pepper, and zucchini, you can add carrots, eggplant, or cherry tomatoes. Tougher vegetables may need to be thinly sliced to ensure even cooking alongside the chicken.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

While this version centers on chicken, you could adapt the spice mix and vegetable medley for a hearty roasted vegetable and chickpea tray bake. Keep in mind braising times will differ without the meat.

Do I have to cover the tray with foil?

Covering the tray helps trap moisture for braising, ensuring tender chicken. Removing the foil toward the end is important so the skin crisps up beautifully. If you skip covering, the chicken might dry out.

Is this recipe gluten-free and keto-friendly?

Yes, it naturally fits gluten-free and low-carb or keto diets, with no grains or sugars included. The focus on healthy fats and spices makes it a wholesome, satisfying meal choice.

Final Thoughts

This Middle Eastern Braised Chicken Tray Bake Recipe is a celebration of warm spices, tender chicken, and simple, vibrant ingredients coming together in one easy dish. It’s perfect for anyone looking to bring a bit of Middle Eastern flair into their kitchen without complicated steps. I genuinely hope you enjoy making and sharing this meal as much as I do — it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep in your culinary rotation forever!