Jamie Oliver’s Chicken and Chorizo Risotto is a rich, comforting dish that combines tender chicken, spicy chorizo, and creamy Arborio rice. This flavorful risotto is perfect for a cozy family dinner or when you want to impress guests with a delicious and hearty meal. The recipe brings together the bold flavors of chorizo with the mildness of chicken, all infused into a creamy risotto that’s sure to satisfy.
What is Jamie Oliver Chicken and Chorizo Risotto?
Jamie Oliver’s Chicken and Chorizo Risotto is a twist on the traditional Italian risotto, incorporating the smoky and spicy flavors of chorizo along with tender chicken pieces. The Arborio rice is slowly cooked in chicken broth, absorbing all the flavors, and creating a creamy, flavorful dish. It’s a one-pot meal that’s both hearty and satisfying, perfect for any occasion.
Other Popular Recipes
- Hairy Bikers Meat And Potato Pie
- Jamie Oliver Chicken and Chorizo Pasta Bake
- Jamie Oliver Chicken and Chorizo Stew
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Rich and Flavorful: The combination of spicy chorizo and tender chicken makes this risotto incredibly flavorful.
- Creamy Texture: Slow-cooked Arborio rice creates a creamy, satisfying texture.
- Easy One-Pot Meal: This risotto is made in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect for family dinners, entertaining guests, or a cozy night in.
- Jamie Oliver’s Twist: This recipe adds a unique spin on traditional risotto with bold, exciting flavors.
Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver Chicken and Chorizo Risotto
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 200g (7 oz) chorizo, sliced
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 300g (10.5 oz) Arborio rice
- 150ml (5 fl oz) white wine
- 1 liter (34 fl oz) hot chicken stock
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 50g (1.75 oz) Parmesan cheese, grated
- A handful of fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Equipment
- Large frying pan or skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
- Grater
- Chopping board and knife
Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver Chicken and Chorizo Risotto
Step 1: Cook the Chorizo and Chicken
- Heat the Oil: In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook the Chorizo: Add the sliced chorizo to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes until it releases its oils and becomes slightly crispy. Remove the chorizo from the pan and set aside, leaving the oil in the pan.
- Brown the Chicken: In the same pan, add the diced chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside with the chorizo.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- Cook the Onion and Garlic: In the same pan, add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add the Rice: Stir in the Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes until the rice is well-coated with the oil and starts to turn translucent around the edges.
Step 3: Cook the Risotto
- Add the Wine: Pour in the white wine and cook, stirring constantly, until the wine has been absorbed by the rice.
- Add the Stock Gradually: Begin adding the hot chicken stock one ladleful at a time, stirring frequently and allowing each addition to be absorbed before adding the next. Continue this process for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is creamy and cooked to your liking.
- Season the Risotto: Stir in the smoked paprika, and oregano, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Return the Chicken and Chorizo: Add the cooked chicken and chorizo back into the pan, stirring to combine and heat through.
- Finish with Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the risotto is creamy.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley, if using, and serve with lemon wedges on the side for a fresh, zesty finish.
What Goes Well With Jamie Oliver Chicken and Chorizo Risotto
This rich and flavorful risotto pairs well with a variety of side dishes:
- Garlic Bread: A slice of warm, crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy risotto.
- Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the risotto.
- Steamed Vegetables: Serve with steamed broccoli or green beans for a healthy side.
- Roasted Vegetables: Oven-roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes add a sweet contrast.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Jamie Oliver Chicken and Chorizo Risotto
To ensure your chicken and chorizo risotto turns out perfectly, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Use Arborio Rice: Arborio rice is ideal for risotto because it absorbs liquid slowly, allowing the starches to create a creamy texture.
- Add Stock Gradually: Adding the stock a little at a time and stirring frequently helps achieve the creamy consistency the risotto is known for.
- Don’t Overcook the Rice: The rice should be al dente—tender but with a slight bite in the center.
- Rest the Risotto: Let the risotto rest for a minute or two before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a richer flavor and creamier texture compared to pre-grated versions.
Easy Variations of Jamie Oliver Chicken and Chorizo Risotto
Here are a few ways to customize your chicken and chorizo risotto:
- Add Peas: Stir in a handful of frozen peas during the last few minutes of cooking for a pop of color and sweetness.
- Mushroom Risotto: Add sautéed mushrooms to the risotto for an earthy, umami flavor.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red chili flakes for a bit of heat.
- Tomato Addition: Stir in a can of chopped tomatoes with the stock for a tomato-based risotto.
- Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic twist.
Best Practices to Store Jamie Oliver Chicken and Chorizo Risotto
Proper storage is key to maintaining the quality of your risotto:
- Refrigerate Leftovers: Store leftover risotto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat Gently: Reheat the risotto in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or water to restore its creamy consistency.
