Jamie Oliver’s 5 Ingredients Curry Chicken is the perfect go-to recipe for anyone looking for a quick, flavorful meal with minimal ingredients. By focusing on just five core components, this curry brings together tender chicken, rich coconut milk, and fragrant spices for a simple yet satisfying dish. It’s ideal for a weeknight dinner when time is short, but you still want something packed with flavor.
Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Curry Chicken
Jamie Oliver’s 5 Ingredients Curry Chicken is a streamlined version of a classic curry dish, designed to be quick and easy without sacrificing flavor. This recipe uses five main ingredients—chicken, curry paste, coconut milk, fresh cilantro, and rice—to create a rich, creamy curry that comes together in no time. It’s a perfect introduction to making homemade curry with minimal effort.
Other Popular Recipes
- Jamie Oliver Chicken Liver Parfait
- Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole
- Jamie Oliver Slow Roast Leg of Lamb
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Only five ingredients are needed, and the prep is simple, making it perfect for busy days.
- Full of flavor: Despite the simplicity, the curry paste and coconut milk give the dish rich and bold flavors.
- Family-friendly: This mild curry is great for all ages and can easily be adjusted for more spice.
- Healthy and balanced: Packed with lean protein and served with rice, it’s a wholesome, nutritious meal.
- Great for meal prep: The curry tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for leftovers.
Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Curry Chicken
- Chicken thighs (500g / 1 lb): Skinless and boneless, cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Curry paste (4 tbsp): Choose your favorite red or green curry paste for the base flavor.
- Coconut milk (400ml / 14 oz can): Adds creaminess and richness to the sauce.
- Fresh cilantro (a handful): Chopped, for garnish and added freshness.
- Basmati rice (200g / 1 cup): Cooked, to serve alongside the curry.
Equipment
- Large frying pan or saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Knife and chopping board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Pot for cooking rice
Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Curry Chicken
1. Cook the Rice:
- Cook the rice: Start by cooking the basmati rice according to the package instructions. Set aside once cooked and keep warm.
2. Prepare the Chicken and Sauce:
- Sauté the curry paste: In a large frying pan or saucepan, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the curry paste and stir for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the chicken: Stir in the chicken pieces, coating them with the curry paste. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is browned on all sides.
- Pour in the coconut milk: Add the coconut milk to the pan, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
3. Serve:
- Garnish and serve: Once the curry is ready, remove it from the heat and stir in the fresh cilantro. Serve the curry hot, over basmati rice.
What Goes Well With Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Curry Chicken
- Naan bread: Warm naan is perfect for scooping up the flavorful curry sauce.
- Cucumber raita: A refreshing yogurt-based side dish that complements the spiciness of the curry.
- Steamed vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli, green beans, or spinach pair nicely with the curry.
- Mango chutney: A sweet and tangy condiment that adds a burst of flavor.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Curry Chicken
- Use quality curry paste: The flavor of this dish depends on the curry paste, so choose a high-quality brand for the best results.
- Don’t skip the browning: Browning the chicken adds depth of flavor to the curry, so take the time to sear it properly.
- Adjust the spice: If you like a spicier curry, add a pinch of chili flakes or a fresh chili to the dish.
- Use full-fat coconut milk: Full-fat coconut milk gives the sauce a rich and creamy texture, but you can use a light version for a lower-calorie option.
- Fresh cilantro: Always use fresh cilantro for garnish—it adds brightness and a fresh herbal note to the dish.
Easy Variations of Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Curry Chicken
- Vegetarian option: Replace the chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based version of the curry.
- Add vegetables: Toss in vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to boost the nutritional value.
- Use chicken breast: Swap the thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer white meat. Just be careful not to overcook the chicken breasts, as they can dry out more easily.
- Spicier version: Add fresh chili peppers or extra curry paste for a more intense heat.
- Swap the rice: Serve the curry with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
Best Practices to Store Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Curry Chicken
- Refrigerate leftovers: Store any leftover curry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for later: This curry freezes well. Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Label and date: Always label your containers before freezing to track freshness.
Best Practices to Reheat Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Curry Chicken
- Stovetop reheating: Reheat the curry gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
- Microwave method: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
How Can I Make Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Curry Chicken Healthier?
- Use light coconut milk: Opt for light coconut milk to reduce the fat content while keeping the curry creamy.
- Add more vegetables: Increase the vegetable content by adding carrots, bell peppers, or spinach to boost the fiber and nutrient levels.
- Serve with brown rice: Use brown rice instead of basmati rice for added fiber and nutrients.
- Reduce oil: Use a minimal amount of oil for sautéing the curry paste to cut down on calories.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this curry?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs. Just be sure to reduce the cooking time slightly to prevent the chicken breasts from drying out, as they cook faster than thighs.
Can I make this curry ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this curry ahead of time. In fact, the flavors often improve as they sit. Simply store it in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat when ready to serve.
Can I freeze Jamie Oliver’s 5 Ingredients Curry Chicken?
Yes, this curry freezes well. Allow the curry to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How do I adjust the spice level in this curry?
To adjust the spice level, use a milder or spicier curry paste depending on your preference. You can also add fresh chili or chili flakes to increase the heat or stir in a little coconut milk to mellow the flavors if it’s too spicy.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s 5 Ingredients Curry Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that proves you don’t need a lot of ingredients to create a delicious, satisfying meal. With tender chicken, rich coconut milk, and bold curry flavors, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a quick, wholesome meal. Serve it with rice and your favorite sides for a complete, comforting dinner!
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Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Curry Chicken
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Indian
Description
Jamie Oliver’s 5 Ingredients Curry Chicken is a streamlined version of a classic curry dish, designed to be quick and easy without sacrificing flavor. This recipe uses five main ingredients—chicken, curry paste, coconut milk, fresh cilantro, and rice—to create a rich, creamy curry that comes together in no time. It’s a perfect introduction to making homemade curry with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs (500g / 1 lb): Skinless and boneless, cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Curry paste (4 tbsp): Choose your favorite red or green curry paste for the base flavor.
- Coconut milk (400ml / 14 oz can): Adds creaminess and richness to the sauce.
- Fresh cilantro (a handful): Chopped, for garnish and added freshness.
- Basmati rice (200g / 1 cup): Cooked, to serve alongside the curry.
Instructions
1. Cook the Rice:
- Cook the rice: Start by cooking the basmati rice according to the package instructions. Set aside once cooked and keep warm.
2. Prepare the Chicken and Sauce:
- Sauté the curry paste: In a large frying pan or saucepan, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the curry paste and stir for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the chicken: Stir in the chicken pieces, coating them with the curry paste. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is browned on all sides.
- Pour in the coconut milk: Add the coconut milk to the pan, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
3. Serve:
- Garnish and serve: Once the curry is ready, remove it from the heat and stir in the fresh cilantro. Serve the curry hot, over basmati rice.
