Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Juicy Charred Chicken

If you’re looking for a fresh, vibrant dinner that’s on the table in 20 minutes, this Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Juicy Charred Chicken is a total game-changer. With juicy seared chicken, fluffy couscous, and a zingy cucumber-pomegranate salsa, it’s light, satisfying, and perfect for a busy weeknight. I made this on a hot summer evening, and it instantly became a warm-weather favorite! (inspired by Jamie Oliver)

Ingredients Needed

• 1 bunch of mint (30g), leafy half chopped
• 300g (1½ cups) wholewheat couscous
• 1 large ripe pomegranate, seeds removed
• 1 cucumber, diced into ½ cm pieces
• 4 × 150g (5 oz) skinless chicken breasts

Optional:

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• Sea salt and black pepper

How To Make Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Juicy Charred Chicken

1. Start with the Couscous:
   Place the couscous in a bowl with the mint stalks, season with a pinch of sea salt, and pour over enough boiling water to just cover. Cover the bowl and let it sit while you prepare everything else—it’ll fluff up beautifully on its own.
2. Make the Fresh Salsa:
   Halve your pomegranate and bash out the seeds into a mixing bowl. Add the chopped mint leaves, diced cucumber, 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, and 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar. Season to taste with salt and pepper, then give it all a good toss. The result is bright, juicy, and totally refreshing.
3. Cook the Chicken:
   Score the chicken breasts lengthways about 1 cm apart to help them cook evenly and soak up more flavor. Rub with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and squeeze over some juice from the pomegranate salsa. Cook in a hot non-stick pan for around 8 minutes, turning regularly, until golden and cooked through. They should be slightly charred but still juicy inside.
4. Assemble Your Plates:
   Remove the mint stalks from the couscous and fluff it up with a fork. Stir in half the salsa for that extra flavor punch. Divide the couscous between plates, slice the chicken and lay it on top, and finish with the remaining salsa. A final drizzle of olive oil makes it extra luscious.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love how fast and fresh this recipe is. It’s just five main ingredients, but you get so much texture and flavor in every bite. The pomegranate adds a pop of sweetness, the cucumber keeps things crisp, and the charred chicken is so satisfying. It’s my go-to when I want something clean but comforting.

Recipe Tips

• Score evenly: It helps the chicken cook faster and more evenly.
• Use fresh pomegranate: The flavor is brighter and the seeds pop more than the pre-packaged ones.
• Avoid dry chicken: Don’t overcook—turn often and test for doneness.
• Fork fluff the couscous: Keeps it light and prevents clumping.
• Double the salsa: It’s so good, you’ll want extra for leftovers or dipping!

How To Store & Reheat Leftovers

• Storing in the Fridge: Store chicken, couscous, and salsa separately in airtight containers. Keeps fresh for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the chicken and couscous in the microwave for 2–3 minutes. The salsa is best served cold, so add it after reheating.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Can I use regular couscous instead of wholewheat?
  Yes, but wholewheat adds extra fiber and a nuttier taste. Both work well!
• What can I use instead of pomegranate?
  Try chopped grapes or dried cranberries for a similar sweet-tart vibe.
• Is this dish gluten-free?
  No, couscous contains wheat. Swap it for quinoa to make it gluten-free.
• Can I grill the chicken instead?
  Absolutely! It’ll give even more char and smoky flavor—perfect for BBQ season.
• Can I prep this ahead of time?
  You can make the couscous and salsa a few hours in advance. Cook the chicken fresh for best results.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 528 kcal
• Fat: 14.6 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Protein: 45.7 g
• Carbohydrates: 55.1 g
• Sugars: 3 g
• Salt: 0.8 g
• Fibre: 6.1 g

Try More Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Recipes:

• 5 Ingredients Sumac Chicken
• 5 Ingredients Chickpea Chicken
• 5 Ingredients Couscous & Chicken Bake
• 5 Ingredients Za’atar Chicken