Spice-Infused Empire Chicken Recipe: Jamie Oliver’s Tasty Twist

Empire chicken bursts with vibrant flavors that dance across your palate like a culinary symphony.

Succulent meat absorbs an intricate blend of aromatic spices, transforming an ordinary protein into an extraordinary feast.

Mediterranean and Indian culinary traditions intertwine, creating a sensational dish that celebrates global gastronomy.

Robust marinades penetrate deep into tender fibers, promising an explosion of multilayered taste sensations.

Fragrant herbs and warming spices collaborate, weaving a complex narrative of texture and intensity.

Each carefully crafted bite tells a story of cultural richness and passionate cooking techniques.

Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering journey that will revolutionize your dinner experience!

Leftovers and Storage for Empire Chicken

• Store with Care: Transfer leftover chicken and potatoes into airtight containers, separating meat from vegetables to maintain crispness and prevent sogginess.
• Refrigeration Rules: Keep cooked dishes in the refrigerator for 3-4 days maximum, ensuring they're cooled completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap chicken and potatoes separately in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil, which preserves flavor and texture for up to 2 months.
• Reheat Perfectly: Warm chicken and potatoes in a preheated oven at 160°C/325°F, covering with foil to retain moisture and prevent drying out, until internal temperature reaches 74°C/165°F.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

What’s Inside Jamie Oliver’s Empire Chicken

• Chicken Legs: Select free-range, plump legs with smooth, unblemished skin for optimal flavor and texture.
• Sea Salt: Choose flaky, coarse sea salt for deeper seasoning and enhanced mineral richness.

• Vinegar, Worcestershire Sauce: Opt for high-quality, aged vinegar and authentic Worcestershire sauce for robust depth.
• Cinnamon Stick, Cloves: Select whole spices with vibrant aroma and rich, warm undertones.

• Garam Masala, Turmeric: Choose freshly ground spices from reliable spice merchants for maximum flavor intensity.
• Mustard Seeds, Cumin Seeds: Select whole seeds with bright color and potent fragrance.

• Coriander: Pick bright green leaves with crisp stems and no wilting edges.
• Lemon: Select firm, heavy citrus with smooth, unblemished skin for maximum juice.

• Onions: Choose firm, heavy bulbs with tight, papery skin and no soft spots.
• Potatoes: Pick uniform, smooth-skinned potatoes without green patches or sprouts.
• Garlic: Select plump bulbs with tight, unbroken skin and no soft or discolored cloves.

• Chili: Choose vibrant, firm peppers with glossy skin and no blemishes.
• Tomatoes: Pick ripe, deep-colored fruits with slight give when gently pressed.

Tools to Prepare Empire Chicken

• Sharp Knife: For making deep cuts in chicken and puncturing lemon.
• Roasting Tray: Large, sturdy pan for marinating and creating gravy base.
• Rubber Gloves: Keeps hands clean while massaging marinade into chicken.
• Whisk: Perfect for mixing marinade and creating smooth gravy.
• Cutting Board: For chopping onions, chili, and other ingredients.
• Large Pot: Used for parboiling potatoes with lemon.
• Coarse Sieve: Strains gravy for smooth, rich texture.
• Oven: Essential for roasting chicken and potatoes.
• Sturdy Pan: For toasting spices and preparing potato seasoning.
• Tongs: Helpful for handling hot chicken and moving items in oven.

Cooking Instructions for Empire Chicken

• Prep the Chicken Cuts

Pierce chicken legs deeply, allowing marinade to seep into meat for maximum flavor absorption.

• Create Flavor Blend

Mix marinade ingredients in a large roasting tray, ensuring comprehensive coating of chicken with aromatic spices.

• Marinate and Season

Massage marinade thoroughly into chicken, covering every surface. Refrigerate overnight to intensify taste profile.

• Build Roasting Foundation

Layer chopped onions in roasting tray, adding warming spices like cinnamon and cloves to create depth of flavor.

• Prepare Oven Setup

Heat oven to 200°C. Position chicken on middle shelf above roasting tray, ensuring even heat circulation and perfect cooking conditions.

• Enhance Chicken Flavor

Insert punctured lemon inside chicken cavity to infuse citrusy undertones during roasting process.

• Potato Transformation

Parboil potatoes with whole lemon, then dry and toss in spiced oil blend featuring mustard seeds, cumin, and garam masala.

• Create Crispy Potatoes

Roast seasoned potatoes alongside chicken, developing golden crispy exterior while maintaining soft interior.

• Finalize Gravy

Strain pan juices and whisk into silky smooth sauce, adjusting consistency and seasoning for rich complementary flavor.

