Creamy Garlic Chicken Traybake with Roasted Potatoes and Cherry Tomatoes

Some meals just hit all the right notes—simple, creamy, garlicky, and roasted to perfection in a single pan. The Creamy Garlic Chicken Traybake with Roasted Potatoes & Cherry Tomatoes is one of those dishes. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, family dinners, or any time you want a hearty, comforting meal with minimal cleanup.

This traybake brings together juicy chicken thighs, golden baby potatoes, and bursting cherry tomatoes, all coated in a luscious, garlicky cream sauce. It’s the kind of dinner that fills the kitchen with incredible aroma and fills the table with satisfied silence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pan magic: Minimal mess, maximum flavor

• Comforting and creamy: Without being overly heavy

• Balanced: Protein, carbs, and veggies in every bite

• Customizable: Works with different herbs, veggies, or spice blends

• Meal-prep and leftover friendly

It’s rustic enough for everyday meals, but special enough to serve to guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Traybake

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or breasts, if preferred)

• 500g baby potatoes, halved

• 300g cherry tomatoes

• 1 small red onion, cut into wedges (optional)

• 6 cloves garlic, minced or smashed

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce

• ½ cup heavy cream (or cooking cream)

• ¼ cup chicken stock

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• Juice of ½ lemon

• Chopped parsley or basil, to garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken and Vegetables

• Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).

• Place the chicken thighs in a large baking tray. Add halved potatoes and cherry tomatoes. Scatter in the garlic and onion if using.

• Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, paprika, and herbs. Toss everything together, then arrange chicken skin-side up.

2. Roast the Tray

• Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the chicken skin is golden and the potatoes are almost tender.

3. Make the Garlic Cream Sauce

• While the tray is roasting, whisk together cream, chicken stock, mustard, Parmesan, garlic powder, and lemon juice in a small bowl.

• You can warm this sauce gently in a pan if you prefer a thicker texture, or pour it cold over the hot tray for a fresher taste.

4. Add the Sauce and Finish Baking

• Remove the tray from the oven. Pour the creamy garlic sauce evenly over the chicken and veggies.

• Return to the oven for another 10–15 minutes, until everything is golden and bubbling.

5. Garnish and Serve

• Let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil before serving.

• Serve directly from the tray with crusty bread, rice, or a simple salad on the side.

Tips for Success

• Use bone-in chicken for extra juiciness and flavor.

• Don’t overcrowd the tray—space equals crispiness.

• Add the cream later to prevent curdling or burning.

• For crispier skin, broil for 3 minutes at the end.

• Taste the sauce before adding—adjust salt, lemon, or mustard to your liking.

Flavor Variations

This traybake is a great base for customization. Try these variations:

Italian-Inspired

• Add olives, capers, and basil. Use mozzarella instead of Parmesan.

Spicy Garlic Kick

• Add red pepper flakes or chili oil to the cream. Use Cajun seasoning on the chicken.

Herb Garden Style

• Add fresh rosemary, oregano, and thyme. Use leeks and zucchini alongside the potatoes.

Low-Carb Version

• Swap potatoes for cauliflower florets or rutabaga chunks.

Why This Dish Works

The beauty of this recipe lies in how the flavors build in layers:

• Garlic roasts and sweetens

• Tomatoes burst and add acidity

• Cream sauce brings richness and balance

• Potatoes soak up the juices

• Chicken crisps and caramelizes on top

Every bite feels complete and cohesive, while the texture remains exciting—tender chicken, soft potatoes, and creamy sauce with bursts of tomato.

Serving Suggestions

While the dish is great on its own, you can pair it with:

• Warm crusty bread for dipping into the sauce

• Butter rice or quinoa for a heartier plate

• Steamed green beans or spinach for color and freshness

• A chilled glass of white wine, like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc

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Make-Ahead and Meal Prep Tips

• Marinate the chicken and prep the veggies the night before.

• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days—they reheat well.

• For meal prep, divide into containers with rice or steamed greens.

• The sauce may thicken overnight—add a splash of broth or water before reheating.

Why Traybakes Are the Ultimate Weeknight Hack

One-pan meals like this are the unsung heroes of the home kitchen. Here’s why:

• Less cleanup

• Fewer dishes

• Passive cooking time

• Easy to double for crowds

• Great for using up fridge ingredients

They allow you to cook smarter, not harder, while still delivering big, bold flavors.

