As Jamie Oliver, I’m delighted to give you something I absolutely love to eat, one of my all-time favorite recipes, which is this beautiful whole chicken that is simmered and cooked very slowly in milk with warming cinnamon, beautiful lemon zest and aromatic sage.
This is an unusual but oh-so moreish dish that creates impossibly tender, melt-in-your-mouth poultry. Whether you’re after a comforting Sunday roast or something a little special for when people come to stay, this Jamie Oliver Chicken in Milk Recipe is sure to become a firm fixture in your family’s repertoire.
Key Takeaways
- The Chicken in Milk recipe features a unique cooking technique where the chicken is simmered slowly in milk, resulting in tender poultry and a rich, flavorful sauce.
- This dish combines warming spices like cinnamon with citrus elements such as lemon zest, creating a savory and slightly sweet profile that’s perfect for special occasions or comforting meals.
- Serving suggestions include crusty bread or fluffy mashed potatoes to complement the dish and soak up the delicious sauce.
Why This Dish Works
The magic of this particular dish is all in how the milk cooks, softly curdling around the chicken to form a rustic, savory sauce amped up with citrus and subtle heat. The flavors combine into something more than the parts: moist, tasty meat and a tangy, even sweet sauce that cries out to be mopped up with crusty bread or fluffy mashed potatoes.
Types of Chicken in Milk
Before you probe this delicious dish, it’s helpful to know the different types of preparations you can try with the classic Chicken in Milk. Here are a few variations:
| Whole Chicken | A traditional choice for a savory centerpiece. |
| Chicken Thighs | Ideal for richer flavor and easier portion control. |
| Bone-in Chicken | Enhances the depth of flavor during cooking. |
| Spatchcock Chicken | Reduces cooking time while ensuring even cooking. |
| Vegetarian Version | Swap chicken for hearty vegetables for a meat-free alternative. |
The key element in any version is the slow cooking in milk, creating a tender dish that pairs beautifully with various sides.
Traditional Variations
If you want to stick to the roots of this dish, you can try adding classic herbs like thyme or rosemary alongside the sage, or even a splash of white wine to the milk for added depth. These adaptations elevate your Chicken in Milk, making it feel even more special for gatherings.
Modern Twists
Little do most know, there are many modern twists that can be added to bring a creative flair to your Chicken in Milk recipe. Consider incorporating unique spices like chili flakes for heat or using coconut milk for a tropical spin.
A variety of creative enhancements can evolve your Chicken in Milk. For instance, using coconut milk not only introduces a creamy texture but adds a hint of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the citrus notes. You might also experiment with flavors like ginger or curry powder, introducing exciting new dimensions to this classic dish. This allows your cooking to stand out and showcases how versatile the basic recipe can be while ensuring it remains irresistibly tender and aromatic.
Quick Chicken in Milk Recipe by Jamie Oliver
Ingredients
- 1 whole free-range chicken (approx 1.5 kg / 3.3 lb)
- Coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Olive oil or unsalted butter (for sautéing)
- ½ stick of cinnamon
- 1 handful of fresh sage leaves
- Peel of 2 lemons (a vegetable peeler avoids the bitter pith)
- 10 unpeeled cloves of garlic
- About 565 ml (just over a pint) of whole milk
Instructions
Preheat & Prep
- The oven is fine at 190°C/375°F/gas 5. Dry the chicken with kitchen paper and season the inside and outside generously with salt and pepper.
Brown the Bird
- In a snug-fitting casserole pot or Dutch oven, pour in a glug of olive oil or a knob of butter and heat over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken on all sides, until they are all a glorious deep gold — this also builds layers of flavor in the end.
Drain & Add Flavors
- Tip off any excess oil or butter, leaving just a spoonful in the pot. I usually add the cinnamon stick, sage leaves, lemon zest, and garlic cloves. Gently pour in the milk. Don’t be alarmed if it looks a bit separated while it’s cooking — that’s by design; it should curdle into a luscious sauce.
Slow & Steady in the Oven
- Put a lid on the pot and place it in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Halfway through, take off the lid to let the chicken’s top brown a little and the sauce tighten up.
Rest & Serve
- When the chicken is cooked through (the juices run clear and a meat thermometer reads at least 75°C/165°F in the thickest part), take it out of the oven. Rest for 10-15 minutes, then carve. Serve with the curdled-milk sauce spooned liberally over the meat, with veg, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.You’ll end up with juicy, fragrant meat and a sauce so good you’ll want to lap it up with a spoon. I always turn to this Classic Jamie Oliver Chicken in Milk Recipe when I want to impress guests with minimal work.
Nutritional Information per Serving
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Calories: ~500 kcal
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Protein: 40g
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Carbohydrates: 5g
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Sugars: 3g
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Fat: 35g
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Saturated Fat: 12g
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Fiber: 1g
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Salt: 1.2g
👨🍳 [DID YOU KNOW?] Interesting Facts about Chicken in Milk
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Unique Cooking Technique: The magic of this recipe lies in the use of milk as a cooking medium. As the chicken simmers slowly in milk, it becomes incredibly tender, and the milk curdles into a rich, flavorful sauce that adds a savory depth to the dish.
