Stuffed chicken thighs might sound like something you’d only make for a special occasion, but this Jamie Oliver Stuffed Chicken Thighs proves they’re totally doable for any night of the week. Juicy chicken thighs are filled with a savory stuffing—think fresh herbs, breadcrumbs, and creamy cheese—then baked until golden and tender. The result? A hearty, flavor-packed dish that feels comforting and a little bit fancy, without being complicated.

What are Jamie Oliver’s Stuffed Chicken Thighs?

Jamie Oliver Stuffed Chicken Thighs is a simple but impressive dish that involves boneless chicken thighs filled with a mixture of fresh herbs, garlic, cheese (often goat’s cheese or mozzarella), and breadcrumbs. The thighs are rolled or folded over the filling, then baked or pan-seared and roasted until juicy and golden. It’s one of those recipes that elevates humble ingredients into something you’d happily serve to guests.

Other Jamie Oliver Recipes

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Tender and flavorful – Chicken thighs stay moist during cooking
Versatile stuffing options – Use what’s in your fridge
Works for weeknight dinners or entertaining – Reliable and elegant
One-pan friendly – Bake and serve from the same dish
Easy to make ahead – Prep the thighs and bake later
Naturally low-carb – Can be made gluten-free if needed

Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver Stuffed Chicken Thighs

Boneless chicken thighs – 8 pieces (skin-on or skinless)
Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
Fresh parsley – 2 tablespoons, chopped
Breadcrumbs – 4 tablespoons (use gluten-free if preferred)
Goat’s cheese or mozzarella – 100g (about ½ cup)
Lemon zest – from 1 lemon
Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
Salt and black pepper – to taste
Toothpicks or kitchen string – to secure the thighs

Optional additions to stuffing: sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, basil, pine nuts, or cooked mushrooms.

Equipment Needed

Sharp knife and cutting board
Mixing bowl
Oven-safe skillet or baking dish
Toothpicks or butcher’s twine
Tongs or a spatula

Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver Stuffed Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Prepare the Stuffing

In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, cheese, minced garlic, parsley, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
Drizzle in 1 tablespoon of olive oil and stir to combine into a moist, crumbly mixture.

Step 2: Stuff the Chicken Thighs

Lay out the chicken thighs, smooth side down.
Place a spoonful of stuffing in the center of each thigh.
Roll or fold the thighs over the filling, then secure with a toothpick or tie with string.

Step 3: Sear for Flavor

Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan) / 400°F.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in an oven-safe pan.
Place the thighs seam-side down and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until golden.

Step 4: Bake to Finish

Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
Remove toothpicks or string before serving.

Step 5: Serve

Plate the chicken with your chosen side, drizzle with pan juices, and garnish with extra parsley or lemon wedges if desired.

Jamie Oliver Stuffed Chicken Thighs recipe

What Goes Well With Jamie Oliver Stuffed Chicken Thighs

Creamy mashed potatoes – Soft texture complements stuffed chicken
Garlic-roasted vegetables – Carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers
Steamed green beans or asparagus – Adds freshness and crunch
Herbed couscous or quinoa – For a light, nutty side
Buttered rice with lemon zest – Simple and fragrant
Cauliflower mash – A low-carb alternative
Crisp green salad with vinaigrette – Keeps the plate balanced

Expert Tips for Making the Best Jamie Oliver Stuffed Chicken Thighs

Pound the thighs lightly – Helps them roll and cook evenly
Don’t overstuff – Keeps the filling from spilling out
Secure the seam side down while baking – Helps maintain the shape
Use a combination of soft and firm cheese – Like goat cheese + cheddar
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing – Keeps it juicy
Add fresh herbs or lemon juice before serving – Brightens everything
Double the batch – These make great leftovers for lunch

Easy Variations of Jamie Oliver Stuffed Chicken Thighs

Use cream cheese or ricotta for a milder filling
Add wilted spinach or kale to the stuffing – Boosts nutrition
Swap breadcrumbs for crushed nuts – Adds crunch and keeps it gluten-free
Wrap in bacon before baking – For extra flavor and crispiness
Use pesto instead of herbs – A shortcut with loads of flavor
Add chili flakes to the mix – For a gentle kick
Try with chicken breasts – Butterfly and stuff before baking

Best Practices to Store Jamie Oliver Stuffed Chicken Thighs

Cool completely before storing – Avoids condensation in containers
Refrigerate in an airtight container – Keeps fresh for up to 3 days
Freeze uncooked stuffed thighs – Wrap individually and store up to 2 months
Label and date containers – Helps manage freezer meals
Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking – Then cook as directed

Best Practices to Reheat Jamie Oliver Stuffed Chicken Thighs

Reheat in a covered dish in the oven at 160°C (325°F) for 10–15 minutes
Microwave in short bursts if needed—cut in half for even heating
Add a splash of broth or lemon juice before reheating – Prevents dryness
Reheat only once – For food safety and best texture
Garnish fresh again after reheating – Restores color and aroma

How Can I Make Jamie Oliver Stuffed Chicken Thighs Healthier?

Use low-fat cheese or skip cheese altogether
Replace breadcrumbs with oats or almond meal
Add more vegetables to the stuffing – Like spinach or mushrooms
Reduce olive oil to 1 tablespoon total
Serve with steamed greens instead of starches
Use skinless thighs – Lowers saturated fat

Nutrition Value (per serving, based on 2 stuffed thighs):

Calories: 430
Protein: 34g
Fat: 27g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 420mg

FAQs

How do you keep stuffed chicken thighs from falling apart during cooking?

Secure each stuffed thigh with toothpicks or kitchen twine, and place them seam-side down in the pan. This helps hold the filling inside while they cook and brown evenly.

Can I prepare stuffed chicken thighs ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble them up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the fridge and bake when ready. This makes it a great make-ahead meal.

Should I use skin-on or skinless chicken thighs for stuffing?

Both work, but skin-on thighs offer more flavor and a crispier finish. If using skinless, ensure the thighs are tightly wrapped to hold the stuffing securely.

What’s the best cheese to use in stuffed chicken thighs?

Goat cheese, cream cheese, mozzarella, or feta all work well. Choose based on your flavor preference—softer cheeses give creaminess, while crumbly ones add tang.

Final Words

There’s a lot to love about these Jamie Oliver Stuffed Chicken Thighs—they’re comforting, packed with flavor, and surprisingly easy to make.

Whether you’re prepping them for a midweek meal or something a bit more celebratory, the savory filling and juicy chicken make for a winning combo. Plus, once you try them, you’ll find dozens of ways to make the recipe your own.