• Serve with Flair

Arrange roasted chicken and potatoes on serving board, drizzle with hot gravy, and garnish with fresh herbs for stunning presentation.

Recipe Tips for Jamie Oliver’s Empire Chicken

Unleash creative variations by swapping ingredients or adjusting spice levels to match your taste preferences.

Experiment with different liquid bases like yogurt, beer, or coconut milk to tenderize and infuse unique flavors into the chicken.

Replace garam masala with other spice blends like berbere or za’atar for an international twist on the classic recipe.

Transform remaining chicken and potatoes into delicious next-day meals like warm salads, sandwiches, or hearty tacos by adding fresh herbs and sauces.

How to Serve Empire Chicken

• Elevate Family Dinner: Serve this aromatic roasted chicken with fluffy white rice or warm naan bread to soak up the rich, spiced gravy.
• Create Colorful Side Platter: Arrange fresh cucumber slices, pickled red onions, and a small yogurt raita alongside the chicken for a vibrant, cooling contrast.
• Complement with Fresh Herbs: Scatter extra chopped coriander leaves and thin sliced green chilis over the dish for a bright, zesty finish that adds fresh flavor and visual appeal.
• Wine Pairing Suggestion: Complement the spicy, complex flavors with a crisp Riesling or light-bodied Pinot Noir that can balance the dish's aromatic warmth.

Juicy Jamie Oliver Empire Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Jamie Oliver’s empire chicken delivers a tantalizing journey through Mediterranean flavors. Home cooks can savor this hearty dish with simple ingredients and bold spices, creating a memorable meal that connects passion and culinary tradition.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.4 kg (3.1 lbs) higher-welfare chicken
• 2–3 tbsps olive oil
• 500 ml (16.9 fl oz) organic chicken stock
• 800 g (1.76 lbs) new potatoes
• 3 small red onions, peeled
• 2 tomatoes, roughly chopped
• 1 bulb garlic
• 1 fresh red chili, deseeded and finely sliced
• 1 small bunch of fresh coriander
• 1 lemon, zest and juice
• 1 stick cinnamon
• 1 heaped tbsp garlic, finely grated
• 1 heaped tbsp fresh ginger, finely grated
• 1 heaped tbsp fresh red chili, finely grated
• 1 heaped tbsp tomato puree
• 3 tbsps white wine vinegar
• 3 tbsps Worcestershire sauce
• 3 level tbsps plain flour
• 2 heaped tsp natural yogurt
• 1 heaped tsp ground coriander
• 1 heaped tsp turmeric
• 1 heaped tsp garam masala
• 1 heaped tsp ground cumin
• 1 heaped tsp black mustard seeds
• 1 heaped tsp cumin seeds
• 10 cloves
• Fat-free natural yogurt, to serve (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Create strategic incisions along chicken legs, penetrating to the bone for enhanced marinade absorption, using protective culinary gloves to massage marinade thoroughly across entire chicken surface.
2. Marinade Setup: Combine marinade ingredients with sea salt in a spacious roasting tray, incorporating onions, cinnamon stick, whole cloves, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce, gradually integrating flour and chicken stock to create a smooth base liquid.
3. Oven Configuration: Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F), positioning roasting tray at bottom, pierced lemon inside chicken cavity, and chicken placed directly on middle rack bars above prepared tray for comprehensive heat distribution.
4. Potato Preparation: Parboil potatoes in salted water with whole lemon, then drain and steam-dry; simultaneously heat a robust roasting tray with olive oil, mustard seeds, cumin seeds, garam masala, and turmeric, adding garlic, chili, and tomatoes.
5. Roasting Process: Fold seasoned potatoes into aromatic mixture, introducing them to oven midway through chicken roasting (around 40 minutes), continuing to cook for approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes until chicken is perfectly golden and potatoes are crisp.
6. Finishing Touches: Remove chicken, transfer to cutting board, and trim any overly charred sections; strain gravy through coarse sieve into separate pan, whisking to incorporate concentrated flavors and adjust consistency as desired.
7. Serving: Present roasted chicken alongside sizzling potatoes and hot gravy, garnishing generously with fresh coriander leaves and optional accompanying condiments for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

• Maximize Marinade Penetration: Create deep strategic cuts along chicken legs to allow maximum flavor absorption and ensure seasoning reaches the bone.
• Marinating Magic: Wear protective gloves while massaging marinade thoroughly and let chicken rest overnight in refrigerator for intensified taste profiles.
• Precise Oven Technique: Strategically position racks with roasting tray at bottom, chicken on middle rack, and potatoes on top shelf to ensure even cooking and optimal heat circulation.
• Flavor Layering: Add whole lemon inside chicken cavity to infuse subtle citrus notes and enhance overall aromatic complexity during roasting process.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg