Jamie Oliver Chicken and Chorizo Risotto Recipe

The Jamie Oliver Chicken and Chorizo Risotto is a comforting one-pot dish that combines the creaminess of risotto with the smoky depth of Spanish chorizo and the hearty flavour of tender chicken. It’s golden, rich, and satisfying, with each spoonful carrying layers of taste from slow-cooked onions, garlic, and stock. This recipe takes about 50 minutes from start to finish and is perfect for a family dinner or when you want to enjoy restaurant-style food at home.

What is Jamie Oliver’s Chicken and Chorizo Risotto?

This risotto is a classic Italian-inspired rice dish made with arborio rice slowly cooked in stock, flavoured with onion, garlic, white wine, and finished with Parmesan cheese. Jamie Oliver’s version adds chicken for heartiness and smoky chorizo for an extra layer of depth and spice.

Try Other Popular Recipes

• Jamie Oliver Chicken and Chorizo Tray Bake
• Jamie Oliver Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Restaurant-quality at home – Creamy and indulgent yet easy to prepare.
• One-pot meal – Everything cooks in a single pan for convenience.
• Smoky and hearty flavours – Chorizo adds a punch that lifts the dish.
• Family-friendly – A recipe that both adults and kids enjoy.
• Flexible – Can be adapted with seasonal vegetables or different meats.

Ingredients Needed for Jamie Oliver’s Chicken and Chorizo Risotto

• 250g arborio rice
• 200g chicken breast or thigh, diced
• 150g chorizo, sliced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 100ml dry white wine
• 1 litre hot chicken stock (keep in a jug)
• 50g grated Parmesan cheese
• 25g butter
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large deep frying pan or wide saucepan
• Wooden spoon
• Ladle
• Sharp knife and chopping board

Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver Chicken and Chorizo Risotto

Step 1: Cook the chorizo

Heat olive oil in a large pan. Add the sliced chorizo and cook for 2–3 minutes until it releases its oils. Remove and set aside, leaving the flavoured oil in the pan.

Step 2: Brown the chicken

Add the diced chicken to the pan and cook until golden on all sides. Remove and set aside with the chorizo.

Step 3: Sauté the base

In the same pan, add the onion and garlic. Cook gently until softened, scraping up the flavour from the pan.

Step 4: Toast the rice

Stir in the arborio rice and cook for 1–2 minutes until the grains are lightly toasted and coated in oil.

Step 5: Deglaze with wine

Pour in the white wine and stir until it evaporates, infusing the rice with flavour.

Step 6: Add stock gradually

Begin adding hot stock a ladle at a time, stirring frequently and allowing the rice to absorb the liquid before adding more. Continue until the rice is creamy and tender, about 20 minutes.

Step 7: Return chicken and chorizo

Stir the cooked chicken and chorizo back into the risotto. Heat through for a few minutes until everything is well combined.

Step 8: Finish with cheese and butter

Stir in butter and Parmesan cheese for creaminess. Season with salt and pepper, then garnish with fresh parsley.

What to Serve With Jamie Oliver Chicken and Chorizo Risotto

• Simple green salad – Refreshing alongside the rich risotto.
• Garlic bread – Perfect for soaking up creamy rice.
• Steamed greens – Broccoli, spinach, or green beans balance the dish.
• Glass of white wine – Complements the flavours beautifully.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Jamie Oliver Chicken and Chorizo Risotto

• Use arborio or carnaroli rice – These varieties create the creamiest texture.
• Add stock slowly – Patience ensures perfectly cooked risotto.
• Keep stirring – Constant stirring helps release the rice starch.
• Cook the chorizo first – Its oils add smoky depth to the base.
• Don’t overcook – The rice should be tender with a slight bite (al dente).
• Serve immediately – Risotto is best enjoyed fresh and hot.

What are the Variations of Jamie Oliver’s Chicken and Chorizo Risotto

• Vegetable boost – Add mushrooms, courgettes, or peppers.
• Seafood version – Replace chicken with prawns or mussels.
• Extra spice – Use hot chorizo or add chilli flakes.
• Creamier option – Stir in a splash of cream before serving.

How Do I Store Jamie Oliver Chicken and Chorizo Risotto

• In the fridge – Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• In the freezer – Not ideal as risotto can lose texture, but possible for up to 1 month.
• Best practice – Reheat gently with a splash of stock to restore creaminess.

How Do I Reheat Jamie Oliver’s Chicken and Chorizo Risotto

• On the hob – Warm gently in a pan with a little extra stock until creamy.
• In the microwave – Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, with a splash of water or stock.
• Avoid high heat – It can dry out the risotto quickly.

How Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Chicken and Chorizo Risotto Healthier?

Use chicken breast instead of thigh to lower fat. Reduce the amount of chorizo or replace half with vegetables. Swap butter and Parmesan for lighter options, or use reduced-fat cheese.

Nutrition Value (per serving)

• Calories: ~520 kcal
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fibre: 3g

FAQs

What type of rice is best for chicken and chorizo risotto?

Arborio rice is best for chicken and chorizo risotto because its high starch content creates the creamy texture risotto is known for. Carnaroli rice is another good option if available.

Do you need to cook chorizo before adding it to risotto?

Yes, cook the chorizo first so it releases its smoky oils. These oils form the flavour base of the risotto and enhance the taste of the chicken and rice.

How much stock should you add to risotto at a time?

Add stock one ladle at a time, stirring until the liquid is absorbed before adding more. This slow method ensures the rice cooks evenly and develops a creamy consistency.

How do you know when risotto is cooked properly?

Risotto is cooked when the rice grains are tender but still have a slight bite in the centre (al dente). The texture should be creamy, not dry or overly runny.

Final Words

The Jamie Oliver Chicken and Chorizo Risotto is a warming, satisfying dish that turns everyday ingredients into something special. Creamy rice, smoky chorizo, and juicy chicken come together in a single pot, making this recipe perfect for busy evenings or when you want to impress without too much fuss.

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