Masala Chicken Traybake (One-Tray Chicken with Potatoes and Yoghurt)

A traybake take on masala chicken brings the flavours of a spiced yoghurt marinade to an easy oven-roasted dinner. Bone-in chicken thighs roast with baby potatoes and red onion, so the vegetables absorb the cumin, coriander, turmeric, Kashmiri chilli and garam masala as the chicken skin browns. The yoghurt helps the marinade cling and gives the meat a tangy, tender finish, while lemon zest, juice and fresh coriander sharpen the rich pan juices at the end. It is a practical one-tray meal with enough spice to feel lively, but familiar enough for a weeknight dinner.
Cuisine style Indian-inspired home cooking
Spice level Medium
Cooking style Minimal cleanup • Crowd-friendly • Meal prep friendly
Time commitment Under 1 hour

Why this recipe works

  • Layered masala flavour: Cumin, coriander, turmeric, Kashmiri chilli and garam masala give the yoghurt marinade depth, warmth and colour.
  • Everything roasts together: The chicken, potatoes and onion cook on one tray, so the vegetables absorb the spiced pan juices as they soften.
  • Bright finish: Lemon zest, lemon juice and fresh coriander cut through the roasted richness and lift the final dish.

Get the most out of this recipe

Adjust the heat

  • For a gentler traybake: Reduce the Kashmiri chilli and lean on the cumin, coriander and garam masala for warmth without as much heat.
  • For more heat: Increase the chilli slightly or add a pinch of a hotter chilli powder alongside the Kashmiri chilli.
  • Keep the finish fresh: Use the lemon juice to taste at the end; acidity helps balance the spices and roasted chicken fat.

Timing notes

  • Short marinating is enough: The chicken can roast straight after coating, but even a brief rest while the vegetables are prepared helps the yoghurt marinade cling.
  • Rest before serving: A short rest lets the juices settle and gives the lemon and coriander a chance to freshen the tray.
  • Best served hot: Serve soon after roasting, while the chicken skin is deeply browned and the potatoes are still tender.

Texture tips

  • Keep the skin exposed: Set the chicken skin-side up and avoid burying it under excess marinade so it can brown properly in the oven.
  • Use a large tray: Give the potatoes and onion enough space so they roast rather than steam around the chicken.
  • Use bone-in thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs stay juicy during the longer roasting time needed for the potatoes to become tender.

Make-ahead tips

  • Marinate ahead if useful: Coat the chicken in the yoghurt masala and refrigerate until ready to roast; bring it out while preparing the vegetables.
  • Reheat on a tray: Reheat leftovers on a baking tray at 200°C (390°F) until piping hot, then refresh with lemon and coriander.
  • Freezer-friendly leftovers: Cooked portions can be frozen once cooled, then defrosted overnight in the fridge before reheating thoroughly.

Equipment you'll need

Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. Heat the oven to 220°C (430°F). In a large bowl, mix the yogurt with the garlic (finely grated), ginger (finely grated), cumin, coriander, turmeric, Kashmiri chilli, garam masala, salt and 1 tbsp of the rapeseed oil.
  2. Add the chicken thighs and turn to coat well. Set aside while you prep the vegetables, or leave to marinate for up to 30 minutes if you have time.
  3. Halve any larger potatoes so they are a similar size, then put them on a large baking tray. Cut the red onion into thick wedges and add to the tray, then drizzle with the remaining 1 tbsp oil and toss to coat.
  4. Nestle the chicken among the potatoes and onion, scraping any remaining marinade over the top. Roast for 45 to 55 minutes, turning the potatoes once halfway, until the chicken is deeply browned and cooked through and the potatoes are tender.
  5. Finely grate the lemon zest over the tray, then cut the lemon and squeeze over the juice to taste. Roughly chop the coriander and scatter over the top, then rest for 5 minutes before serving.

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Recipe notes

Tips

  • For the best colour, make sure the chicken skin is facing up and not covered by marinade; it will brown more evenly.
  • If the tray looks dry partway through roasting, spoon the pan juices over the potatoes to help them cook evenly.
  • If serving vulnerable groups, make sure the chicken is cooked until piping hot throughout with no pink at the bone.

Substitutions

  • Replace Whole milk yogurt with Greek yogurt for a thicker marinade that clings well to the chicken.
  • Replace Rapeseed oil with Olive oil for a fruitier finish.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 3 days
  • Cool, then refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Reheat on a baking tray at 200°C (390°F) for 15 to 20 minutes until piping hot; add a squeeze of Lemon and a little Fresh coriander after reheating. Freeze for up to 2 months and defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Masala Chicken Traybake (One-Tray Chicken with Potatoes and Yoghurt)
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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 3 servings
  • Total time: 1h 15min (20min active)
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cuisine: Indian
  • Allergens:
    Milk
Beginner friendly One pot Freezer friendly

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