- Avoid Freezing: Risotto doesn’t freeze well, as the texture can become mushy when thawed and reheated.
Best Practices to Reheat Jamie Oliver Chicken and Chorizo Risotto
Reheating risotto while maintaining its creamy texture is easy:
- Stovetop Reheating: Reheat the risotto in a pan over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a little chicken stock or water as needed to bring back the creamy texture.
- Avoid Microwaving: Reheating risotto in the microwave can make it dry and gummy, so it’s best to use the stovetop.
How Can I Make Jamie Oliver Chicken and Chorizo Risotto Healthier?
For a healthier version of chicken and chorizo risotto, consider these adjustments:
- Use Lean Chicken Breast: Opt for chicken breast instead of thighs for a lower fat content.
- Reduce Chorizo: Use less chorizo or choose a lower-fat version to reduce the dish’s overall fat content.
- Increase Vegetables: Add more vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to bulk up the dish with fewer calories.
- Use Brown Rice: Substitute Arborio rice with brown rice for added fiber, though this will change the texture and cooking time.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 600
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 22g
- Sodium: 750mg
FAQs
Can I Use a Different Type of Rice for Chicken and Chorizo Risotto?
Yes, while Arborio rice is traditional for risotto due to its creamy texture, you can use other short-grain rice varieties like Carnaroli or Vialone Nano. These types of rice absorb liquid well and maintain a firm texture, making them suitable alternatives. However, using long-grain rice is not recommended as it won’t create the same creamy consistency.
How Do I Keep Risotto Creamy When Reheating?
To keep risotto creamy when reheating, add a splash of chicken stock or water to the risotto and reheat it slowly on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. This helps to restore the creamy texture and prevent the rice from drying out. Avoid reheating risotto in the microwave, as it can make the dish gummy and dry.
Can I Make Chicken and Chorizo Risotto Ahead of Time?
While risotto is best served fresh, you can prepare it ahead of time. Cook the risotto up to the point where the rice is still slightly undercooked, then cool it quickly by spreading it out on a baking sheet. When ready to serve, finish cooking the risotto by gradually adding warm stock until the rice is fully cooked and creamy.
What Can I Use Instead of Chorizo in Chicken and Chorizo Risotto?
If chorizo is not available or preferred, you can substitute it with another smoked sausage like Andouille or even use pancetta or bacon for a similar smoky flavor. For a different twist, Italian sausage or a spicy salami can also be used, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.
Final Words
The Jamie Oliver Chicken and Chorizo Risotto is a flavorful and satisfying dish that brings together the best of bold, spicy chorizo and tender chicken in a creamy, comforting risotto.
Follow these steps, and enjoy a delicious, hearty meal that’s packed with flavor and texture.
More By British Baking Recipes
- James Martin Meat And Potato Pie
- James Martin Steak And Kidney Pudding
- Jamie Oliver Chicken and Chorizo Paella
Jamie Oliver Chicken And Chorizo Risotto
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 35
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Spanish
Description
Jamie Oliver’s Chicken and Chorizo Risotto is a twist on the traditional Italian risotto, incorporating the smoky and spicy flavors of chorizo along with tender chicken pieces. The Arborio rice is slowly cooked in chicken broth, absorbing all the flavors, and creating a creamy, flavorful dish. It’s a one-pot meal that’s both hearty and satisfying, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 200g (7 oz) chorizo, sliced
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 300g (10.5 oz) Arborio rice
- 150ml (5 fl oz) white wine
- 1 liter (34 fl oz) hot chicken stock
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 50g (1.75 oz) Parmesan cheese, grated
- A handful of fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chorizo and Chicken
- Heat the Oil: In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook the Chorizo: Add the sliced chorizo to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes until it releases its oils and becomes slightly crispy. Remove the chorizo from the pan and set aside, leaving the oil in the pan.
- Brown the Chicken: In the same pan, add the diced chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside with the chorizo.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- Cook the Onion and Garlic: In the same pan, add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add the Rice: Stir in the Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes until the rice is well-coated with the oil and starts to turn translucent around the edges.
Step 3: Cook the Risotto
- Add the Wine: Pour in the white wine and cook, stirring constantly, until the wine has been absorbed by the rice.
- Add the Stock Gradually: Begin adding the hot chicken stock one ladleful at a time, stirring frequently and allowing each addition to be absorbed before adding the next. Continue this process for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is creamy and cooked to your liking.
- Season the Risotto: Stir in the smoked paprika, oregano, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Return the Chicken and Chorizo: Add the cooked chicken and chorizo back into the pan, stirring to combine and heat through.
- Finish with Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the risotto is creamy.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley, if using, and serve with lemon wedges on the side for a fresh, zesty finish.