I’ll never forget the first time I tried making Jamie Oliver’s 5-Ingredients Curry Chicken. I was feeling lazy but also craving something flavorful. I had seen the recipe online and thought, ’Five ingredients? That sounds like a total game-changer.’ Little did I know, this recipe would become a staple in my kitchen. It’s simple, delicious, and perfect for when you want a home-cooked meal without spending hours on prep or cooking.
The beauty of Jamie’s approach is that it strips away the complexity but doesn’t compromise on flavor. It’s one of those recipes you’ll remember because it’s as easy as it is tasty. And now, I’m sharing it with you so you can experience the same joy I did!
Jamie Oliver’s 5-ingredients Curry Chicken Recipe
Jamie Oliver’s 5-Ingredients Curry Chicken is all about keeping things simple. His recipe takes everyday ingredients and transforms them into something rich, comforting, and full of flavor. What’s great is that you don’t need fancy ingredients or a long shopping list. You’re going to love how the combination of just five items creates a vibrant curry that tastes like it’s been slow-cooked for hours.
Ingredients Needed
This is the part I love. When Jamie Oliver says “5 ingredients”, he really means it. Here’s what you need:
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Chicken Thighs (bone-in, Skin-on)
- Chicken thighs are packed with flavor and moisture, making them ideal for this recipe. They’ll absorb the curry spices beautifully.
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Curry Powder
- The star of the dish. Use a good-quality curry powder to bring depth to your sauce. The balance of spices in curry powder provides that unmistakable warmth.
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Coconut Milk
- Coconut milk gives the curry a creamy richness that balances the heat from the curry powder. It’s the secret to making this dish so comforting.
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A Large Onion
- Onions form the base of the curry. They’ll soften as they cook, releasing sweetness that contrasts with the curry powder’s sharpness.
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Garlic
- Garlic adds a pungent kick to the dish. When it’s sautéed with the onions, it develops an aromatic sweetness.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s 5-ingredients Curry Chicken
I remember the first time I made this. It was one of those days when I just didn’t feel like making a big fuss in the kitchen. But this recipe was so straightforward that even my kitchen-inexperience didn’t get in the way. Here’s how you can make it too:
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Sauté Onions And Garlic
Heat some oil in a large pan. Add chopped onions and garlic and cook them until they’re soft and golden. This base is key to the whole flavor profile of the curry.
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Add The Chicken
Once your onions and garlic are fragrant, add the chicken thighs. Let them brown on both sides. This step locks in flavor, and that crispy skin adds extra richness to the curry.
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Add Curry Powder
Sprinkle in your curry powder. Let it toast with the chicken for about a minute. This releases the essential oils in the spices, enhancing the flavor.
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Pour In Coconut Milk
Now, pour in the coconut milk. Give everything a good stir, making sure the chicken is coated with the curry mixture. Lower the heat and simmer for about 30-40 minutes. This gives the chicken time to absorb all the flavors and become tender.
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Serve
Once your chicken is cooked through, you can serve the curry over rice or with some warm naan bread to soak up the sauce. It’s that simple.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Here’s where it gets really interesting. Every ingredient in this dish has a role that goes beyond just taste. Let’s break down the science:
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Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs are ideal for curries because of their higher fat content compared to chicken breasts. This fat helps carry the flavors and keeps the meat juicy as it simmers in the curry sauce.
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Curry Powder
Curry powder is a blend of spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, and fenugreek. These spices have anti-inflammatory properties, and turmeric, in particular, is known for its health benefits. It’s not just a flavor bomb but also a powerhouse of nutrients.
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Coconut Milk
Coconut milk adds richness, but it also contributes healthy fats. The fats in coconut milk help dissolve and release the fat-soluble flavors in the curry powder. This balance of fats makes the curry creamy and smooth.
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Onion
Onions are a flavor powerhouse. They have natural sugars that caramelize when cooked, adding sweetness and umami to the dish. They also contain antioxidants that support overall health.
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Garlic
Garlic is packed with compounds like allicin, which have been linked to boosting immunity and lowering blood pressure. It also brings a sharp, aromatic punch that pairs perfectly with the curry powder.
Expert Tips
I’ve made this dish countless times and here’s what I’ve learned:
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Use Bone-in Chicken
If you can, go for bone-in chicken thighs. The bone adds extra flavor, and the meat stays juicier as it cooks.
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Toast The Curry Powder
Toasting your curry powder before adding liquid really enhances the spices. Just be careful not to burn it!
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Let It Simmer
Low and slow is the key to this dish. Let the curry simmer gently so the chicken absorbs all the spices, and the sauce thickens to perfection.
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Use Full-fat Coconut Milk
It’s tempting to grab the light version, but full-fat coconut milk makes all the difference in creating that rich, velvety texture.
Recipe Variations
This recipe is super adaptable. Here are a few twists you can try:
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Add Vegetables
Throw in some chopped bell peppers, carrots, or spinach for extra texture and nutrition.
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Spice It Up
If you like more heat, add some chili flakes or fresh chilies along with the curry powder.
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Use Chicken Breast
If you’re not a fan of dark meat, you can substitute with chicken breast, but be aware it may not be as juicy.
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Make It Vegan
Swap the chicken for tofu or chickpeas, and replace the chicken stock with vegetable stock for a vegan version of this curry.
Final Words
This recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen. What’s not to love about a dish that requires minimal ingredients, yet delivers such a satisfying meal? I’ve made it for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, and even for friends who were skeptical about ’simple’ curries. They’re always blown away by how flavorful it is!
FAQs
What Are The 5 Ingredients For Jamie Oliver’s Curry Chicken?
The five main ingredients are chicken, curry powder, coconut milk, chicken stock, and fresh coriander.
How Long Does It Take To Make Jamie Oliver’s 5-ingredients Curry Chicken?
It takes around 30 minutes to prepare and cook the curry.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Curry Chicken Without Coconut Milk?
Yes, you can swap the coconut milk with regular cream or even a dairy-free alternative if you prefer.