Some recipes carry more than just flavor—they carry stories. This Jamie Oliver Trevor’s Chicken is one of those special dishes, named after a dear friend of Jamie’s. It’s warm, rustic, and filled with homestyle comfort. With juicy chicken cooked in a savory tomato-based sauce, flavored with herbs, garlic, and a touch of red wine, it’s a dish that brings people together around the table, no matter the occasion.

What is Jamie Oliver’s Trevor’s Chicken?

Trevor’s Chicken is a slow-cooked, one-pan chicken dish made with bone-in chicken thighs simmered in a rich sauce of tomatoes, garlic, rosemary, olives, and red wine. The dish is hearty and deeply savory, thanks to the balance of herbs, acidity from the tomatoes, and umami from the olives. It’s the kind of meal that tastes like it’s been cooked with care—and it has.

Other Jamie Oliver Recipes

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Comforting and full of flavor – Slow-cooked goodness in every bite
One-pot simplicity – Easy prep, minimal cleanup
Ideal for meal prep – Tastes even better the next day
Naturally gluten-free – No flour or thickeners needed
Beautiful presentation for gatherings – Looks as good as it tastes
Inspired by a real home-cooked meal – With Jamie’s signature style

Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver Trevor’s Chicken

Chicken thighs – 6 bone-in, skin-on
Garlic – 6 cloves, unpeeled and crushed
Red onion – 1 large, finely sliced
Fresh rosemary – 2 sprigs
Olives – 100g (green or black, pitted)
Canned chopped tomatoes – 400g
Red wine – 150ml (about ⅔ cup)
Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
Salt and black pepper – to taste
Fresh basil or parsley – for garnish
Crusty bread or mash – for serving

Equipment Needed

Large frying pan or Dutch oven with lid
Tongs
Wooden spoon
Chopping board and knife
Serving dish or bowl

Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver’s Trevor’s Chicken

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
Sear chicken skin-side down for 5–6 minutes, until golden. Flip and cook 3 more minutes.
Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Add sliced red onion and crushed garlic cloves to the same pan.
Cook gently for 5 minutes, scraping any browned bits from the pan.
Add rosemary sprigs and stir for 1 more minute.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Pour in the red wine and let it bubble for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Stir in chopped tomatoes and olives.
Return the chicken to the pan, skin-side up, nestling into the sauce.

Step 4: Simmer and Cook

Cover the pan and reduce the heat to low.
Simmer for 35–40 minutes, until the chicken is tender and infused with flavor.
Uncover for the last 10 minutes to let the sauce reduce and thicken.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Garnish with chopped basil or parsley.
Serve hot with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or simple buttered rice.

What Goes Well With Jamie Oliver Trevor’s Chicken

Creamy mashed potatoes – Comfort food pairing
Buttery basmati rice – Soaks up the sauce beautifully
Crusty sourdough or ciabatta – Ideal for dipping
Roasted carrots or root vegetables – Earthy and sweet
Polenta or couscous – Adds texture and body
Green beans or sautéed spinach – For freshness

Expert Tips for Making the Best Jamie Oliver Trevor’s Chicken

Brown the chicken well before simmering – Adds rich flavor to the base
Keep garlic unpeeled while cooking – It softens and sweetens naturally
Use good-quality canned tomatoes – For a naturally thick and sweet sauce
Simmer gently – Keeps the chicken juicy and tender
Deglaze with wine properly – It lifts flavor from the pan
Garnish fresh before serving – Herbs elevate the finish
Taste before seasoning fully – Olives may add enough salt

Easy Variations of Jamie Oliver Trevor’s Chicken

Add chopped mushrooms or zucchini – For extra vegetables
Make it spicy – Add a pinch of chili flakes
Swap red wine with white – For a lighter taste
Use boneless thighs or chicken breasts – Adjust cooking time
Add baby potatoes directly to the pot – Makes it a one-pot meal
Include anchovy fillets in the sauce – Deepens umami flavor
Top with grated Parmesan before serving – Adds richness

Best Practices to Store Jamie Oliver Trevor’s Chicken

Let the dish cool completely before storing – Prevents a soggy texture
Refrigerate in airtight containers – Keeps fresh for up to 3 days
Freeze in batches with sauce – Lasts up to 2 months
Label with date – Helpful for meal planning
Reheat gently before serving – The Sauce and chicken reheat well together

Best Practices to Reheat Jamie Oliver Trevor’s Chicken

Reheat in a covered pan over low heat – Add a splash of water or stock if needed
Microwave in a covered dish – Stir halfway through to ensure even heating
Avoid overcooking – Just heat until the center is hot
Garnish fresh again – Brings back vibrant flavor
Serve with fresh sides – Bread, salad, or potatoes

How Can I Make Jamie Oliver Trevor’s Chicken Healthier?

Remove chicken skin after cooking – Keeps flavor, lowers fat
Use skinless, boneless chicken thighs – Still tender but leaner
Skip the wine and use chicken stock – Alcohol-free and lighter
Cut back on olive oil – 1 tablespoon is enough
Add extra vegetables – Like bell peppers or spinach
Serve with quinoa or steamed broccoli – Nutrient-dense options

Nutrition Value (per serving):

Calories: 440
Protein: 32g
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 480mg

FAQs

Can I make Trevor’s Chicken without red wine?

Yes, you can substitute red wine with chicken stock or a splash of balsamic vinegar and water. This still adds depth to the sauce without the alcohol.

Why are the garlic cloves left unpeeled in this recipe?

Leaving garlic cloves unpeeled allows them to roast gently in the sauce, turning soft and sweet without burning. You can squeeze out the garlic before serving.

Can I use boneless chicken for Trevor’s Chicken?

Yes, boneless thighs or even chicken breasts can be used. Just reduce the simmering time by about 10 minutes to prevent overcooking.

How do I thicken the sauce for Trevor’s Chicken if it’s too runny?

Remove the lid in the final 10 minutes of cooking to let the sauce reduce naturally. If needed, simmer a few extra minutes uncovered until it thickens to your liking.

Final Words

If you’re after a meal that’s soulful, comforting, and incredibly flavorful, Jamie Oliver Trevor’s Chicken is a dish worth keeping in your rotation. It’s got just the right mix of simplicity and depth—an easy recipe that feels a little bit special every time you make it.