If you're looking for a delicious and easy recipe to try at home, look no further than Jamie Oliver's empire chicken. This flavorful dish is perfect for a cozy dinner party or a relaxing night in with the family. In this article, we'll dive into the details of this recipe and explore why it's so popular among foodies around the world.

What is empire chicken?

Empire chicken is a classic dish that originated in the heart of France. It's a simple and rustic recipe that features a whole chicken roasted with herbs and vegetables. Jamie Oliver has put his own spin on this classic dish by adding a few extra ingredients and techniques to create a flavorful and juicy chicken that's hard to resist.

Ingredients

Before diving into the recipe, let's take a look at the ingredients you'll need to make Jamie Oliver's empire chicken:

• One whole chicken, preferably organic and free-range
• One large onion, roughly chopped
• Four large carrots, roughly chopped
• Four cloves of garlic, crushed
• One lemon, cut into quarters
• One bunch of fresh thyme
• One bunch of fresh rosemary
• One cup of chicken broth
• One tablespoon of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Now that you have all the ingredients, it's time to start cooking. Here are the step-by-step instructions for making Jamie Oliver's empire chicken:

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Season your chicken generously with salt and pepper both inside and out.
3. Stuff the cavity of the chicken with the lemon quarters, half of the thyme and rosemary, and half of the garlic.
4. Tie the legs of the chicken together with kitchen twine and tuck the wings under the body.
5. Place the chopped onion, carrots, and remaining garlic in the bottom of a roasting pan.
6. Drizzle the olive oil over the vegetables and toss to coat.
7. Place the chicken on top of the vegetables in the roasting pan.
8. Sprinkle the remaining thyme and rosemary over the chicken and vegetables.
9. Pour the chicken broth into the roasting pan.
10. Cover the roasting pan with aluminum foil and place it in the oven.
11. Bake the chicken for 30 minutes.
12. Remove the foil from the roasting pan and continue baking for another 30-40 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
13. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
14. Serve the chicken with the vegetables and pan juices.

Tips and Variations

Here are a few tips and variations to keep in mind when making Jamie Oliver's empire chicken:

• If you don't have chicken broth on hand, you can use water or white wine instead.
• You can add other vegetables to the roasting pan, such as potatoes, parsnips, or fennel.
• For a crispy skin, remove the foil from the roasting pan for the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
• If you want to add a little kick to your chicken, try adding some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion

Jamie Oliver's empire chicken is a delicious and easy recipe that's perfect for a cozy night in. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a flavorful and juicy chicken that's sure to impress. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is definitely worth trying out. So why not give it a go and see for yourself why it's such a popular dish among foodies around the world?

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