Making the most out of leftovers is a great way to reduce waste and create a delicious, flavorful meal in no time. This Jamie Oliver Leftover Chicken Curry transforms leftover cooked chicken into a comforting dish that’s packed with spices and rich flavors. It’s a quick and easy meal that can be ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
What is Jamie Oliver’s Leftover Chicken Curry?
Jamie Oliver’s Leftover Chicken Curry is a simple recipe designed to repurpose leftover roast or cooked chicken. By simmering it with spices, tomatoes, and coconut milk, you get a hearty curry that’s bursting with flavor. This dish is perfect for when you want to enjoy something satisfying without starting from scratch.
Other Popular Recipes
- Mary Berry Chicken and Broccoli Bake
- Hairy Bikers Chicken Paprika
- Hairy Bikers Sweet and Sour Chicken
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Zero waste: A great way to use up leftover chicken, minimizing food waste.
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy days.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the spices or add extra vegetables.
- Budget-friendly: Uses basic ingredients and leftovers, making it a cost-effective meal.
- Rich and flavorful: The combination of spices and coconut milk creates a deeply flavorful curry.
Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver Leftover Chicken Curry
- 300g (10oz) leftover cooked chicken – shredded or diced.
- 1 large onion – finely chopped for a rich base.
- 2 garlic cloves – minced for added flavor.
- 1-inch piece of ginger – grated to add warmth.
- 1 tsp ground cumin – for earthy, aromatic notes.
- 1 tsp ground coriander – enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 tsp turmeric – adds color and depth.
- 1 tsp garam masala – for a traditional curry flavor.
- 400g (14oz) can chopped tomatoes – to create the sauce base.
- 200ml (7oz) coconut milk – adds creaminess to the curry.
- 1 tbsp olive oil – for sautéing the onions and spices.
- Salt and pepper – to taste, for seasoning.
- Fresh coriander (optional) – for garnish.
Equipment
- Large frying pan or saucepan – for cooking the curry.
- Wooden spoon – for stirring.
- Knife and chopping board – to prepare the ingredients.
- Grater – for the ginger.
Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver Leftover Chicken Curry
Step 1: Sauté the onions, garlic, and ginger
- Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and grated ginger. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent.
Step 2: Add the spices
- Stir in the ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to release their aromas and coat the onions.
Step 3: Add the tomatoes and coconut milk
- Pour in the chopped tomatoes and coconut milk, stirring well to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 5-10 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Step 4: Stir in the leftover chicken
- Add the leftover chicken to the pan, stirring it into the sauce. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, ensuring the chicken is heated through and fully coated in the curry sauce.
Step 5: Serve
- Once everything is cooked and well combined, garnish with fresh coriander if desired. Serve the curry over rice, naan, or your preferred side dish.
What Goes Well With Jamie Oliver Leftover Chicken Curry
- Steamed rice: A perfect base to soak up all the delicious curry sauce.
- Naan bread: Ideal for scooping up the curry and adding texture.
- Raita: A cool yogurt-based side dish to balance the spice.
- Chapati: A traditional flatbread that pairs well with curry.
- Pickles: Indian pickles can add a tangy, spicy contrast to the curry.
- Fresh salad: A simple cucumber and tomato salad for a fresh crunch.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Jamie Oliver Leftover Chicken Curry
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Since the chicken is already cooked, avoid cooking it for too long in the curry to prevent it from becoming dry.
- Adjust the spices: If you prefer a milder curry, reduce the amount of garam masala or skip the chili flakes. For more heat, add a chopped green chili or extra cayenne pepper.
- Use fresh herbs: Garnishing with fresh coriander or mint adds a bright, fresh element to the dish.
- Add extra vegetables: Feel free to toss in some spinach, peas, or bell peppers to make the curry more nutritious.
- Cook low and slow: Let the curry simmer gently for richer, more developed flavors.
Easy Variations of Jamie Oliver Leftover Chicken Curry
- Vegetable curry: Replace the chicken with leftover roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, or cauliflower.
- Creamy tomato curry: Add a few spoonfuls of plain yogurt to the sauce for extra creaminess.
- Spicy chicken curry: Add chopped chilies or a dash of chili powder to give the curry an extra kick.
