Jamie Oliver Chicken Stew And Dumplings Recipe [GUIDE]

Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Stew and Dumplings is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug. It’s hearty, comforting and packed with flavors that just hit right, especially on a chilly evening. The stew itself is full of tender chicken, fresh vegetables and a rich, savory broth. But the real magic happens when you add the dumplings on top. They cook right in the stew, soaking up all the goodness while staying light and fluffy. It’s the kind of meal that’s not just for dinner but for sharing with loved ones. Jamie’s take on this classic dish brings in fresh herbs, a touch of seasoning and a whole lot of love which is why it’s become such a favorite.

Jamie Oliver Chicken Stew And Dumplings Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To make Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Stew and Dumplings, you need some essential ingredients. Here’s a list to get you started:

For The Stew

• Chicken thighs (skin-on, bone-in) – These give the stew that rich, flavorful base. You can use boneless thighs if you prefer but the bone-in version is juicier.
• Carrots – A classic stew veggie, giving sweetness and texture.
• Onions – For that savory backbone flavor.
• Celery – Adds a nice, fresh crunch and a subtle earthiness.
• Garlic – A must-have for the aroma and depth.
• Potatoes – For that comforting, starchy element that makes the stew filling.
• Chicken stock – A rich, flavorful liquid base that brings everything together.
• Herbs – Usually thyme and bay leaves but Jamie might mix things up depending on his mood. Fresh herbs are key.
• Salt and pepper – Simple but essential for seasoning.

For The Dumplings

• Self-raising flour – The secret to light and fluffy dumplings.
• Butter – Gives the dumplings a rich flavor and tender texture.
• Milk – To bring everything together into a dough-like consistency.
• A pinch of salt. A little seasoning goes a long way here.
• Fresh herbs (optional) – Some people like adding a bit of rosemary or parsley to their dumplings for extra flavor.

Equipment Needed

The equipment you’ll need is pretty straightforward:

• Large pot or Dutch oven – A heavy-bottomed pot helps distribute the heat evenly which is essential for the slow cooking of the stew.
• Chopping board and knife. For chopping up the veggies and chicken.
• Mixing bowl – For making the dumpling dough.
• Spoon or scoop – To drop those perfect dumplings into the stew.
• Lid – To cover the stew while cooking, ensuring the flavors meld together beautifully.
• Wooden spoon or spatula. For stirring, so you don’t scratch up your pot.

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Stew And Dumplings

1. Prep the Chicken: Start by seasoning your chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Heat up a little olive oil in your pot and brown the chicken on both sides. Don’t worry about cooking them all the way through; we just want some color and that rich, roasted flavor.
2. Cook the Veggies: Remove the chicken and set it aside. In the same pot, toss in your chopped onions, carrots and celery. Cook them down for a few minutes until softened. Add in the garlic and let it cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Simmer the Stew: Return the chicken to the pot, then pour in your chicken stock. Add the herbs and a little more seasoning. Bring everything to a simmer, cover and let it cook for about 40 minutes. The chicken should become tender and the flavors will develop.
4. Prepare the Dumplings: While the stew simmers, make the dumplings. In a bowl, mix the self-raising flour, butter, milk and a pinch of salt. If you’re using herbs, throw those in too. Mix until you have a sticky dough.
5. Add the Dumplings: Once the chicken is tender, drop spoonfuls of the dumpling mixture into the stew, gently pressing them down. Make sure there’s a bit of space between each one so they can expand.
6. Cook the Dumplings: Cover the pot again and let the dumplings cook for another 20 minutes. They’ll puff up and absorb all the lovely flavors of the stew. Don’t peek too often-keep that lid on to let the steam work its magic!
7. Serve and Enjoy: Once the dumplings are golden and fluffy, it’s time to dig in. Serve it up warm and enjoy the comforting, savory dish you’ve just created.

What I Learnt

Making Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Stew and Dumplings is all about the balance between a rich, flavorful stew and those perfectly light dumplings. It’s easy to get carried away with the chicken and veggies but the dumplings are what make this dish truly special. A little tip I picked up is that the dumplings need to sit on top of the stew and cook through the steam. If you’re too eager to stir, they can break apart, so patience is key. Also, I’ve found that using bone-in chicken thighs really elevates the dish, giving it a depth of flavor that boneless chicken just can’t match. Fresh herbs really do make a difference too. the smell while it cooks is heavenly.

Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Stew And Dumplings

Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Stew and Dumplings is already a cozy, hearty dish but sometimes you want to put your personal spin on it. Here are some tweaks you can try, depending on your taste:

1. Herb Variations: Jamie uses thyme and rosemary but you can play around with different herbs. Try sage for a deeper, earthier flavor or tarragon for a slight aniseed note. Even a handful of fresh parsley or dill can change things up without overwhelming the dish.
2. Chicken Cuts: Instead of just using chicken thighs, consider mixing in some drumsticks for extra flavor. The bone-in cuts add richness and help to deepen the stew’s taste. Alternatively, if you prefer a leaner option, chicken breasts work fine but may not be as tender.
3. Vegetable Additions: Feel free to sneak in some extra veggies. Root vegetables like parsnips, sweet potatoes or even turnips can add variety and sweetness. You could also add some greens like spinach or kale toward the end for added color and nutrition.
4. Seasoning and Spice: While the recipe has a comforting, classic flavor profile, you can give it an exciting twist by adding a touch of chili flakes or smoked paprika. This could elevate the stew with a slight smoky heat, balancing the richness of the chicken.
5. Dumpling Adjustments: If you want your dumplings a little fluffier, try adding a spoonful of baking powder. For a more savory bite, you can incorporate grated cheese (like cheddar or parmesan) into the dumpling mix. If you love texture, you could even fold in some crispy bacon bits or sautéed onions.
6. Alternative Broth Options: Jamie’s recipe calls for chicken stock but feel free to experiment with vegetable stock if you’re looking to make a lighter or vegetarian version. You could also use a mix of chicken and coconut milk for a creamy, slightly exotic version of the dish.

Storage Tips For Leftovers

Chicken stew and dumplings are perfect for storing and reheating, making it a great make-ahead meal. Here’s how to keep your leftovers fresh and tasty:

1. Cool it Quickly: After cooking, allow the stew to cool down for about 30 minutes. This helps prevent condensation when storing. If you plan to store it in the fridge, don’t leave it out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
2. Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container. The stew will stay good for about 3-4 days in the fridge. As for the dumplings, they might soften in the fridge but they’ll still hold up well when reheated.
3. Freezing: If you have more leftovers than you can eat in a few days, freeze the stew and dumplings separately. You can freeze the stew for up to 3 months and the dumplings for about 1-2 months. When reheating, you’ll want to gently reheat the stew first and then add the dumplings toward the end, so they don’t fall apart.
4. Reheating: The best way to reheat this dish is gently over low heat. If the stew has thickened too much in the fridge or freezer, you can add a splash of water or stock to loosen it up. For the dumplings, you can microwave them but a quick stint in the oven (wrapped in foil) will help them regain some of their initial fluffiness.

What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Stew And Dumplings?

This dish is already rich and comforting but it’s always nice to serve it with a few complementary sides to round it out. Here are some ideas:

1. A Fresh Salad: A crisp, fresh salad is the perfect contrast to the heaviness of the stew. Opt for a light, zingy salad with arugula, spinach or mixed greens and dress it with a lemony vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
2. Crusty Bread: There’s nothing like tearing into a warm, crusty loaf of bread to soak up all that delicious stew. A baguette, sourdough or even a simple whole grain loaf would work perfectly.
3. Steamed Greens: Lightly steamed broccoli, green beans or peas add color and some brightness to balance the meal. You can season them simply with butter and garlic for an extra pop of flavor.
4. Roasted Root Vegetables: If you want to stick with the hearty theme, roasted carrots, parsnips or sweet potatoes are a wonderful addition. They add sweetness and a caramelized depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the savory stew.
5. Mashed Potatoes: If you’re craving even more comfort, mashed potatoes are a classic side that works well here. Make them rich with butter and cream and they’ll complement the stew perfectly.

FAQs

What Type Of Chicken Is Best For Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Stew And Dumplings?

Jamie recommends using bone-in, skinless chicken thighs for the best flavor and tenderness in this dish.

Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Stew And Dumplings Ahead Of Time?

Yes! You can make the stew a day ahead, but it’s best to add the dumplings just before serving to keep them fresh.

What Can I Substitute For The Dumplings In Jamie Oliver’s Recipe?

If you don’t want to make dumplings, you can serve the stew with mashed potatoes or crusty bread for dipping.