How Does Jamie Oliver Make His Famous Chicken Casserole? A Step-by-Step Guide

Jamie Oliver’s chicken casserole is a comforting hearty dish that has become a staple in many households. This classic recipe combines juicy chicken pieces with vegetables herbs and a rich, tomato-based sauce to create a mouthwatering family meal. But how exactly does the famous chef make this delicious casserole? Here is a step-by-step guide to replicating Jamie Oliver’s signature chicken casserole at home.

Ingredients

To make Jamie Oliver’s chicken casserole you will need:

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• Onion
• Carrots
• Celery
• Mushrooms
• Garlic
• Canned diced tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Chicken stock or broth
• Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, parsley
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Breadcrumbs or cheese (optional topping)

Prep the Vegetables

Jamie Oliver emphasizes using fresh, seasonal produce for the best flavor. Begin by dicing the onions, carrots and celery into small pieces. You want the veggies to be around the same size so they cook evenly. Slice the mushrooms. Mince the garlic. Make sure your vegetables are prepped and ready to go before cooking.

Brown the Chicken

Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. Put some olive oil in a Dutch oven or other heavy-bottomed pan and heat it over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces skin side down. It should take about 5 to 7 minutes for the skin to get nice and brown. After that, turn it over and brown the other side for three to four more minutes. Remove the browned chicken to a plate.

Cook the Vegetables

Add a bit more olive oil to the pan if needed. Add the onions, carrots celery and mushrooms. Cook for 5-7 minutes stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to caramelize and brown around the edges. This builds a rich, complex flavor base. Add the garlic and cook for just 1 more minute.

Make the Tomato Sauce

Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken stock, and fresh herbs after the vegetables are done cooking. Jamie Oliver likes thyme, rosemary and parsley. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes. The sauce will thicken up nicely. If it gets too thick, you can add more chicken stock or water. Season with salt and pepper.

Finish the Casserole

Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot along with the cooked vegetables and tomato sauce. Gently stir everything together. If you want a creamy finish, Jamie sometimes adds 1⁄2 cup heavy cream or creme fraiche. Put the lid on and let the casserole simmer gently for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors have blended.

Add a Crispy Topping

For an extra crunchy topping, Jamie likes to sprinkle the casserole with fresh breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. You can also use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy finish. Spread the topping evenly over the casserole. Pop it under the broiler for 2-3 minutes watching closely until the top is browned and bubbling. And that’s it – a hearty chicken casserole just like Jamie Oliver makes.

Tips for Customizing

This recipe is great because it can be used in many ways. You can easily change it to fit your needs by adding things like

• Different vegetables – try eggplant, zucchini, peppers or greens.

• Other proteins – switch out the chicken for pork, beef or turkey.

• Grains – mix in cooked rice, pasta or barley.

• Spices – add chili flakes, smoked paprika, cumin or Italian seasoning.

• Cheese – use grated cheddar, mozzarella or feta for the topping.

So feel free to play around with the ingredients you already have to make the perfect comforting chicken casserole.

Make-Ahead Tips

To get ahead on busy nights, Jamie notes you can prep the casserole in advance and bake it when ready. Follow the recipe up until the point of baking. Store the assembled, uncooked casserole in the fridge for 2-3 days. When ready to eat, bake at 375°F until piping hot and the chicken is cooked through, about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Or to freeze, assemble the casserole then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Serving Suggestions

This chicken casserole is delicious served on its own but also pairs well with sides like:

• Mashed potatoes – to soak up the tasty sauce

• Green salad – for added freshness

• Crusty bread – for dipping and scooping

• Steamed vegetables – like broccoli, green beans or asparagus

Jamie also suggests garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or herbs. Serve the casserole straight out of the oven for the best flavor.

Nutrition

Chicken casserole is a balanced meal containing protein from the chicken, complex carbs from the vegetables and pasta/rice if added, and nutrients like vitamin C, A and calcium. An average serving provides around 300-400 calories, 25-30g protein, 15-20g fat, and 3-5g fiber. The exact nutrition will vary based on your ingredient choices. Compared to heavy, creamy casseroles, Jamie’s version uses less dairy and fat without sacrificing flavor.

Jamie Oliver’s chicken casserole blends simple pantry ingredients like canned tomatoes, chicken, onions and herbs into a hearty, foolproof family meal. His easy technique of browning the chicken and cooking the vegetables builds deep flavor. Customize the casserole to your tastes then serve it up with classic sides like mash and salad. This cozy, crowd-pleasing recipe is sure to become a regular rotation in your weeknight dinner lineup.