Jamie Oliver’s 5 Ingredients Juicy Charred Chicken is a quick, flavorful dish that’s ideal for busy weeknights. Made with just five simple ingredients, this recipe creates tender, charred chicken thighs with a punch of flavor from lemon, fresh herbs, and chili. Pair it with a side salad, rice, or your favorite veggies for a complete, satisfying meal.
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try
- Quick and Easy: Only five ingredients and minimal prep time.
- Packed with Flavor: Simple ingredients create a bold, juicy dish.
- Perfect for Weeknights: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Versatile Side Pairings: This goes well with a variety of sides.
- Great for Grilling: Charred chicken thighs are perfect for summer grilling.
Other Jamie Oliver Recipes
- Jamie Oliver Chicken And Cannellini Beans
- Jamie Oliver Lamb Rogan Josh
- Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Scones
What is Jamie Oliver’s 5 Ingredients Juicy Charred Chicken?
Jamie Oliver’s 5 Ingredients Juicy Charred Chicken is a simple recipe that uses only five ingredients: chicken thighs, fresh thyme, lemon, chili, and olive oil. The chicken is marinated briefly, then grilled or pan-seared to achieve a deliciously charred, juicy result.
Ingredients for Jamie Oliver’s 5 Ingredients Juicy Charred Chicken
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 1 lemon, zest and juice
- 1 red chili, finely sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Jamie Oliver’s 5 Ingredients Juicy Charred Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a bowl, combine the lemon zest and juice, sliced chili, fresh thyme leaves, and olive oil. Season with salt and black pepper, and mix well.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken thighs in the bowl with the marinade, turning to coat each piece thoroughly. Let the chicken marinate for at least 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill or Pan
Preheat a grill or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Ensure it’s hot enough to create a nice char on the chicken.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Place the marinated chicken thighs on the grill or in the skillet, skin-side down. Grill for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the skin is charred and crispy and the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 75°C (165°F).
Step 5: Serve
Transfer the charred chicken to a serving plate and garnish with any remaining thyme leaves or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Serve warm with your choice of side.
What to Serve with Jamie Oliver’s 5 Ingredients Juicy Charred Chicken
- Green Salad: A fresh salad adds a crisp, refreshing contrast.
- Roasted Potatoes: Complements the juicy chicken with a hearty side.
- Rice: A simple side of steamed rice pairs perfectly.
- Grilled Vegetables: Adds color and nutrition to the meal.
- Quinoa or Couscous: Light grains work well with this flavorful chicken.
Expert Tips for Mastering Jamie Oliver’s 5 Ingredients Juicy Charred Chicken
- Don’t Skip the Marinade: Letting the chicken marinate enhances the flavor and tenderness.
- Use Bone-In Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs keep the meat juicy and flavorful.
- Adjust the Chili: For a milder dish, remove the seeds from the chili or use less.
- High Heat for Charring: Ensure the grill or skillet is hot for a good char without overcooking.
- Let It Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving to retain juices.
Variations of Jamie Oliver’s 5 Ingredients Juicy Charred Chicken
- Herb Substitutes: Use rosemary or oregano instead of thyme for a different herb flavor.
- Citrus Twist: Substitute lime or orange for a different citrusy flavor.
- Spicy Variation: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Garlic-Infused: Add a minced garlic clove to the marinade for an aromatic touch.
- Honey-Glazed: Drizzle a bit of honey over the chicken before grilling for a sweet finish.
How to Store Leftover Jamie Oliver’s 5 Ingredients Juicy Charred Chicken
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or lemon juice to retain moisture.
Nutrition Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for charred chicken?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs. Adjust the cooking time as chicken breasts may cook faster than thighs. Grill until the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F) to ensure juiciness without overcooking.
How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill?
To prevent sticking, make sure the grill or pan is properly preheated and lightly oiled. You can also brush a small amount of oil directly onto the chicken for added insurance.
Can I make juicy charred chicken without a grill?
Yes, you can use a cast-iron skillet or a heavy-bottomed pan on the stovetop to achieve a similar charred effect. Cook over medium-high heat and ensure the pan is hot before adding the chicken.
How long can I marinate the chicken for extra flavor?
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 10-15 minutes. If you have more time, marinating for up to 2 hours will intensify the flavors further. Avoid marinating for too long, as the lemon can begin to affect the chicken’s texture.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s 5 Ingredients Juicy Charred Chicken is a simple yet flavorful recipe that delivers juicy, charred chicken in just a few steps. Perfect for any occasion, this dish is versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Enjoy it as an easy weeknight dinner or as a tasty addition to your barbecue lineup!
PrintJamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Juicy Charred Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4-6 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling or Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
Jamie Oliver’s 5 Ingredients Juicy Charred Chicken is a simple recipe that uses only five ingredients: chicken thighs, fresh thyme, lemon, chili, and olive oil. The chicken is marinated briefly, then grilled or pan-seared to achieve a deliciously charred, juicy result.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 1 lemon, zest and juice
- 1 red chili, finely sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
In a bowl, combine the lemon zest and juice, sliced chili, fresh thyme leaves, and olive oil. Season with salt and black pepper, and mix well.
Place the chicken thighs in the bowl with the marinade, turning to coat each piece thoroughly. Let the chicken marinate for at least 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Preheat a grill or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Ensure it’s hot enough to create a nice char on the chicken.
Place the marinated chicken thighs on the grill or in the skillet, skin-side down. Grill for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the skin is charred and crispy and the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 75°C (165°F).
Transfer the charred chicken to a serving plate and garnish with any remaining thyme leaves or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Serve warm with your choice of side.