Calling all chicken and mushroom bake enthusiasts! Renowned chef Jamie Oliver has spilled the beans (or should we say, the soup) on his secret ingredient for achieving an irresistible flavor in this classic dish. And the answer, my friends, is a humble tin of soup!
While Jamie recommends using mushroom soup, don’t be afraid to experiment. Creamy chicken soup can add a delightful twist. The original recipe calls for spinach, but feel free to swap in cauliflower, green beans, or even a mix of your favorite vegetables. And if you’re feeling adventurous, Jamie encourages you to add any tinned beans that tickle your fancy!
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious bake:
*
Chicken:
Four large chicken thighs, skin on, bone in*
Olive Oil:
A tablespoon or two*
Mushrooms:
400g of mixed mushrooms*
Soup:
295g tin of mushroom soup (or creamy chicken soup)*
Beans:
400g tin of butter beans (or your preferred type)*
Rice:
300g basmati rice*
Lemon:
One lemon for zest*
Spinach:
200g frozen leaf spinach (or your chosen vegetable)*
Mustard:
Four teaspoons of English mustard, plus extra for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F/gas mark 6).
2. Toss the chicken in a roasting tray with a tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of black pepper.
3. Scatter the mushrooms around the chicken.
4. Pour the soup over the chicken and mushrooms.
5. Drain the butter beans (or your chosen beans) and add them to the tray.
6. Add the basmati rice to the tray.
7. Fill the empty bean tin with water and pour it into the tray.
8. Grate the zest from the lemon and mix everything together.
9. Arrange the chicken pieces with the skin side up, ensuring the rice is submerged.
10. Nest the frozen spinach (or your chosen vegetable) around the chicken.
11. Cover the tray with oiled tin foil and bake for 50 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
12. Remove the foil for the last five minutes of baking.
13. Fluff up the rice and spinach, and season with salt and pepper.
14. In a small bowl, mix the mustard with lemon juice and drizzle over the bake.
15. Serve and enjoy!
This recipe is truly a culinary masterpiece, all thanks to Jamie Oliver’s clever secret ingredient. So grab your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to impress your family and friends with this flavorful and easy-to-make chicken and mushroom bake!
