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If you want a dinner that’s big on flavour but easy to throw together, this Smoky Mexican Chicken Traybake is exactly that. Juicy roasted chicken legs coated in smoky chipotle marinade are cooked alongside peppers, onions and chilli for a colourful traybake packed with bold Mexican-inspired flavour.
Everything roasts together in one tray so the vegetables soak up all the delicious chicken juices and spices. It’s simple, satisfying and perfect for busy midweek cooking.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Proper traybake dinner — minimal washing up
- Smoky chipotle and spice flavour throughout
- Juicy roasted chicken with caramelised vegetables
- High-protein and under 450 calories
This is the kind of recipe that proves simple ingredients can deliver big flavour. The smoky chipotle marinade, warming cumin and paprika, and sweet roasted peppers create a traybake that feels vibrant and satisfying.

Smoky Mexican Chicken Traybake
10 minutes
45 minutes
4
Traybake
Mexican Inspired
Delicious Smoky Mexican Chicken Traybake Recipe
Ingredients
4 chicken legs
2 onions, sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp paprika
1 red pepper, sliced
1 orange or yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 red chilli, sliced
2 tsp olive oil
2 tbsp chipotle marinade
Garnish
Handful fresh coriander
1 lime, cut into wedges
2–3 spring onions, sliced
Instructions
1. Marinate the chicken
Add the chicken legs to a bowl, season well and mix with 1 tbsp chipotle marinade. Set aside while you prepare the vegetables.
2. Cook the onion base
Heat 1 tsp olive oil in a pan. Add the onions, garlic, cumin and paprika and cook for a few minutes until softened. Remove and set aside.
3. Sear the chicken
In the same pan, sear the chicken legs briefly until lightly golden. Remove and set aside.
4. Assemble the traybake
Add the cooked onions, peppers, chilli and remaining chipotle marinade to a tray with 1 tsp olive oil. Mix together, then place the chicken legs on top along with any resting juices.
5. Roast
Cook in the oven at 180°C (fan) for 40–45 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
6. Garnish and serve
Top with fresh coriander, spring onions and lime wedges before serving.
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THE FULL MACROS READY FOR YOU
CALORIES | 427
UNDER 500 CALORIES PER SERVING
PROTEIN | 37.8G
OVER 35G PROTEIN PER SERVING
CARBS | 15G
UNDER 15G CARBS PER SERVING
FAT | 23G
UNDER 25G FAT PER SERVING
FIBRE | 4G
OVER 4G FIBRE PER SERVING
A high-protein traybake that delivers bold flavour without heavy calories.
Why choose this Smoky Mexican Chicken Recipe?
HIGH PROTEIN RECIPE
EASY TO COOK IN ONE TRAY
THE PERFECT COMFORT FOOD AFTER A LONG DAY
UNDER 500 CALORIES
Swaps & Upgrades
- Add sweet potato wedges to make it more filling
- Use chicken thighs instead of legs
- Add black beans for extra fibre
- Serve with Mexican rice or tortillas
- Add avocado slices for freshness
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of legs?
Yes — thighs work perfectly and cook in a similar time.
Is this recipe spicy?
Medium heat. Reduce chilli if you prefer a milder flavour.
Can I meal prep this dish?
Yes — leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this traybake?
Yes, freeze cooked chicken and vegetables for up to 2 months.
What should I serve this with?
Rice, tortillas, avocado or a fresh lime salad all work beautifully.
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