If you are looking for a hearty and comforting meal that brings together wonderful flavors with minimal fuss, this Roast Chicken, Sausage, and Potato Tray Roast Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine juicy, golden-browned chicken pieces mingling with savory sausages and tender, caramelized new potatoes, all infused with aromatic herbs and a luscious, subtly sweet sauce. This dish comes together on one tray, making it perfect for a satisfying family dinner or a relaxed weekend feast where you can let the oven do the magic while you unwind.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role, from the rich creaminess of the sherry to the earthiness of fresh thyme. They all combine simply yet brilliantly to deliver outstanding flavor, texture, and an inviting aroma that will fill your kitchen with warmth.
- 8 pieces of free-range chicken (bone-in and skin on): Provides juicy meat and crispy skin that’s packed with flavor.
- 8 pork sausages (or 4 large Italian sausages): Adds a savory, spiced taste and extra richness to the roast.
- 500g new potatoes: Small, tender potatoes that roast beautifully, soaking up all the delicious juices.
- 3-4 bay leaves: Infuse a subtle, herbal depth throughout the dish.
- A few sprigs of thyme: Adds fresh, fragrant notes complementing the meats and potatoes.
- 400ml chicken stock: Creates a savory base for the sauce, enhancing moisture and flavor.
- ½ cup medium cream sherry: Lends a gentle sweetness and depth, making the sauce irresistibly rich.
- 2 large garlic cloves, crushed: Brings warmth and a slight pungency that brightens the overall taste.
- 4 tablespoons Bonne Maman apricot preserve: Adds a lovely fruity sweetness balancing the savory ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Gives the sauce a subtle tang and complexity without overpowering.
- Drizzle of olive oil: Promotes crispiness and brings the dish together with a silky finish.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all flavors.
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish): Adds a burst of fresh color and a mild, refreshing taste at the end.
How to Make Roast Chicken, Sausage, and Potato Tray Roast Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by heating your oven to 180°C (350°F). This temperature is ideal for roasting the chicken and sausages so they cook through perfectly while the potatoes become tender and infused with all those rich flavors.
Step 2: Arrange Ingredients in the Roasting Pan
Give your potatoes a quick rinse and if they’re large, cut them in half to ensure even cooking. Then, place the potatoes, chicken pieces, and sausages in a large roasting pan, spacing them out to allow hot air to circulate. Tuck the bay leaves and thyme sprigs around the chicken—it’s these herbs that impart a wonderful aroma, so don’t skip this step.
Step 3: Whip Up the Flavorful Sauce
In a jug, combine the chicken stock, medium cream sherry, crushed garlic, Dijon mustard, and apricot preserve. The cream sherry and apricot preserve bring a subtle sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the savory meats, while the garlic and mustard build layers of flavor. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken, potatoes, and sausages. Drizzle a little olive oil over everything and season thoroughly with salt and freshly ground pepper to enhance each component.
Step 4: Roast to Perfection
Place your tray in the oven uncovered and roast for about 1 hour. During this time, the chicken skins will turn gorgeously golden and crisp, the sausages will plump with delicious juices, and the potatoes will soak up all those vibrant flavors, becoming tender without turning mushy. Make sure to check towards the end that the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbling gently in the pan.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Once out of the oven, transfer the chicken, sausage, and potatoes to a serving platter and sprinkle with the chopped parsley. This finishing touch adds a lovely freshness and brightens the rustic look of the tray roast just perfectly.
How to Serve Roast Chicken, Sausage, and Potato Tray Roast Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh parsley or even a few thyme sprigs on top brings a vibrant green pop that complements the rich colors of the dish. A light squeeze of lemon can also lift the flavors beautifully, adding a zesty brightness that cuts through the richness.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully complete on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider a simple green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette or steamed seasonal vegetables that add crunch and freshness. A crusty bread alongside is fantastic to mop up the fragrant sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic family-style serving, present everything directly on a large wooden board or deep ceramic dish, encouraging everyone to dig in together. Alternatively, plating individual servings with a drizzle of the pan juices and a sprinkle of herbs makes it look elegant enough for a cozy dinner party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover roast chicken, sausage, and potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors often meld and intensify overnight, making for an even tastier second meal.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked leftovers by placing them in freezer-safe containers or bags. They will keep well for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze the sauce separately if possible to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, place the leftovers in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) until warmed through, which helps retain crispiness on the chicken skin. Alternatively, gently microwave portions but note the skin will soften.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausages for this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap the pork sausages for chicken, beef, or your favorite flavored sausages. Just adjust cooking times slightly if needed, and be sure they are fully cooked before serving.
Is it necessary to use bone-in chicken pieces?
While bone-in chicken adds flavor and juiciness, you can certainly use boneless chicken thighs or breasts for a leaner option. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as boneless cuts tend to cook faster.
What can I substitute for apricot preserve?
If you don’t have apricot preserve, try peach jam or honey for a similar sweet note. The key is balancing the savory with a touch of sweetness in the sauce.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your sausages and chicken stock don’t contain gluten additives. Always check labels to be certain.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F) or the juices run clear when pierced. The skin should be golden and crisp, and the meat tender.
Final Thoughts
This Roast Chicken, Sausage, and Potato Tray Roast Recipe has such a wonderful way of bringing simple ingredients to life in a comforting, hearty dish that you will want to make again and again. It’s one of those meals that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for sharing with loved ones around the table. Trust me, once you try it, this tray roast will become as beloved in your kitchen as it is in mine!
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Roast Chicken, Sausage, and Potato Tray Roast Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
A hearty and flavorful tray roast combining succulent free-range chicken, savory pork sausages, and tender new potatoes, all infused with a rich, aromatic sauce made from chicken stock, sherry, garlic, and apricot preserve. Perfect for an easy yet impressive family meal, this one-pan dish delivers comforting textures and a balance of sweet and savory notes.
Ingredients
Protein
- 8 pieces of free-range chicken (bone-in and skin on)
- 8 pork sausages (or 4 large Italian sausages)
Vegetables
- 500g new potatoes
Herbs & Seasonings
- 3–4 bay leaves
- A few sprigs of thyme
- 2 large garlic cloves, crushed
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)
Liquids & Condiments
- 400ml chicken stock
- ½ cup medium cream sherry
- 4 tablespoons Bonne Maman apricot preserve
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Drizzle of olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) to ensure it’s hot and ready for roasting.
- Prepare the potatoes: If the new potatoes are large, cut them in half to ensure even cooking and quicker roasting.
- Arrange the ingredients: Place the chicken pieces, sausages, and potatoes in a large roasting pan. Tuck the bay leaves and thyme sprigs around the chicken to infuse flavor.
- Make the sauce: In a jug, mix the chicken stock, medium cream sherry, crushed garlic, Dijon mustard, and apricot preserve until well combined.
- Pour the sauce and season: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken, sausages, and potatoes. Drizzle olive oil on top, then season everything generously with salt and pepper.
- Roast the dish: Place the roasting pan uncovered in the oven and roast for 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through, the skin is golden and crispy, and the sausages are nicely browned.
- Serve: Transfer the roast to a serving platter and garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh finish. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Using bone-in, skin-on chicken ensures juicy meat and crispy skin.
- If you prefer a milder flavor, substitute the cream sherry with dry white wine or additional chicken stock.
- Feel free to add other root vegetables like carrots or parsnips for extra variety.
- Ensure the potatoes are cut to similar sizes for even cooking.
- Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 74°C (165°F) for safe consumption.