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Spice and Herb Harmony: The combination of cinnamon, sage, and lemon zest brings a unique balance of warmth, earthiness, and freshness, turning a simple dish into a comforting and aromatic masterpiece.
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Versatility in Cuts: While a whole chicken is traditionally used, this recipe works just as well with chicken thighs or spatchcocked chicken, offering flexibility for different preferences and cooking times.
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Slow Cooking for Tenderness: The key to this dish is the slow cooking process. This ensures the chicken absorbs all the flavors from the milk, herbs, and spices, resulting in perfectly tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat.
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Serving with Comfort: The dish is perfect for pairing with mashed potatoes or crusty bread, which helps soak up the delicious sauce, making it an ideal comforting meal for any occasion.
Tips for Perfecting the Recipe
Clearly, there are several ways to enhance your chicken in milk experience. To get it just right, keep these tips in mind:
- Choose a quality chicken for the best flavor.
- Don’t rush the cooking; let it slow-cook to achieve tenderness.
- Incorporate fresh herbs and spices for enhanced aroma.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking for juicy meat.
After following these suggestions, you’ll find yourself with a delicious, aromatic dish that your family will love.
Selecting the Right Chicken
For the best results, opt for a whole chicken that has been sourced responsibly. Look for a free-range or organic bird, as these options often yield more flavorful and tender meat. Aim for about a 3-4 pound chicken for this recipe, ensuring it fits comfortably in your pot and allows for even cooking.
Essential Flavor Enhancers
The key to elevating your chicken in milk lies in the flavor enhancers you select. Think outside the box with ingredients like fresh sage, zesty lemon, and a warm touch of cinnamon. Each of these components contributes to the unique and delicious profile of the dish, making it both comforting and exotic.
With the right flavor enhancers, your chicken in milk will not only be tender but will also burst with savory goodness. The fresh sage adds an aromatic depth, while the lemon zest infuses a refreshing brightness. A hint of cinnamon provides warmth and intrigue, helping to create the soft, curdled sauce that pairs perfectly with crusty bread or mashed potatoes. By thoughtfully incorporating these elements, you elevate a simple recipe into something truly memorable.
Serving Suggestions
Not only does the Chicken in Milk dish shine on its own, but it also allows you to explore various serving styles. Consider plating the tender chicken pieces with the savory, curdled milk sauce drizzled over the top, garnished with fresh herbs. Pair it with crusty bread or fluffy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce, making the meal even more delightful. Your guests will appreciate the comforting presentation that complements this aromatic classic.
Side Dishes
While your Chicken in Milk simmers to perfection, think about complementing it with side dishes that enhance its flavors. Seasonal roasted vegetables, such as carrots and Brussels sprouts, or a fresh green salad can provide a refreshing contrast. Alternatively, a creamy potato gratin can add a rich and indulgent touch, perfectly balancing the tangy sauce of the chicken.
Pairing with Sauces
If you’re looking to elevate the meal further, consider pairing your dish with sauces that harmonize beautifully with the chicken’s flavors. A light lemon vinaigrette can brighten the palate, while a rich gravy made from the pan drippings can intensify the savory experience. Whatever you choose, ensure it complements the aromatic essence of this dish.
Plus, enhancing your Chicken in Milk with a well-considered sauce can transform the dining experience. For a burst of citrus, a lemon-thyme sauce pairs seamlessly, cutting through the richness of the dish. Alternatively, a sage-infused gravy crafted from the cooked milk will amplify its aromatic qualities, creating a richly layered flavor profile that you and your guests will love. Opt for simple, natural ingredients to maintain the essence of this classic recipe while adding your personal touch.
Wine Pairing
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White Wine:
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Chardonnay (unoaked): A light, crisp Chardonnay will complement the creamy sauce without overpowering the dish’s subtle flavors. Its acidity balances the richness of the milk and chicken.
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Sauvignon Blanc: Its fresh, zesty profile works well with the citrus notes in the recipe, offering a refreshing contrast to the richness of the sauce.
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Red Wine:
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Pinot Noir: A light red with soft tannins, Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with the tender chicken and complements the herb and spice flavors without overwhelming them.
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Beer:
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Pilsner: The refreshing, crisp bitterness of a pilsner enhances the richness of the sauce and provides a nice contrast to the savory flavors of the chicken.
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This dish is a cozy, flavorful meal that’s perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or impressing guests with minimal effort!
Conclusion
Conclusively, the recipes.com/chicken-caesar-salad/” href=”https://jamieoliverrecipes.com/chicken-caesar-salad/”>Jamie Oliver Chicken in Milk Recipe delivers a unique culinary experience that elevates your traditional chicken dish into something extraordinary. By slow-cooking the chicken in milk with aromatic herbs and spices, you achieve tender, flavorful meat alongside a rich, zesty sauce that your family and guests will adore. This dish is perfect for any occasion, bringing warmth and comfort to your table while ensuring you impress with your cooking skills. Make sure to add this delightful recipe to your collection for unforgettable meals.
Yummy!