- Lemon chicken curry: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the curry before serving to add brightness and acidity.
- Coconut-free version: Swap the coconut milk for plain yogurt or cream if you prefer a dairy-based curry.
Best Practices to Store Jamie Oliver Leftover Chicken Curry
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: This curry freezes well. Place it in a freezer-safe container and store it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Portion control: Freeze in individual portions for quick and easy meals later on.
- Store separately: If you’re serving with rice or naan, store them separately from the curry to maintain texture.
Best Practices to Reheat Jamie Oliver Leftover Chicken Curry
- Stovetop: Reheat the curry in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
- Oven: For larger portions, reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 15 minutes, covered to prevent drying out.
How Can I Make Jamie Oliver Leftover Chicken Curry Healthier?
- Reduce the oil: Use less olive oil or a cooking spray to sauté the onions.
- Lean chicken: If possible, use leftover chicken breast for a lower-fat option.
- Increase vegetables: Add extra vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or peas to increase fiber and nutrients.
- Low-fat coconut milk: Substitute regular coconut milk with a light version to reduce the fat content.
- Serve with brown rice: For a healthier side, pair the curry with brown rice instead of white.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 340
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
FAQs
Can I use any type of leftover chicken for this curry?
Yes, you can use any type of leftover chicken for Jamie Oliver’s Leftover Chicken Curry, whether it’s roast chicken, grilled chicken, or even rotisserie chicken. Just shred or dice the cooked chicken before adding it to the curry sauce to ensure it heats evenly.
How long does leftover chicken curry last in the fridge?
Jamie Oliver Leftover Chicken Curry can last up to 3 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. Be sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving, either on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Can I freeze chicken curry made with leftover chicken?
Yes, you can freeze Jamie Oliver’s Leftover Chicken Curry. Allow the curry to cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
How do I thicken chicken curry if it’s too watery?
To thicken Jamie Oliver’s Leftover Chicken Curry, simmer it uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, you can stir in a spoonful of plain yogurt or a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water) to achieve the desired consistency.
Final Words
This Jamie Oliver Leftover Chicken Curry is an easy, flavorful way to repurpose leftover chicken into a new, satisfying meal. With the warm spices and creamy coconut sauce, it’s a crowd-pleaser that doesn’t require much effort.
More By British Baking Recipes
- Mary Berry Chicken Malaysian Curry
- Mary Berry Chicken Tray Bake
- Hairy Bikers Chicken Cacciatore
- Mary Berry Chicken Pasta Bake
Jamie Oliver Leftover Chicken Curry
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: British-Indian
Description
Jamie Oliver’s Leftover Chicken Curry is a simple recipe designed to repurpose leftover roast or cooked chicken. By simmering it with spices, tomatoes, and coconut milk, you get a hearty curry that’s bursting with flavor. This dish is perfect for when you want to enjoy something satisfying without starting from scratch.
Ingredients
- 300g (10oz) leftover cooked chicken – shredded or diced.
- 1 large onion – finely chopped for a rich base.
- 2 garlic cloves – minced for added flavor.
- 1-inch piece of ginger – grated to add warmth.
- 1 tsp ground cumin – for earthy, aromatic notes.
- 1 tsp ground coriander – enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 tsp turmeric – adds color and depth.
- 1 tsp garam masala – for a traditional curry flavor.
- 400g (14oz) can chopped tomatoes – to create the sauce base.
- 200ml (7oz) coconut milk – adds creaminess to the curry.
- 1 tbsp olive oil – for sautéing the onions and spices.
- Salt and pepper – to taste, for seasoning.
- Fresh coriander (optional) – for garnish.
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the onions, garlic, and ginger
- Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and grated ginger. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent.
Step 2: Add the spices
- Stir in the ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to release their aromas and coat the onions.
Step 3: Add the tomatoes and coconut milk
- Pour in the chopped tomatoes and coconut milk, stirring well to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 5-10 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Step 4: Stir in the leftover chicken
- Add the leftover chicken to the pan, stirring it into the sauce. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, ensuring the chicken is heated through and fully coated in the curry sauce.
Step 5: Serve
- Once everything is cooked and well combined, garnish with fresh coriander if desired. Serve the curry over rice, naan, or your preferred side dish.
