Jamie Oliver’s Stuffed Chicken Thighs is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken thighs with a savory stuffing, often made with herbs, cheese, or even a hint of spice. This recipe is simple yet impressive, perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. The stuffed thighs are seared and then baked to golden perfection, locking in the flavors and creating a juicy, satisfying meal.
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try
- Juicy, Flavorful Chicken: The stuffing keeps the chicken moist and adds depth of flavor.
- Simple Ingredients: With basic ingredients, this dish is easy to make but tastes gourmet.
- Versatile Recipe: You can customize the stuffing to your liking, adding ingredients like herbs, cheese, or even spinach.
- Perfect for Gatherings: These stuffed chicken thighs are ideal for family meals or dinner parties.
- Easy to Prepare and Cook: This recipe is straightforward and uses both stovetop and oven techniques.
What is Jamie Oliver Stuffed Chicken Thighs?
Jamie Oliver Stuffed chicken thighs are a dish where boneless chicken thighs are filled with a flavorful stuffing, then cooked to create a tender, juicy interior and a crispy, golden exterior. The stuffing can vary based on personal preferences, with popular fillings including herbs, garlic, cheese, and spinach.
Jamie Oliver Stuffed Chicken Thighs Ingredients
- 8 boneless, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 100g soft cheese (like goat cheese or cream cheese)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 small bunch of fresh herbs (such as basil, parsley, or thyme), chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 50g grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh lemon wedges, for serving
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Other Jamie Oliver Recipes
- Jamie Oliver Fish Stew 15 Minute Meals
- Jamie Oliver Vegetable Casserole
- Jamie Oliver Chicken Curry with Coconut Milk
Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Jamie Oliver Stuffed Chicken Thighs
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Prepare the Stuffing
- In a bowl, mix the soft cheese, minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs, lemon zest, and grated Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until well combined.
3. Stuff the Chicken Thighs
- Lay each chicken thigh flat, skin side down. Spoon a small amount of the stuffing mixture onto each thigh, then carefully roll the thigh around the filling. Secure with toothpicks if needed to keep the stuffing in place.
4. Sear the Chicken Thighs
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the stuffed chicken thighs in the skillet, skin side down, and sear for 3-4 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip the thighs and cook for another 2 minutes.
5. Bake the Chicken Thighs
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
6. Serve
- Remove the chicken thighs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for extra flavor.
What to Serve with Jamie Oliver Stuffed Chicken Thighs
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve with a side of roasted carrots, potatoes, or Brussels sprouts for a balanced meal.
- Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the chicken.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make a classic pairing with stuffed chicken thighs.
- Steamed Rice: Simple steamed rice or herbed rice pilaf works well with the savory flavors of the stuffed chicken.
- Pasta: A side of pasta with olive oil and garlic adds a satisfying carbohydrate to the meal.
Expert Tips for Mastering Jamie Oliver Stuffed Chicken Thighs
- Choose Boneless Thighs: Boneless, skin-on thighs are ideal for easy stuffing and even cooking.
- Secure with Toothpicks: Use toothpicks to secure the stuffed thighs to prevent the filling from spilling out.
- Don’t Overfill: Avoid overfilling the thighs to make rolling and securing easier.
- Sear for Crispy Skin: Searing the thighs skin side down before baking gives a beautiful golden crust.
- Let Rest Before Serving: Allow the thighs to rest for a few minutes after baking to retain their juices and enhance flavor.
Variations of Jamie Oliver Stuffed Chicken Thighs
- Spinach and Feta Stuffing: Replace the soft cheese with feta and add chopped spinach for a Mediterranean twist.
- Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Thighs: Wrap each thigh in a slice of bacon before baking for an extra layer of flavor.
- Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Stuffing: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the stuffing for a slightly tangy, rich flavor.
- Garlic Herb Butter Stuffing: Use garlic herb butter as the stuffing for a simple yet flavorful option.
- Mushroom and Mozzarella Stuffing: Sauté mushrooms and mix with mozzarella for a hearty, cheesy filling.
How to Store Leftover Jamie Oliver Stuffed Chicken Thighs?
- Refrigerate: Store leftover stuffed chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for Later: These thighs can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container.
How to Reheat Jamie Oliver Stuffed Chicken Thighs?
- Oven Reheat: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F), cover the chicken with foil, and bake for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave Option: For a quick reheat, microwave individual thighs on medium power for 1-2 minutes, though the skin may not stay as crispy.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
FAQs
Can I prepare stuffed chicken thighs in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed chicken thighs up to a day in advance. Assemble the thighs with the stuffing, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to cook, sear and bake as directed.
What’s the best way to keep the stuffing inside the chicken thighs?
Use toothpicks to secure the chicken thighs after stuffing. This helps keep the filling intact while cooking and prevents it from spilling out.
Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs for this recipe?
Yes, you can use chicken breast instead of thighs. Pound the breast to an even thickness, add the stuffing, and roll tightly. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size of the chicken breast.
How do I know when stuffed chicken thighs are fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should reach 75°C (165°F) for safe consumption. The chicken should be firm, and the juices should run clear when sliced.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s Stuffed Chicken Thighs is an easy yet delicious dish that brings comfort and flavor to the table. With creamy, herbed stuffing and golden, crispy skin, these thighs are perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy a meal that’s both elegant and packed with flavor.
More Jamie Oliver Recipes
PrintJamie Oliver Stuffed Chicken Thighs
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 44 minute
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Jamie Oliver Stuffed chicken thighs are a dish where boneless chicken thighs are filled with a flavorful stuffing, then cooked to create a tender, juicy interior and a crispy, golden exterior. The stuffing can vary based on personal preferences, with popular fillings including herbs, garlic, cheese, and spinach.
Ingredients
- 8 boneless, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 100g soft cheese (like goat cheese or cream cheese)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 small bunch of fresh herbs (such as basil, parsley, or thyme), chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 50g grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh lemon wedges, for serving
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
-
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Prepare the Stuffing
-
- In a bowl, mix the soft cheese, minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs, lemon zest, and grated Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until well combined.
3. Stuff the Chicken Thighs
-
- Lay each chicken thigh flat, skin side down. Spoon a small amount of the stuffing mixture onto each thigh, then carefully roll the thigh around the filling. Secure with toothpicks if needed to keep the stuffing in place.
4. Sear the Chicken Thighs
-
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the stuffed chicken thighs in the skillet, skin side down, and sear for 3-4 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip the thighs and cook for another 2 minutes.
5. Bake the Chicken Thighs
-
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
6. Serve
-
- Remove the chicken thighs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for extra flavor.