Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Stew and Dumplings is the ultimate comfort food. With tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and fluffy dumplings, this recipe is perfect for warming up on chilly evenings. Packed with rich flavors and simple ingredients, it’s an easy dish to prepare for the whole family.
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try
- Rich and hearty: The slow-cooked chicken and vegetables create a flavorful, savory stew.
- Perfect comfort food: Warm, fluffy dumplings make this dish a classic favorite.
- One-pot wonder: Minimal cleanup with everything cooked in one pot.
- Customizable: Use your favorite vegetables or herbs to suit your taste.
- Family-friendly: A nutritious and satisfying meal everyone will love.
Other Jamie Oliver Recipes
What Is Jamie Oliver Chicken Stew and Dumplings?
Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Stew and Dumplings is a one-pot dish featuring succulent chicken, a medley of vegetables, and soft, fluffy dumplings. This classic stew is slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in a hearty and flavorful meal.
Jamie Oliver Chicken Stew and Dumplings Ingredients
For the Chicken Stew:
- 1.2kg (2.5 lbs) chicken thighs, skinless and boneless
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 celery sticks, chopped
- 3 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- Peas (1 Cup)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 bay leaf
- 1.2 liters (5 cups) chicken stock
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Dumplings:
- 250g (2 cups) self-raising flour
- 125g (½ cup) unsalted butter, cold and diced
- A pinch of salt
- 2-3 tablespoons cold water
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Jamie Oliver Chicken Stew and Dumplings
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
- Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then brown them in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion, garlic, celery, and carrots. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
Step 3: Combine the Stew
- Return the browned chicken to the pot. Add the potatoes, thyme, bay leaf, and chicken stock. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 30-35 minutes until the chicken is tender.
Step 4: Make the Dumplings
- In a bowl, combine the self-raising flour, a pinch of salt, and diced butter. Rub the butter into the flour using your fingertips until it resembles breadcrumbs.
- Add cold water, a tablespoon at a time, until a soft dough forms. Mix in fresh parsley for extra flavor if desired.
Step 5: Add the Dumplings to the Stew
- Roll the dough into small balls and place them on top of the stew, spaced slightly apart.
- Cover the pot and let the dumplings steam for 15 minutes, or until they are puffed up and fluffy.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the bay leaf, season the stew with additional salt and pepper if needed, and serve hot.
What to Serve with Jamie Oliver Chicken Stew and Dumplings
- Pair with crusty bread: Perfect for soaking up the savory stew.
- Add steamed greens: Serve with green beans, spinach, or kale for a healthy side.
- Include roasted vegetables: Roasted parsnips or butternut squash complement the stew’s flavor.
- Serve with a fresh salad: A light, leafy salad balances the richness of the stew.
Expert Tips for Mastering Jamie Oliver Chicken Stew and Dumplings
- Brown the chicken: This step adds depth and richness to the stew’s flavor.
- Don’t overwork the dumpling dough: Mix gently to keep the dumplings light and fluffy.
- Add extra vegetables: Root vegetables like parsnips or turnips work well in this stew.
- Check seasoning: Taste the stew before adding the dumplings and adjust the salt and pepper if needed.
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh thyme and parsley add a vibrant touch to the dish.
Variations of Jamie Oliver Chicken Stew and Dumplings
- Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of cream or a dollop of crème fraîche for a richer stew.
- Add spices: Include smoked paprika or a pinch of chili flakes for added warmth.
- Use leftover chicken: Swap fresh chicken for leftover roast chicken to save time.
- Try gluten-free dumplings: Use a gluten-free flour blend and add baking powder for lightness.
- Add mushrooms: Stir in mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
How to Store Leftovers Jamie Oliver Chicken Stew and Dumplings?
- Refrigerate properly: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for later: Freeze the stew (without the dumplings) in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw and add fresh dumplings when reheating.
How to Reheat Jamie Oliver Chicken Stew and Dumplings?
- Reheat on the stove: Warm the stew over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
- Use the microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
- Add a splash of stock: If the stew thickens too much, add a little chicken stock or water while reheating.
Nutrition Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 6g
FAQs
How do I make dumplings light and fluffy?
To make light and fluffy dumplings, use cold butter and handle the dough gently. Avoid overworking the mixture, and steam the dumplings on top of the stew with the lid on to keep them soft and airy.
Can I make chicken stew and dumplings ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stew ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove, and add fresh dumplings to cook just before serving.
How do I thicken chicken stew?
To thicken chicken stew, mix a tablespoon of plain flour or cornstarch with cold water to form a slurry, then stir it into the stew. Let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens.
Can I freeze chicken stew and dumplings?
Yes, you can freeze the chicken stew without the dumplings for up to 3 months. When reheating, prepare fresh dumplings and cook them on top of the stew for the best texture.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Stew and Dumplings is a classic dish that’s both hearty and comforting. Perfect for cozy family dinners, this recipe combines tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and fluffy dumplings into a one-pot meal that everyone will love. Give it a try and enjoy the ultimate comfort food!
More Recipes
PrintJamie Oliver Chicken Stew and Dumplings Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 mins
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering and steaming
- Cuisine: British
Description
Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Stew and Dumplings is a one-pot dish featuring succulent chicken, a medley of vegetables, and soft, fluffy dumplings. This classic stew is slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in a hearty and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Stew:
- 1.2kg (2.5 lbs) chicken thighs, skinless and boneless
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 celery sticks, chopped
- 3 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 bay leaf
- 1.2 liters (5 cups) chicken stock
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Dumplings:
- 250g (2 cups) self-raising flour
- 125g (½ cup) unsalted butter, cold and diced
- A pinch of salt
- 2–3 tablespoons cold water
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
- Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then brown them in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion, garlic, celery, and carrots. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
Step 3: Combine the Stew
- Return the browned chicken to the pot. Add the potatoes, thyme, bay leaf, and chicken stock. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 30-35 minutes until the chicken is tender.
Step 4: Make the Dumplings
- In a bowl, combine the self-raising flour, a pinch of salt, and diced butter. Rub the butter into the flour using your fingertips until it resembles breadcrumbs.
- Add cold water, a tablespoon at a time, until a soft dough forms. Mix in fresh parsley for extra flavor if desired.
Step 5: Add the Dumplings to the Stew
- Roll the dough into small balls and place them on top of the stew, spaced slightly apart.
- Cover the pot and let the dumplings steam for 15 minutes, or until they are puffed up and fluffy.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the bay leaf, season the stew with additional salt and pepper if needed, and serve hot.