Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Juicy Charred Chicken Recipe [GUIDE]

Jamie Oliver’s 5 Ingredients Juicy Charred Chicken is a simple yet incredibly flavorful recipe that’s all about making the most of a few, quality ingredients. True to his style, Jamie focuses on creating big flavors without overwhelming your kitchen with a ton of ingredients. The beauty of this dish lies in its ease, speed and of course, the charred, crispy skin and juicy interior. It’s the perfect recipe for a quick, weeknight meal or when you want to impress guests with something that looks like you put in a lot of effort, without actually doing too much.

This dish is all about balance: the char from the grill or pan, the juicy chicken and a zesty sauce or seasoning that ties everything together. It’s not fussy but it hits all the right notes.

Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Juicy Charred Chicken Recipe

Ingredients Needed

As the name suggests, 5 Ingredients is all you need. Here’s the breakdown:

  1. Chicken Thighs – The star of the show. Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are preferred for their flavor and juiciness.
  2. Lemon – This brings a tangy freshness to balance the richness of the chicken.
  3. Rosemary – A sprig or two of rosemary adds that woodsy, aromatic note that works beautifully with the charred chicken.
  4. Olive Oil – For that golden, crispy skin and to help everything cook evenly.
  5. Sea Salt – A simple seasoning that elevates the chicken and allows the other flavors to shine through.

That’s it! Just these five ingredients and you’ve got yourself a stunning dish.

Equipment Needed

The equipment is just as simple as the ingredients. You don’t need any special tools but here’s what you’ll want:

  1. Frying Pan or Grill Pan. If you’re cooking on the stovetop, a frying pan or grill pan with a bit of space to handle the chicken is key. It needs to be hot enough to create that crispy char on the skin.
  2. Tongs – For flipping the chicken without losing all that crispy goodness. A pair of tongs helps with a gentle turn to avoid piercing the skin.
  3. Knife and Cutting Board. To slice the lemon and maybe chop some fresh rosemary, if you’re not using sprigs.
  4. Measuring Spoon (Optional) – If you want to be precise with your salt or olive oil, a spoon can be helpful, though it’s not necessary.

That’s all you need. Minimal fuss but you get great results.

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s 5 Ingredients Juicy Charred Chicken

  1. Prepare the Chicken:

    Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. This is crucial because the moisture on the skin can prevent it from getting that nice crispy char when cooking.

  2. Season:

    Rub the chicken with olive oil, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Then season with sea salt. You can also finely chop some rosemary and sprinkle it on top for extra flavor.

  3. Heat the Pan:

    Place a large frying pan or grill pan on medium-high heat. Allow it to get really hot. this is what will give the chicken that glorious, crispy skin.

  4. Cook the Chicken:

    Lay the chicken thighs skin-side down in the pan. Don’t overcrowd the pan; you want the chicken to sizzle and sear. Let it cook for about 7-10 minutes on the first side, until the skin is golden and crisp. Then flip the chicken over and cook for another 7-10 minutes on the other side. You want the internal temperature to reach around 165°F (75°C) for perfectly cooked chicken.

  5. Add the Lemon and Rosemary:

    As the chicken finishes cooking, squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the top and toss in a few sprigs of rosemary. The heat from the chicken will release the essential oils from the rosemary, infusing the dish with a beautiful aroma.

  6. Rest and Serve:

    Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps it juicy when you cut into it.

And there you have it. a crispy, juicy, charred chicken with minimal effort.

What I Learnt

jamie oliver 5 ingredients juicy charred chicken

The main takeaway from making this dish is how incredibly satisfying it can be to cook with just a handful of ingredients. Jamie proves that you don’t need to complicate things to achieve bold, delicious results. The skin of the chicken, when cooked right, can have a beautiful crunch while the inside stays tender and juicy. It’s a testament to how simple techniques, like searing at the right temperature and seasoning well, can elevate a dish to something special.

The combination of lemon and rosemary is something I never would’ve thought of using so simply but it really works. The freshness of the lemon cuts through the richness of the chicken and the rosemary adds a surprising depth.

The other thing I learned is just how versatile this recipe is. You can add a side of roasted vegetables, a salad or even serve it over rice to make it a complete meal. The chicken itself can stand alone or pair with almost anything. It’s quick-like 30 minutes max. and doesn’t require a ton of attention, so it’s perfect for a busy weeknight.

Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s 5 Ingredients Juicy Charred Chicken

Jamie Oliver’s 5 Ingredients Juicy Charred Chicken is an easy go-to recipe with simple yet flavorful ingredients. But, why not make it even more personal? Here are a few tweaks to elevate the dish:

  1. Herb Infusion: While Jamie’s original recipe uses simple rosemary, you can blend in other herbs for a more complex flavor. Try thyme, sage or a little oregano. A mix of fresh rosemary and thyme, finely chopped, brings a beautiful, aromatic punch.
  2. Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, throw in some crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika. The smoked paprika will add a subtle, smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with the charred chicken.
  3. Lemon Zest & Garlic: Adding a bit of lemon zest to the marinade will brighten up the flavor. Combine it with minced garlic to enhance the chicken’s natural juiciness. Both ingredients can elevate the flavors and balance the richness of the meat.
  4. Marinate Longer: If you have the time, marinate the chicken for 3-4 hours or even overnight. The longer you let the marinade penetrate, the more intense and tender your chicken will be.
  5. Grill it Right: Jamie suggests charring it for a crispy texture. You can take it a step further by using a cast-iron skillet for a deeper sear or even throwing it on the BBQ to get that charred, smoky flavor. The grill marks will add a delicious, rustic element to your dish.
  6. Baste with Sauce: As your chicken cooks, brush it with a little honey mustard or a tangy BBQ sauce. This will add a layer of flavor and help caramelize the exterior, giving you an extra crispy coating.

Storage Tips For Leftovers

Leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to store your juicy charred chicken to keep it tasting fresh:

  1. Cool it First: Let the chicken cool completely before refrigerating. If it’s hot, it can cause condensation, leading to soggy skin. The ideal way is to let it rest at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes.
  2. Air-Tight Containers: Use airtight containers to prevent the chicken from drying out. If possible, place a paper towel underneath the chicken to absorb excess moisture, keeping the skin crisp.
  3. Fridge Life: Store your chicken in the fridge for up to 3 days. After that, it may start losing flavor and texture. If you’re looking to keep it longer, freeze it.
  4. Freezing Leftovers: To freeze the chicken, wrap it in plastic wrap or foil and place it in a freezer bag. This way, it’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When ready to reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm it in the oven for the best results.
  5. Reheating: For optimal texture, reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. If you’re in a rush, a microwave will work but the skin won’t stay crispy.

What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s 5 Ingredients Juicy Charred Chicken?

This juicy charred chicken is a flexible, flavorful dish that pairs well with many sides. Here are some great ideas to make your meal even better:

  1. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The richness of mashed potatoes contrasts beautifully with the smoky chicken. You can add roasted garlic to the mash for an extra layer of flavor.
  2. Simple Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes and a lemon vinaigrette can provide a refreshing balance to the hearty chicken. Toss in some toasted pine nuts for crunch.
  3. Grilled Veggies: Zucchini, bell peppers and asparagus are perfect for grilling alongside the chicken. Toss them with a bit of olive oil, salt and pepper before grilling for a smoky, charred veggie side that matches the chicken’s flavor.
  4. Couscous or Quinoa: A light and fluffy grain like couscous or quinoa is a great choice if you’re looking for something a bit more substantial but still fresh. You can fluff it with herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice for an added zing.
  5. Pita Bread or Flatbreads: Warm flatbread or pita is a great choice to soak up any of the juices from the chicken. You can even serve it with a little hummus or tzatziki sauce for dipping.
  6. Rice Pilaf: A well-seasoned rice pilaf made with a variety of vegetables (like carrots, onions and peas) is a solid side. The slight sweetness from the veggies will complement the savory flavor of the chicken.
  7. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Roasted sweet potatoes with a bit of cumin, paprika and olive oil will add a sweet, earthy flavor to contrast with the juicy charred chicken.

FAQs

What Are The 5 Ingredients For Jamie Oliver’s Juicy Charred Chicken?

The 5 key ingredients are chicken, olive oil, lemon, thyme, and garlic.

How Long Does It Take To Cook Jamie Oliver’s Juicy Charred Chicken?

It typically takes around 30 minutes to prepare and cook the chicken.

Can I Use A Different Herb Instead Of Thyme?

Yes, you can substitute thyme with rosemary or oregano for a different flavor.

Recommended Articles