Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Mushroom Risotto is a comforting and savory dish, perfect for a cozy dinner. This classic Italian recipe blends tender chicken and earthy mushrooms with creamy arborio rice, resulting in a delightful meal that’s both satisfying and elegant. Ideal for a family dinner or a special occasion, this risotto promises a gourmet experience in the comfort of your home.
This recipe serves 4-6 people and can be prepared in about 45 minutes to an hour.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to create this delicious risotto just like Jamie Oliver, complete with expert tips to ensure you get it right every time.
What is Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Mushroom Risotto?
Chicken Mushroom Risotto is a traditional Italian dish known for its rich flavors and creamy texture. It combines sautéed mushrooms and chicken with Arborio rice, which is stirred continuously until the rich, meaty broth is absorbed and the rice is perfectly al dente.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful and Comforting: The combination of chicken and mushrooms offers a hearty and satisfying taste that is perfect for any risotto lover.
- Simple Ingredients, Gourmet Outcome: Despite its simple ingredient list, the end result is nothing short of gourmet, making you feel like a professional chef in your own kitchen.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a more formal gathering, this risotto fits the bill perfectly.
Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver Chicken Mushroom Risotto
- Chicken Breasts (500g or 1.1 lbs): Boneless and skinless, diced into bite-sized pieces.
- Mushrooms (300g or 10.5 oz): Cleaned and sliced. You can use cremini or button mushrooms for the best flavor.
- Arborio Rice (1 cup or 190g): Known for its high starch content, which gives the risotto its creamy texture.
- Onion (1 medium): Finely chopped, to add a base flavor.
- Garlic Cloves (2): Minced, for a hint of pungency.
- Chicken Stock (4 cups or 950ml): Warm, to gradually add to the rice for cooking.
- White Wine (1/2 cup or 120ml): Optional, to deglaze the pan and add depth of flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup or 50g): Freshly grated, for a creamy texture and salty, nutty flavor.
- Butter (2 tbsp or 28g): For sautéing and finishing the dish to add richness.
- Fresh Thyme (1 tbsp): For a subtle hint of earthy, lemony flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
Equipment Needed
- Large, Heavy-Bottomed Pan: For even cooking of the risotto.
- Wooden Spoon: To stir the risotto, preventing sticking and burning.
- Ladle: To add broth to the rice gradually.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise ingredient measurement.
Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver Chicken Mushroom Risotto
Step 1: Preparing the Base
- Warm up some oil in a big pan over not-too-hot heat.
- Cook the chopped onion until it looks see-through, which takes about 5 minutes.
- Mix in the garlic and keep stirring for a minute.
Step 2: Making the Chicken
- Turn up the heat a bit and put in the chicken pieces.
- Fry the chicken until it’s nicely browned and cooked, which should take around 8 minutes.
- Sprinkle some salt and pepper on the chicken.
Step 3: Adding in the Mushrooms
- Put the mushrooms in the pan and cook them until they’re soft and have given off their water.
Step 4: Preparing the Rice
- Put the rice in the pan and stir it around so it gets a little toasted, but not brown, for 2 minutes.
- If you’re using wine, add it now and wait until it’s all gone from the pan.
Step 5: The Broth Part
- Spoon in the hot chicken broth, one spoonful at a time, and keep stirring.
- Wait until the rice has soaked up the broth before you add more.
- Keep doing this until the rice is just right – soft but still a bit firm, and creamy. This takes about 18-20 minutes.
Step 6: Finishing Up
- Take the pan off the heat and mix in the grated cheese.
- Throw in the parsley and stir it all together one last time.
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What Do I Serve With Jamie Oliver Chicken Mushroom Risotto?
- Green Salad: A simple green salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette can cut through the richness of the risotto.
- Roasted Vegetables: Consider serving with roasted asparagus or zucchini for a balanced meal.
- Crusty Bread: Offer a side of crusty bread to sop up any creamy risotto left on the plate.
- Grilled Chicken Skewers: Add some protein to grilled chicken skewers seasoned with herbs.
- Sautéed Spinach: Garlic sautéed spinach pairs well and adds a healthy touch.
Expert Tips to Make Perfect Jamie Oliver Chicken Mushroom Risotto
- Stir Constantly: Keep the risotto moving. Stirring not only prevents sticking but also releases the rice’s starch, which is key to a creamy texture.
- Maintain Gentle Heat: Never rush risotto by turning up the heat; a gentle simmer helps the rice absorb the broth without becoming mushy.
- Use Quality Broth: Opt for homemade or high-quality store-bought broth for the best flavor foundation.
- Finish with Butter: Stir a knob of butter into the finished risotto for an extra silky texture and rich taste.
Variations of Jamie Oliver Chicken Mushroom Risotto
- Truffle Oil: For an extra touch of luxury, drizzle a little truffle oil over the finished dish.
- Vegan Version: Substitute chicken and Parmesan with plant-based alternatives like tofu and nutritional yeast.
- Add Seafood: Mix in some cooked prawns or scallops at the end for a seafood twist.
How do I Store Jamie Oliver Chicken Mushroom Risotto Leftovers?
- Allow to Cool: Ensure the risotto is cooled to room temperature before storing it to prevent bacterial growth.
- Airtight Container: Transfer the cooled risotto to an airtight container to keep it fresh and prevent it from absorbing other flavors from the fridge.
- Refrigeration: Store the risotto in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How do I Reheat Jamie Oliver Chicken Mushroom Risotto Leftovers?
- Stovetop Method: Reheat the risotto gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a little chicken broth or water to loosen it up, as risotto tends to thicken in the fridge.
- Microwave with Care: If using a microwave, cover the risotto and heat on medium power. Pause to stir every 30 seconds, adding a tablespoon of water or broth if needed to regain the creamy consistency.