I remember the first time I made Jamie Oliver’s Chicken and Chorizo Stew. It was one of those days when I wanted something hearty, comforting, and full of bold flavors. I had the chicken, I had the chorizo, and I thought, “Why not try something a little different”? What started as a spontaneous cooking adventure quickly became a recipe I return to time and again.
There’s something magical about how these ingredients-simple on their own-come together in this stew. The chicken is tender, the chorizo adds spice and smokiness, and the vegetables balance everything out. It’s one of those dishes that’s not only satisfying but impresses guests too. If you’ve ever wanted a recipe that’s both cozy and exciting, this stew is it.
Jamie Oliver’s Chicken And Chorizo Stew Recipe
Jamie’s approach to cooking is always about taking quality ingredients and letting them shine. This Chicken and Chorizo Stew is a perfect example. It’s straightforward but full of flavor.
Here’s the recipe that Jamie recommends (with a few tweaks of my own after making it multiple times):
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless, depending on your preference)
- Chorizo (the Spanish kind, not the dry version)
- Potatoes (or sweet potatoes for a twist)
- Onions and garlic (essential for any stew)
- Tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- Chicken stock (low-salt works best)
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves)
- A splash of red wine (optional but highly recommended)
- Olive oil, salt, and pepper
Cooking Time
- Prep: 10-15 minutes
- Cook: 1 hour
Ingredients Needed
- Chicken Thighs: I love using thighs over breasts because they’re juicier and cook well in stews. The bone-in version adds even more depth of flavor.
- Chorizo: The Spanish cured sausage is what gives the stew its smoky, spicy undertone. Make sure you get the right kind, as some chorizos are too dry and won’t work well in this recipe.
- Potatoes: Regular potatoes are great, but sweet potatoes make the dish a bit more indulgent. Their sweetness balances the spiciness of the chorizo.
- Onions & Garlic: Essential base flavors that bring out the best in the rest of the ingredients.
- Tomatoes: If you’ve got ripe tomatoes, go for them! Otherwise, canned tomatoes work perfectly fine, providing a nice tang.
- Stock: Chicken stock brings everything together with a rich, savory backdrop. I recommend using low-sodium stock so you can control the seasoning.
- Herbs: Fresh rosemary and thyme add a herby, aromatic layer. Bay leaves are a classic stew ingredient that infuse the dish with a deeper richness.
- Red Wine (optional): I love to add a little red wine to this stew. It complements the chorizo and gives the sauce a more complex flavor. If you’re not into wine, you can skip it.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Chicken And Chorizo Stew
Making this stew is super simple, but the result is deliciously impressive.
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Prep The Chicken And Chorizo
- Slice the chorizo into thick coins. If you’re using bone-in chicken thighs, season them with salt, pepper, and a little olive oil.
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Brown The Chicken And Chorizo
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the chicken thighs. Let them brown on both sides. Once browned, remove the chicken and set it aside.
- In the same pot, throw in the chorizo slices and fry until they start releasing their oils and become crispy around the edges.
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Sauté The Vegetables
- Toss in the diced onions and garlic. Sauté until soft and fragrant. Then add the chopped tomatoes and let them cook down for a few minutes.
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Combine And Simmer
- Return the chicken thighs to the pot. Add the potatoes, chicken stock, herbs, and a splash of wine (if using). Stir it all together and bring the stew to a simmer.
- Cover and let it cook for 45-60 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and the potatoes are fully cooked. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve
- The stew can be served on its own, but I love pairing it with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Let’s dive a little deeper into the science behind some of these ingredients:
- Chorizo: This Spanish sausage is typically made from pork, seasoned with paprika, garlic, and a variety of other spices. The fat from the sausage infuses the stew with rich flavors, while the spices add a subtle heat that balances the other ingredients.
- Chicken Thighs: Unlike chicken breasts, thighs are higher in fat, which makes them perfect for stews. The fat helps the meat stay juicy and tender during cooking, ensuring every bite is succulent.
- Potatoes: Potatoes act like sponges, soaking up the flavors of the broth. As they cook, they break down slightly, thickening the stew and adding a creamy texture without any cream.
- Tomatoes: The acidity of tomatoes helps cut through the richness of the chorizo and chicken. Plus, they add a bit of sweetness that balances the dish.
Expert Tips
- Browning the Chicken: Don’t rush this step. Browning the chicken properly helps build a deep flavor foundation for your stew.
- Chorizo Quality: Go for a high-quality chorizo. The better the chorizo, the better your stew will be.
- Don’t Skimp on Stock: Use a good-quality chicken stock. It’s the backbone of the stew’s flavor, and low-sodium stock lets you control the seasoning.
- Let it Rest: If you can, let the stew rest for a bit after cooking. The flavors meld together even more as it sits.
Recipe Variations
While Jamie’s version is unbeatable, here are some variations you can try to make the dish your own:
- Spicy Kick: If you like your food extra spicy, add a chopped chili or some chili flakes to the mix.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap out the chicken for mushrooms and the chorizo for a smoky vegetarian sausage.
- Different Veggies: You can throw in some bell peppers, carrots, or even spinach to add more veggies.
- Wine Pairing: If you added wine to the stew, pair it with a glass of the same wine when serving.
Final Words
This dish has become a staple in my kitchen for a reason. It’s the perfect balance of hearty, flavorful, and comforting, but also exciting. There’s something about the richness of the chicken combined with the smokiness of the chorizo that just feels right, especially on colder nights.
It’s the kind of recipe that you can tweak based on what you have available or what mood you’re in. Whether you keep it classic or add your own spin, you can’t go wrong.
FAQs
What Makes Jamie Oliver’s Chicken And Chorizo Stew Recipe So Special?
The combination of tender chicken, spicy chorizo, and rich vegetables makes it flavorful and comforting. The smoky chorizo adds depth to the dish.
Can I Use A Different Type Of Sausage Instead Of Chorizo?
While chorizo is key for flavor, you can use other sausages. Just keep in mind it might change the taste.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Jamie Oliver’s Chicken And Chorizo Stew?
It takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on how long you let it simmer to meld the flavors.