The Emotional Comfort of Creamy Chicken

There’s a reason creamy garlic chicken is so universally loved. It feels:

• Warm and reassuring

• Nostalgic, like a hug in a dish

• Rich, yet familiar

• Casual enough for weeknights, yet elegant enough for a dinner party

It reminds us of home-cooked meals, of moments shared around the table, and of food that doesn’t just nourish the body—but comforts the soul.

A Recipe Built for Togetherness

There’s something special about a traybake—it’s a meal meant to be shared. When you bring this hot, golden, bubbling dish to the center of the table, it invites everyone to gather. There are no complicated plating steps, no need for extra pots and pans—just a warm dish that feeds both stomachs and conversation.

It’s a perfect choice for:

• Weeknight dinners with family

• Casual entertaining with friends

• A cozy weekend lunch where you want to serve something slow-cooked without the slow

• Even a date night, served straight from the tray with a glass of wine

It’s communal food at its finest.

Aromatic Experience That Starts in the Oven

Before you even take the first bite, this dish engages the senses. As the chicken roasts and the garlic mingles with cream and herbs, your entire kitchen becomes a warm, savory space of comfort. The tomatoes burst, the onions caramelize, and the potatoes develop crispy edges.

By the time you open the oven door, the aroma alone has already prepared everyone at home to sit down and savor.

How to Make It Kid-Friendly (and Fussy-Eater Approved)

This traybake is already a winner for families, but you can make it even more approachable for little ones:

• Use boneless chicken thighs or breasts sliced before serving for easy bites

• Swap the garlic with garlic powder for a milder version

• Let kids choose their toppings: grated cheese, a swirl of ketchup, or even a dollop of sour cream

• Add some sweet bell peppers or peas for color and sweetness

By letting kids participate, even fussy eaters are more likely to enjoy the dish.

How to Elevate It for a Dinner Party

Want to serve this dish to guests? You absolutely can—just give it a touch of restaurant finesse:

• Garnish with fresh basil, lemon zest, or shaved Parmesan

• Drizzle a bit of garlic-infused olive oil or a spoonful of basil pesto before serving

• Serve with a simple rocket salad dressed in balsamic

• Plate each portion individually, or bring the tray to the table with a sprig of rosemary on top

It transforms from weeknight comfort to rustic elegance with just a few additions.

Why It’s a Perfect “Fridge-Cleanout” Dish

Running low on ingredients? This recipe is incredibly forgiving and open to improvisation:

• Swap cherry tomatoes for any tomato you have

• Use sweet potatoes, carrots, or squash instead of baby potatoes

• Add spinach, kale, or broccoli in the last 10 minutes of baking

• Use Greek yogurt instead of cream for a tangier sauce

It’s the kind of dish that welcomes what you already have, reducing waste and saving money.

Freezer-Friendly & Great for Leftovers

Another bonus? This dish stores and freezes beautifully:

• Let leftovers cool completely

• Store in airtight containers for up to 3–4 days in the fridge

• To freeze, place portions in freezer-safe containers and reheat in the oven or microwave

• Add a splash of broth or milk before reheating to bring the sauce back to life

Great for busy weeks or packing into lunchboxes with steamed rice or couscous.

How to Adjust for Dietary Needs

This creamy traybake can be adjusted to fit many dietary lifestyles:

Dairy-Free

• Use coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative

• Skip the Parmesan or use nutritional yeast

Low-Carb/Keto

• Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets, zucchini, or celeriac

• Use full-fat cream for richness without carbs

Gluten-Free

• Naturally gluten-free as long as your cream and broth are GF certified

It’s a dish that nourishes everyone at the table, no matter their preferences or restrictions.

Emotional Comfort in Every Bite

There’s a kind of magic that happens when you combine creamy sauce, roasted garlic, tender chicken, and warm vegetables in one bite. It’s not just delicious—it’s comforting, calming, and deeply satisfying.

This traybake is the kind of meal that:

• Makes a rough day feel better

• Turns leftovers into something you look forward to

• Becomes part of your weekly routine—because it’s that good

• Creates moments of quiet joy around the dinner table

It’s food with heart. And food with heart is always remembered.

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