Why This Back to School Traybake Works for Busy Families
When the school run is done and everyone’s home hungry, you need a dinner that’s simple, wholesome, and guaranteed to please. That’s where our Honey-Mustard Chicken & Veggie Traybake comes in — a one-pan wonder made for busy family evenings.
This dish ticks all the boxes:
- Comforting and nutritious
- Ready in under an hour with minimal prep
- Family-friendly, with easy swaps for picky eaters
- Uses everyday Irish staples like potatoes, carrots, and onions
The best part? Once it’s in the oven, your work is done — leaving more time for homework help, after-school chats, or simply putting your feet up.
Easy Back to School Honey-Mustard Chicken & Veggie Traybake Recipe
Ingredients (serves 4–6):
- 6 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on for flavour)
- 3 carrots, cut into batons
- 2 red onions, cut into wedges
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 300g baby potatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp wholegrain mustard
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt & pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (to serve)
Method:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (fan 180°C).
- Whisk together honey, mustard, garlic, olive oil, thyme, salt and pepper.
- Arrange chicken, potatoes, and veg on a lined tray. Drizzle over the glaze and toss well.
- Roast for 40–45 minutes, turning veg halfway, until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve straight from the tray.
Tips for Back to School Meal Planning
- Batch cook for the week: Make two trays at once and store leftovers for quick lunches.
- Switch it up: Swap chicken thighs for sausages, or use sweet potatoes instead of baby potatoes.
- Think leftovers: This traybake reheats beautifully and makes a great next-day lunchbox filler.
This stress free Back to School dinner recipe is proof that family meals don’t need to be complicated. With one tray and a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a dish that’s warming, versatile, and guaranteed to bring everyone to the table.
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