Description
Jamie Oliver’s Empire Chicken brings colonial British-Indian fusion to your dinner table. Marinated in bold spices and roasted to perfection, this flavorful dish delivers a historical culinary journey that will transport you across continents with each delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1.4 kg (3.1 pounds) higher-welfare chicken
Spices and Herbs:
- 1 heaped tablespoon garlic, finely grated
- 1 heaped tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated
- 1 heaped tablespoon fresh red chili, finely grated
- 1 heaped teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 heaped teaspoon turmeric
- 1 heaped teaspoon garam masala
- 1 heaped teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 heaped teaspoon black mustard seeds
- 1 heaped teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 stick cinnamon
- 10 cloves
- 1 small bunch of fresh coriander
Other Ingredients:
- 1 heaped tablespoon tomato puree
- 2 heaped teaspoons natural yogurt
- 1 lemon, zest and juice
- 3 small red onions, peeled
- 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 3 level tablespoons plain flour
- 500 ml (16.9 fluid ounces) organic chicken stock
- 800 g (1.76 pounds) new potatoes
- 2–3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 bulb garlic
- 1 fresh red chili, deseeded and finely sliced
- 2 tomatoes, roughly chopped
- Fat-free natural yogurt, to serve (optional)
Instructions
- Create strategic incisions along the chicken legs, penetrating down to the bone to enhance marinade absorption.
- Combine all marinade ingredients with precisely 2 level teaspoons of sea salt within a spacious roasting tray.
- Don protective culinary gloves and meticulously massage the marinade across every surface and interior cavity of the chicken, ideally allowing it to marinate overnight in the refrigerator.
- Roughly dismember onions and incorporate them into the roasting tray alongside cinnamon stick, whole cloves, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Gradually integrate flour into the liquid components, then pour in chicken stock or water to create a smooth base.
- Configure oven to 200°C (400°F) with strategic shelf positioning: roasting tray at bottom, chicken on middle rack, potatoes on top shelf.
- Pierce the lemon multiple times with a sharp knife and nestle it inside the chicken’s internal cavity.
- Position chicken directly on middle rack bars above the prepared roasting tray, then roast for approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.
- Parboil potatoes in salted water with a whole lemon for 15-20 minutes until tender, then drain and allow natural steam evaporation.
- Heat a robust roasting tray over medium temperature, introducing olive oil, mustard seeds, cumin seeds, garam masala, and turmeric.
- Bisect a garlic bulb and add to the pan along with sliced chili and chopped tomatoes.
- Fold drained potatoes into the aromatic mixture, ensuring comprehensive seasoning and distributing finely sliced coriander stalks.
- Midway through chicken roasting (around 40 minutes), introduce seasoned potatoes to the oven.
- Upon completing chicken roasting, transfer to a cutting board and carefully remove any overly charred exterior sections.
- Strain gravy through a coarse sieve into a separate pan, whisking to incorporate all concentrated flavors, adjusting consistency as desired.
- Present the roasted chicken alongside sizzling potatoes and hot gravy, garnishing generously with reserved fresh coriander leaves and optional accompanying condiments.
Notes
- Let marinade soak into chicken overnight, transforming ordinary meat into a flavor-packed sensation.
- Slice strategic cuts along chicken legs to help seasonings dive deep and guarantee even cooking magic.
- Slip on clean rubber gloves to prevent contamination and massage marinade completely around every chicken surface.
- Position chicken directly on oven shelf above gravy tray, catching golden drippings that amplify overall dish richness.
- Tuck whole lemon inside chicken cavity to release bright citrus whispers and lock in succulent meat moisture.
- Boil potatoes with a whole lemon before roasting, creating an irresistible crispy outside and cloud-like fluffy inside.
- Bloom spices in sizzling oil to awaken hidden flavor compounds and elevate the entire culinary experience.
- Strain gravy through fine mesh to eliminate pesky lumps, delivering a silky smooth sauce that complements perfectly.
- Serve on rustic wooden board, transforming meal into a vibrant, inviting feast that sparks conversation and connection.
- Offer optional condiments like tangy yogurt or zesty chutney, allowing everyone to customize their delicious plate.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg