If you love rustic comfort food that practically cooks itself, get ready to fall head over heels for this Roast Chicken, Sausage, and Potato Tray Roast. Imagine succulent, golden-crisp chicken nestled beside juicy Italian sausages, sweet red peppers, and potatoes that soak up all the savory goodness. It’s the kind of meal that turns an ordinary weeknight into something to look forward to, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas and making cleanup a breeze. Perfect for feeding a hungry family or impressing friends with minimal effort, this tray roast has become one of my most-requested dishes— and I’m excited to share every delicious detail with you!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Roast Chicken, Sausage, and Potato Tray Roast is in its simplicity. Every ingredient serves a purpose, bringing color and big flavor to every bite. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a few handy tips for maximum taste:
- Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on): These stay juicy and develop an irresistibly crispy skin in the oven.
- Italian sausages (mild or spicy), halved: Their seasoned fat flavors the veggies and creates rich, meaty bites throughout the dish.
- Baby potatoes, halved: These roast up beautifully tender and soak up all the savory juices.
- Red onion, cut into wedges: Adds a mellow sweetness and gorgeous color contrast.
- Red bell pepper, chopped: Brings a pop of color and a sweet, fresh flavor to balance the richness.
- Garlic, minced: Because every tray roast needs a punch of bold, aromatic garlic!
- Olive oil: Helps everything turn deeply golden and helps the herbs stick perfectly.
- Dried rosemary: Gives the whole dish an earthy, fragrant backbone— use fresh if you have it for even more aroma.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a gentle smokiness to round out the flavors and boost that craveable roasted color.
- Salt: Seasons every bite and heightens the flavors of the meat and veggies.
- Black pepper: For just the right hint of underlying warmth.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A bright, herbal touch that makes the finished dish pop.
How to Make Roast Chicken, Sausage, and Potato Tray Roast
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Veggies
Start by heating your oven to 425°F (220°C) for that perfect golden roast. While it preheats, toss your halved potatoes, wedges of red onion, chopped bell pepper, and minced garlic together in a big bowl. Add the olive oil, dried rosemary, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, making sure every bit gets a slick coating— this ensures all those flavors go deep into each veggie.
Step 2: Arrange Everything on the Tray
Spread your seasoned veggies evenly over a large baking sheet so they roast rather than steam. Now for the stars: nestle the chicken thighs and halved sausage links among the vegetables, skin side up for ultimate crispiness. Give everything a little shuffle, making sure nothing overlaps too much— this setup is the secret to a deeply flavorful Roast Chicken, Sausage, and Potato Tray Roast.
Step 3: Roast Until Golden
Slide your tray into the oven and let it roast for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll watch the chicken skin bubble to crisp perfection, the sausages get burnished and juicy, and the potatoes turn buttery soft within. If you’re after even more crunch, flip your oven to broil for 2 to 3 minutes right at the end— absolute bliss!
Step 4: Rest, Garnish, and Serve
Give your Roast Chicken, Sausage, and Potato Tray Roast a quick five-minute rest when it comes out. This lets all those delicious juices redistribute. Finish off with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a fresh and vibrant finish before serving up family style. Dig in while it’s piping hot!
How to Serve Roast Chicken, Sausage, and Potato Tray Roast
Garnishes
The easiest way to make this Roast Chicken, Sausage, and Potato Tray Roast shine is with a shower of fresh chopped parsley right before serving. For extra flair (especially if you’re having guests), scatter over some lemon zest or a few fresh rosemary sprigs. They add color and a zippy brightness you’ll love.
Side Dishes
This tray roast is absolutely hearty on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, pair it with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette or some garlicky steamed green beans. A hunk of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up all those golden pan juices, making every bite feel even more special.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dramatic centerpiece, bring the whole tray right to the table and let everyone serve themselves, family-style. Or, plate up individual servings with a scatter of microgreens for a restaurant-worthy look. For special occasions, arrange everything atop a rustic wooden board with lemon wedges, turning your Roast Chicken, Sausage, and Potato Tray Roast into the star of your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 to 4 days, making this Roast Chicken, Sausage, and Potato Tray Roast a great option for meal prepping future lunches or lazy dinners.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze portions for a no-stress meal down the road! Allow everything to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. The sausages and chicken thaw and reheat best if you slice or shred them first, and the veggies might soften a little, but still taste delicious.
Reheating
To reheat, place leftovers in an ovenproof dish, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F (175°C) until everything is heated through— about 20 minutes. For a crispier finish, uncover for the last few minutes or use a quick blast under the broiler. The microwave works, too, but you’ll miss out on the crispy skin magic!
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs or chicken breasts instead?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs will cook more quickly, so check for doneness a bit earlier. Chicken breasts work, but they can dry out at this high heat, so consider adding them partway through roasting to keep them juicy.
What kind of sausage is best in this Roast Chicken, Sausage, and Potato Tray Roast?
Italian sausages bring classic flavor, and you can choose between mild or spicy based on your preference. Feel free to swap in chicken sausage, chorizo, or even a veggie sausage for a fun twist!
Can I add more vegetables or substitute others?
Definitely! This tray roast is very forgiving. Try mixing in chunks of fennel, carrots, sweet potatoes, or zucchini for added color and flavor. Just aim for everything to be cut to similar sizes for even roasting.
Do I need to flip the chicken and sausages during roasting?
No flipping required! Leaving the chicken skin side up guarantees maximum crisp, and the sausages brown as they are nestled in with the veggies. Less fuss, more flavor.
How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is ready when the juices run clear and the internal temperature at the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a meat thermometer, give the skin a little poke— it should feel firm and spring back slightly, not squishy.
Final Thoughts
This Roast Chicken, Sausage, and Potato Tray Roast is more than just an easy dinner— it’s a total mood-lifter and table-pleaser. With one pan and a handful of everyday ingredients, you’ll create a meal that looks as wonderful as it tastes. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a favorite in your kitchen too!
