Jamie Oliver Hunter’s Chicken

This delicious Hunter’s Chicken by Jamie Oliver is a hearty, rustic dish packed with rich flavors. Tender chicken thighs and drumsticks are slow-cooked with herbs, cherry tomatoes, and white wine for a comforting meal. I made it on a rainy evening, and the kitchen smelled incredible—absolutely perfect with some crusty bread. (inspired by Jamie Oliver)

Ingredients Needed

• 750g (1lb 10oz) chicken thighs and drumsticks
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely sliced
• 1 garlic clove, crushed and left whole
• 1 small red chilli, sliced
• 2 sprigs rosemary
• 2 sprigs thyme
• A handful of parsley, roughly chopped
• 2 bay leaves
• 4 sage leaves
• 125ml (1/2 cup) dry white wine
• 1.5 tbsp tomato puree, diluted in 3 tbsp lukewarm water
• 175g (6oz) cherry tomatoes, halved

How To Make Jamie Oliver Hunter’s Chicken

1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. This helps build flavour right from the beginning.
2. Brown the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chicken and sear on all sides until beautifully golden. Don’t rush this step—it adds incredible depth.
3. Cook the Aromatics: Toss in the sliced onion, garlic clove, chilli, and herbs (rosemary, thyme, parsley, bay, and sage). Let them cook for a couple of minutes until softened and fragrant.
4. Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the white wine and let it bubble away for a few minutes. This cooks off the alcohol and concentrates the flavour.
5. Add Tomatoes: Stir in the diluted tomato puree, then scatter in the halved cherry tomatoes.
6. Simmer Gently: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. The chicken should be fully cooked, tender, and infused with all those gorgeous herby, tomatoey flavours.
7. Serve: Spoon onto plates and garnish with a little extra parsley. This dish begs to be served with mashed potatoes or crusty bread to mop up the sauce.

Why I Love This Recipe

It’s everything I want in a comfort meal: rich, saucy, and full of rustic charm. It feels a bit like a stew and a roast chicken rolled into one. Plus, it makes the most of affordable cuts of chicken.

Recipe Tips

• Sear the chicken well for that golden crust and deep flavour.
• Simmer slowly to keep the meat tender and the flavours rich.
• Swap the wine with chicken stock if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
• Add extra tomatoes or even olives for a Mediterranean twist.
• Garnish with parsley for a fresh contrast to the rich sauce.

How To Store This Jamie Oliver Hunter’s Chicken

• At Room Temperature: Cool completely within 1 hour.
• In the Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• In the Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Place in an ovenproof dish, cover with foil, and reheat at 180°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes until piping hot.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Can I use chicken breasts? Sure, but thighs and drumsticks are juicier and more flavourful for slow cooking.
• What can I serve this with? Mashed potatoes, polenta, or a big hunk of sourdough bread are perfect.
• Can I cook this in the oven? Yes! After browning everything, transfer to a covered ovenproof dish and bake at 160°C (325°F) for 1.5 hours.
• Is it spicy? Just a hint—reduce or skip the chilli if you prefer mild.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 of 4 servings

• Calories: 394.25
• Total Fat: 25.2g
• Saturated Fat: 5.25g
• Total Carbohydrate: 7.7g
• Dietary Fiber: 1.75g
• Sugars: 3.75g
• Protein: 27.5g ​​

Try More Jamie Oliver Recipes:

• Jamie Oliver Stuffed Chicken Skewers
• Jamie Oliver Piccalilli, Pork & Apple Pies
• Jamie Oliver Charred Aubergine Parmigiana
• Jamie Oliver Chilli Con Carne Meatballs