Jamie Oliver Chicken Mushroom Parcels Recipe [GUIDE]

Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Mushroom Parcels are a delicious, easy-to-make dish that combines juicy chicken, earthy mushrooms and savory flavors wrapped up in a neat little parcel. Think of it as a gourmet version of chicken and mushrooms wrapped in prosciutto or puff pastry but packed with fresh ingredients and cooked to perfection. The dish showcases tender chicken breasts stuffed with a rich mixture of mushrooms, garlic, herbs and often a bit of cheese, all enclosed in either parchment paper or foil. The result? A cozy, comforting meal with a burst of flavor from every bite. Perfect for dinner parties, casual dinners or when you’re simply craving something hearty but not too heavy.

Jamie Oliver Chicken Mushroom Parcels Recipe

Ingredients Needed

For Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Mushroom Parcels, you’ll need:

• Chicken breasts (skinless and boneless). The star of the dish. Boneless breasts make it easier to stuff and cook evenly.
• Mushrooms (button or chestnut). They give a deep, earthy flavor and a meaty texture that pairs beautifully with chicken.
• Garlic – Adds a wonderful aromatic depth.
• Herbs (typically thyme or rosemary). Fresh herbs bring a lovely fragrance and an earthy, woody taste.
• Butter – A bit of butter for richness. Sometimes, you’ll use it in the filling to add creaminess and to keep things moist.
• Parmesan or mozzarella cheese. Optional but adds a cheesy, melty layer of flavor to the filling.
• Prosciutto or Parma ham. For wrapping around the chicken, keeping everything nice and sealed while also adding a salty, savory flavor.
• Olive oil – For searing the chicken and sautéing the mushrooms.
• Lemon zest – To balance out the richness with a zesty kick.
• Salt and pepper – For seasoning.

Some variations might call for other ingredients like spinach, cream cheese or even a splash of white wine but the basic recipe sticks to these ingredients for that perfect, simple flavor profile.

Equipment Needed

To make these chicken parcels, you won’t need too many fancy tools but the essentials include:

• Sharp knife – For slicing the chicken and mushrooms evenly.
• Cutting board – A sturdy one for all your chopping and prepping.
• Frying pan/skillet – This is for searing the chicken and sautéing the mushrooms. A non-stick one works best.
• Baking tray – For roasting the parcels in the oven once they’re assembled.
• Parchment paper or foil. You’ll need these to wrap up your chicken parcels. Parchment paper is great because it helps to keep moisture in but foil works too for a slightly crispier texture.
• Brush – If you’re brushing the parcels with oil or butter before baking, having a pastry brush will be helpful.

That’s pretty much all you need to get this recipe going!

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Mushroom Parcels

1. Prep the chicken: Start by placing your chicken breasts between two sheets of cling film or parchment paper and gently pounding them out to an even thickness. This ensures they cook uniformly and gives you a nice base for the stuffing.
2. Sauté the mushrooms: Chop the mushrooms and sauté them in a bit of olive oil or butter. Add finely chopped garlic and fresh herbs to the pan and cook until soft and fragrant. If you’re using cheese, add it to the mushroom mix while it’s still warm so it can melt into the mushrooms.
3. Assemble the parcels: Lay your chicken breasts flat, season them and then spread the mushroom filling over one side. If you’re using prosciutto, place the prosciutto on top of the chicken before you add the mushrooms. Fold the chicken over like a sandwich, making sure the filling is securely inside.
4. Wrap them up: Place each chicken parcel on a piece of parchment paper or foil. If you’re using prosciutto, fold the edges of the ham over the chicken. Carefully fold the parchment or foil into a neat parcel, ensuring it’s sealed tightly so nothing escapes during cooking.
5. Cook: Preheat your oven to around 180°C (350°F). Place your parcels on a baking tray and pop them into the oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken breasts. You want the chicken to be cooked through and juicy but not dry.
6. Serve: Once out of the oven, let the parcels rest for a couple of minutes. Unwrap them carefully and serve them up hot. You can garnish with extra herbs or a little squeeze of lemon juice to brighten it up.

What I Learnt

Making Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Mushroom Parcels is like wrapping up all the best flavors into one tidy little package. Here are a few things I’ve learned from trying it:

• Thickness is key: You don’t want the chicken too thick because it’ll take longer to cook through. If it’s uneven, the thinner parts can dry out, so be sure to pound it to an even thickness.
• Mushrooms make a difference: The type of mushrooms you use really affects the flavor. Chestnut mushrooms offer a deeper, meatier taste while button mushrooms are milder. Don’t skip the garlic and herbs. they bring the whole dish together.
• Wrap it tight: If you’re not careful with wrapping the parcels, some of that delicious filling could leak out while cooking. Ensure everything is tightly sealed.
• Rest before serving: Just like with any poultry, letting the chicken rest before you cut into it helps keep it juicy. The flavors have a chance to meld together more.
• Experiment with flavors: While the basic version is great, you can play around with adding spinach, sun-dried tomatoes or even some white wine to the mushroom mixture for extra depth.

Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Mushroom Parcels

Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Mushroom Parcels are a crowd-pleaser but you can easily put your own spin on them! Here are a few tweaks that will elevate the dish or cater to different preferences:

1. Herb Variety: Jamie suggests using fresh thyme but you could play around with herbs like rosemary, sage or tarragon. Rosemary will give the dish a deeper, earthy flavor while tarragon adds a hint of aniseed which pairs beautifully with chicken and mushrooms.
2. Add a Cheese Kick: A classic twist is adding a slice of melty cheese in the parcel. Gruyère or mozzarella would bring an irresistible creaminess. You can also go for a sharp blue cheese like Stilton to add an intense flavor contrast.
3. Mushroom Variety: While mushrooms are key to the dish, why not go beyond just the regular white or chestnut mushrooms? Mix in some wild mushrooms like porcini, shiitake or oyster mushrooms for richer flavors and a more luxurious texture. If you’re a mushroom fan, the more variety, the better!
4. Stuffing Upgrade: Instead of just using garlic and herbs in the filling, add a bit of spinach, ricotta or even sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean touch. The spinach will add color and moisture while the ricotta gives a creamy texture.
5. Wrap It Differently: If you’re feeling adventurous, use phyllo pastry instead of puff pastry for a lighter, crispier texture. Phyllo creates a delicate crunch that contrasts perfectly with the juicy chicken and mushroom filling. Or go gluten-free and use a gluten-free puff pastry if that suits your needs.
6. Spices and Heat: Add a dash of smoked paprika or chili flakes to give the dish some warmth. If you’re in the mood for something with a little more kick, sprinkle some cayenne pepper or chipotle powder into the mix.
7. Searing the Chicken: Instead of simply stuffing raw chicken, you could sear the chicken breasts lightly before assembling the parcels. This adds a nice browned flavor to the outside, enhancing the depth of the overall dish.

These small adjustments allow you to tweak the recipe to fit personal tastes or dietary needs, making the dish even more irresistible.

Storage Tips For Leftovers

If you’ve made Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Mushroom Parcels and have leftovers, you’re in for a treat because this dish holds up well in the fridge and freezer. Here’s how to store them properly:

1. Fridge Storage

   • Let the parcels cool completely before storing them. Warm leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. The puff pastry might soften a little in the fridge but the flavors will still be rich and satisfying.
   • When reheating, pop them in the oven at a low temperature (around 160°C/320°F) for 10-15 minutes to crisp the pastry again. Alternatively, use an air fryer to achieve that golden crunch.

2. Freezer Storage

   • To freeze, wrap each chicken parcel tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This will prevent freezer burn and preserve the freshness.
   • When ready to eat, you can bake them directly from frozen or let them thaw in the fridge overnight. Baking from frozen will take a little longer-about 30-40 minutes at 180°C (350°F), depending on the size of the parcels.
3. Avoid Freezing the Filling Separately: The creamy filling with mushrooms and chicken can lose its texture if frozen on its own. It’s best to freeze the whole parcel together so the pastry and filling stay in harmony.
4. Reheating Tips: For the best results, avoid microwaving the parcels as they can get soggy. Stick to the oven or air fryer for crispy pastry and well-heated filling. If you must use the microwave, place a damp paper towel over the parcel to help maintain some moisture and texture.

What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Mushroom Parcels?

This dish is hearty and satisfying on its own but pairing it with the right sides can really elevate your meal. Here are a few great side options:

1. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted vegetables like carrots, parsnips and sweet potatoes brings out a beautiful sweetness that contrasts with the savory chicken. You can also roast Brussels sprouts or asparagus for a bit of bitterness.
2. Green Salad: A light and refreshing salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance the richness of the chicken parcels. Think mixed greens, arugula and maybe a sprinkle of goat cheese or Parmesan. Adding some sliced apples or pears for sweetness adds complexity to the salad.
3. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: If you’re craving comfort food, you can’t go wrong with creamy mashed potatoes. The velvety texture and subtle garlic flavor will pair perfectly with the savory chicken and mushrooms.
4. Crispy Potatoes: If mashed potatoes aren’t your thing, crispy roasted potatoes or even potato wedges are fantastic sides. They bring a crispy element that contrasts nicely with the tender chicken and flaky pastry.
5. Couscous or Quinoa: For something a bit lighter, try serving the parcels with couscous or quinoa. Both are great at absorbing flavors and will work well with the chicken, mushrooms and herbs.
6. Garlic Bread: You can never go wrong with a side of garlic bread, especially if you love the buttery, crispy texture. It’s great for dipping into any sauce or extra juice from the parcels.
7. Wine Pairing: A light white wine like a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc would pair wonderfully with the chicken parcels, especially if you’ve added some creamy cheese to the filling. If you prefer red, a light Pinot Noir would complement the dish without overpowering it.

FAQs

How Do I Make Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Mushroom Parcels?

Start by sautéing mushrooms and garlic. Then, stuff chicken breasts with the mushroom mix and wrap them in prosciutto. Bake until golden and juicy!

Can I Use A Different Type Of Mushroom For This Recipe?

Yes! You can swap button mushrooms for other types like cremini or shiitake for a deeper flavor.

How Long Should I Cook Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Mushroom Parcels?

Bake them for about 25-30 minutes at 180°C (350°F) until the chicken is fully cooked and golden.