Nothing beats the comforting, irresistible aroma of a well-roasted meal, and this Roast Chicken, Sausage, and Potato Tray Roast Recipe truly delivers on all fronts. It combines tender, golden chicken, juicy sausages, and crispy new potatoes all roasted together with fragrant herbs and a luscious apricot-sherry glaze. This dish is a celebration of simplicity and flavor, made even better by the one-pan convenience that lets all those rich tastes mingle beautifully as they cook. Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual gathering, this recipe promises a hearty, soul-satisfying feast that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Roast Chicken, Sausage, and Potato Tray Roast Recipe lies in its straightforward, quality ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from the tender new potatoes adding a satisfying bite to the apricot preserve balancing the savory with a hint of sweetness.
- 8 pieces of free-range chicken: Bone-in and skin-on for maximum flavor and crispy skin.
- 8 pork sausages (or 4 large Italian sausages): Adds juicy, savory complexity and a bit of spice depending on the sausage variety.
- 500g new potatoes: Perfect for roasting; they get beautifully crispy outside and fluffy inside.
- 3-4 bay leaves: Infuse subtle, aromatic earthiness throughout the dish.
- A few sprigs of thyme: Fresh herb notes that brighten the richness of the meat.
- 400ml chicken stock: Forms the flavorful base of the roasting sauce.
- ½ cup medium cream sherry: Adds depth and a hint of sweetness to the glaze.
- 2 large garlic cloves, crushed: For warm, pungent undertones that blend perfectly with the herbs.
- 4 tablespoons Bonne Maman apricot preserve: Sweet and fruity punch that caramelizes beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds a slight tang and sharpness that cuts through the richness.
- Drizzle of olive oil: Helps crisp the skin and roast the potatoes evenly.
- Salt and pepper: Essential to perfectly season every component.
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley: Fresh garnish that adds a bright, herbaceous finish.
How to Make Roast Chicken, Sausage, and Potato Tray Roast Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 180°C (350°F). This temperature is ideal to slowly roast the chicken and sausages until golden and juicy, while allowing the potatoes to crisp just right. Setting the oven early ensures your cooking timeline runs smoothly.
Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients
Cut the new potatoes in half if they are large to ensure even cooking and a nice crispy edge. In a large roasting pan, arrange the chicken pieces, sausages, and potatoes together in a single layer. This arrangement maximizes contact with heat, helping everything roast perfectly. Tuck the bay leaves and thyme sprigs in between to release their aromatic oils during roasting.
Step 3: Make and Pour the Sauce
In a jug, whisk together chicken stock, medium cream sherry, crushed garlic, Dijon mustard, and Bonne Maman apricot preserve. This sauce is the heart of the Roast Chicken, Sausage, and Potato Tray Roast Recipe, marrying sweet, savory, and tangy notes. Pour it evenly over the meat and potatoes, then drizzle with olive oil. Finish with a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper to season everything well.
Step 4: Roast Until Golden
Place the tray uncovered in the oven and roast for about 1 hour. The chicken skin should turn beautifully golden and slightly crispy, the sausages plump and flavorful, and the potatoes perfectly roasted. The sauce will reduce and caramelize slightly, coating each ingredient with irresistible flavor.
Step 5: Serve with Garnish
Once cooked, transfer everything to a serving platter and sprinkle with the chopped fresh parsley. This final touch not only brightens the dish visually but adds a fresh, herbal aroma that complements the roast perfectly.
How to Serve Roast Chicken, Sausage, and Potato Tray Roast Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped parsley is a classic garnish for this recipe, giving a pop of fresh green that contrasts beautifully with the golden roast. For an extra layer of flavor, a squeeze of fresh lemon over the top just before serving can add a lovely zesty brightness that livens up the dish.
Side Dishes
While this tray roast is quite filling on its own, it pairs wonderfully with simple greens like a crisp mixed salad or roasted seasonal vegetables. A side of buttered green beans or a fresh garden salad helps balance the richness, making the meal feel well-rounded and vibrant.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic, inviting presentation, serve this directly from the roasting pan on a wooden board surrounded by fresh herbs. Alternatively, plate individual portions with a drizzle of the pan juices for a slightly elevated dinner vibe that’s still warm and casual.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your delicious tray roast, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next day’s meal just as delightful. Consume within 2-3 days for best taste and safety.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, especially if you separate the components. Freeze the chicken and sausage pieces with some sauce in one container, and the roasted potatoes in another. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 160°C (320°F) to maintain crispness, or gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep everything moist. Microwave reheating is convenient but may soften the crispy textures.
FAQs
Can I use different types of sausages in the Roast Chicken, Sausage, and Potato Tray Roast Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with spicy, herbed, or even vegetarian sausages depending on your preference. The key is to choose sausages that roast well and complement the flavors of the chicken and potatoes.
Is it necessary to use apricot preserve?
Apricot preserve adds a unique sweet and tangy flavor that balances the savory ingredients beautifully, but if you don’t have it on hand, a similar fruit jam like peach or mango can work in a pinch.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time before roasting?
Yes, you can assemble everything in the roasting pan a few hours before cooking and keep it in the fridge. Just bring it to room temperature before roasting to ensure even cooking.
What if I don’t have cream sherry?
You can substitute it with dry white wine or chicken broth with a splash of lemon juice to mimic the acidity and depth that sherry provides.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken should have clear juices when pierced and reach an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F). The skin should be golden and crisp, and the meat tender.
Final Thoughts
This Roast Chicken, Sausage, and Potato Tray Roast Recipe is truly a winner for any occasion. Its comforting flavors, fuss-free preparation, and beautiful presentation make it a dish you’ll want to reach for again and again. Gather your ingredients, invite some friends or family, and enjoy the warmth and satisfaction that only a generous roast like this can bring.
Print
Roast Chicken, Sausage, and Potato Tray Roast Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: British
Description
A hearty and flavorful Roast Chicken, Sausage, and Potato Tray Roast recipe featuring tender bone-in chicken, savory pork sausages, and perfectly roasted new potatoes, all infused with a rich sauce of chicken stock, sherry, garlic, apricot preserve, and herbs. This one-pan meal is simple to prepare and perfect for a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
Meat and Poultry
- 8 pieces of free-range chicken (bone-in and skin on)
- 8 pork sausages (or 4 large Italian sausages)
Vegetables and Herbs
- 500g new potatoes
- 3–4 bay leaves
- A few sprigs of thyme
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)
Liquids and Condiments
- 400ml chicken stock
- ½ cup medium cream sherry
- 2 large garlic cloves, crushed
- 4 tablespoons Bonne Maman apricot preserve
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Drizzle of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) to prepare for roasting the chicken, sausages, and potatoes evenly.
- Prepare Ingredients: Cut potatoes in half if large and arrange them in a large roasting pan along with the chicken pieces and sausages. Tuck the bay leaves and sprigs of thyme around the chicken to infuse flavor.
- Make Sauce: In a jug, combine the chicken stock, medium cream sherry, crushed garlic, Dijon mustard, and apricot preserve. Pour this flavorful sauce evenly over the chicken, sausages, and potatoes. Drizzle olive oil over everything and season well with salt and pepper.
- Roast: Place the roasting pan uncovered in the oven and roast for about 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through, the sausages are browned, and the potatoes are tender and golden.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, arrange the chicken, sausages, and potatoes on a serving platter, and garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
Notes
- For even cooking, make sure the chicken pieces and sausages are similar in size.
- You can substitute the cream sherry with dry white wine or chicken broth if preferred.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) for safety.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated, but best consumed within 2 days.
- Adding other root vegetables like carrots or parsnips can add more variety to the dish.
