Jamie Oliver’s Empire Chicken is a delightful fusion of traditional British roast chicken with bold Asian spices.
This recipe brings together ingredients like tomato paste, ginger garlic paste, and garam masala to create a flavorful marinade.
A unique trick to enhance the chicken’s flavor is to stab a lemon a few times and place it inside the cavity before roasting—this infuses the meat with a zesty twist.
Roasting the chicken directly on an oven shelf with a tray of vegetables underneath to catch the drippings for gravy is a fantastic way to maximize flavors.
How to Make Jamie Oliver Empire Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 Whole Chicken
- 1 Lemon
- 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
- 1 tbsp Ginger Garlic Paste
- 2 tsp Ground Cumin
- 2 tsp Ground Turmeric
- 2 tsp Ground Coriander
- 1 tsp Garam Masala
- 1 tsp Red Chilli Powder
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 3 tbsp Yogurt
- Salt (to taste)
- Black Pepper (to taste)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 400°F.
Arrange your oven shelves so the roasting tray can sit at the bottom.
The chicken will go directly above it on the bars of the shelf.
Step 2:
Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel.
Score the legs with a sharp knife.
Poke the lemon with a few holes and place it inside the chicken’s cavity.
Step 3:
In a deep bowl, mix tomato paste, ginger garlic paste, ground cumin, ground turmeric, ground coriander, garam masala, red chilli powder, lemon juice, and yogurt.
Rub the paste evenly all over the chicken.
Ensure it’s well-coated.
Step 4:
Place a large roasting tray at the bottom of the oven, lined with kitchen foil.
Position the chicken directly on the oven shelf above the tray.
This allows the juices to drip into the tray below.
Step 5:
Roast the chicken for 1 hour and 20 minutes or until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
Rest the chicken for 10 minutes before carving.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Keep It Moist
Basting the chicken with its own juices every 30 minutes helps keep it moist and adds more flavor.
Spice It Up
Feel free to adjust the spice levels to suit your taste. You can add more chili powder if you like it hotter or reduce it for a milder flavor.
Use Fresh Spices
Using fresh spices will make a significant difference in the aroma and taste of your dish. It’s worth buying whole spices and grinding them if you can.
Resting Is Key
Don’t skip the resting period after roasting. Resting the chicken helps the juices to redistribute, making it juicier and easier to carve.
Test the Doneness
To make sure your chicken is fully cooked, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. It should read at least 75°C or 165°F.
By following these steps, you’ll create a mouth-watering dish everyone will love.
What to Serve with Jamie Oliver Empire Chicken
Bombay Roasties
These little potatoes are classic with Empire Chicken.
They crisp up beautifully and add a hearty charm to your meal.
Follow a simple recipe with spices, butter, and olive oil for maximum flavor.
Mango Chutney
This sweet and tangy side dish pairs excellently with the spicy elements of Empire Chicken.
A spoonful of chutney can really balance out the savory flavors of the main dish.
Use store-bought chutney or try making your own at home if you’re feeling adventurous.
Spiced Lentils
Lentils are a wonderful and nutritious side for this dish.
Cook them with some cumin, garlic, and turmeric to keep the flavor profile consistent.
They not only add variety but also provide a great texture contrast.
Flatbreads or Naan
Soft, warm flatbreads or naan can help soak up all the delicious juices.
You can quickly heat store-bought ones or make your own if you have the time.
They’re perfect for wrapping up small bites of chicken and roasted veggies.
Green Bean Salad
A refreshing green bean salad can be a light and crunchy contrast to the rich chicken.
Toss the beans with a bit of lemon, olive oil, and some nuts for an added crunch.
This side will brighten up your plate and add a touch of freshness.
Variations and Substitutions
You might not always have all the ingredients for Jamie Oliver’s Empire Chicken, but there are plenty of ways to adapt the recipe.
If you prefer a milder flavor, cut back on the red chili or replace it with sweet paprika.
Don’t have tomato puree on hand? Canned diced tomatoes or fresh tomatoes blended will work just fine.
For a different twist, try using chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of a whole chicken.
They cook faster and are easier to handle, especially for smaller gatherings.
If you want to skip the garam masala, you can use a blend of ground black pepper, cloves, and cinnamon as a quick substitute.
Got a guest who’s not into spicy food?
Just omit the chili and use more ginger and garlic to keep things flavorful but mild.
For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with cauliflower or a mix of root vegetables like carrots and potatoes.
Season them the same way you would the chicken.
Instead of Bombay-style roast potatoes, you can roast sweet potatoes or even add a side of basmati rice.
This way, you can cater to different tastes and dietary restrictions without changing the basic flavors of the dish.
How to Store Leftover Jamie Oliver Empire Chicken
Cool It Down
First, let the chicken cool to room temperature.
This prevents condensation, which can cause sogginess.
Airtight Containers
Place the chicken in airtight containers.
This locks in moisture and preserves flavor.
Refrigeration
If you plan to eat the leftovers within 3-4 days, the fridge is the best option.
Store the chicken on a middle shelf for consistent temperature.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the chicken.
Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
Portioning
Consider portioning the chicken before freezing.
This makes it easier to defrost only what you need.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Incorrect Oven Temperature
Setting the oven to the wrong temperature can ruin the dish.
Make sure you preheat the oven to 400°F before cooking.
The right temperature helps the chicken cook evenly and turn out juicy.
Forgetting to Stab the Lemon
Don’t forget to stab the lemon a few times before placing it inside the chicken’s cavity.
This step is crucial for allowing the lemon’s juices to infuse the chicken.
Skipping this can result in less flavorful meat.
Overlooking the Oven Rack Hack
Make sure to position the chicken correctly using the oven rack hack.
Placing the chicken directly on the oven bars lets the juices drip onto the vegetables below.
This technique helps keep the chicken moist while flavoring the vegetables.
Jamie Oliver Empire Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Whole Chicken
- 1 Lemon
- 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
- 1 tbsp Ginger Garlic Paste
- 2 tsp Ground Cumin
- 2 tsp Ground Turmeric
- 2 tsp Ground Coriander
- 1 tsp Garam Masala
- 1 tsp Red Chilli Powder
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 3 tbsp Yogurt
- Salt to taste
- Black Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C/400°F/gas 6.
- Arrange your oven shelves so the roasting tray can sit at the bottom.
- The chicken will go directly above it on the bars of the shelf.
- Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel.
- Score the legs with a sharp knife.
- Poke the lemon with a few holes and place it inside the chicken’s cavity.
- In a deep bowl, mix tomato paste, ginger garlic paste, ground cumin, ground turmeric, ground coriander, garam masala, red chilli powder, lemon juice, and yogurt.
- Rub the paste evenly all over the chicken.
- Ensure it’s well-coated.
- Place a large roasting tray at the bottom of the oven, lined with kitchen foil.
- Position the chicken directly on the oven shelf above the tray.
- This allows the juices to drip into the tray below.
- Roast the chicken for 1 hour and 20 minutes or until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
- Rest the chicken for 10 minutes before carving.
