Description
This Chicken in Milk recipe, inspired by Jamie Oliver, transforms a simple roast chicken into a tender, aromatic dish with a lemony, garlicky milk sauce. The slow braising process creates incredibly moist meat and a rich, comforting sauce that’s perfect for soaking up with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
1 whole chicken
2½ cups milk
Zest of 2 lemons
1 cinnamon stick
Fresh sage leaves
1 handful garlic cloves (unpeeled)
Butter (for browning the chicken)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large Dutch oven, melt a few tablespoons of butter over high heat. Add the chicken and brown it on all sides until deep golden. Remove from the pot and pour off most of the fat, leaving a little behind for flavor.
- Place the chicken back into the pot. Pour in the milk and add the unpeeled garlic cloves, lemon zest, cinnamon stick, and sage leaves.
- Transfer the pot to the oven and roast for about 90 minutes, basting occasionally. For extra tenderness, cover for the first 45 minutes, then uncover for the remainder.
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Pull apart the meat and spoon the sauce over top before serving.
- Serve warm with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Notes
The milk will curdle slightly — this is normal and creates a beautifully creamy, tangy sauce.
Use chicken thighs or drumsticks for a quicker version.
For a richer finish, stir in a spoonful of cream or butter at the end.
To add a bit of heat, include a dried chili or a few peppercorns with the aromatics.
For a dairy-free twist, substitute coconut milk for a subtle tropical flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 150mg