How do you cook leeks Jamie Oliver?

Put a large casserole-type pan (ideally one you'd be happy to serve in) on a medium heat and add a drizzle of oil, the butter, thyme leaves and garlic. Cook until it begins to bubble and fry, then stir in the leeks. Continue cooking and checking on it every few minutes to stir and make sure it doesn't catch.

What do you use leeks in?

When leeks are sliced or chopped, they can be used in place of onions or shallots in soups, stews, and casseroles . You can also showcase their subtle, sweet flavor in pasta dishes like our Red Lentil Rotini with Silken Leeks and Shiitakes or Vegan Penne with Artichokes, Leeks, and Lentils.

Why do you soak leeks in water?

Soak the stalks in a bowl of cold water for 10 minutes or so, then rinse under cold running water in the sink. The long soak allows the water to penetrate the leek's many layers, clearing out all the bits of debris . Once your veg is all cleaned up and dirt-free, it's time to get cookin'.

Are leeks easier on stomach than onions?

They're milder , even though they contain many of the sulfur compounds present in onions that are difficult for some people to digest. But these compounds, also found in green garlic, are the source of many health benefits.

How long should leeks be cooked?

To cook: Leeks can be boiled, braised or steamed. Sliced leeks should be cooked for 5-7 minutes until tender but still firm. Whole small leeks should be cooked for 10-15 minutes until tender but still firm, top with a cheese sauce and then brown under a preheated grill for 5 minutes or until golden.

Why don't you use the green part of leeks?

In the US, England, and most other English-speaking areas, the dark green portion of the leek is fibrous and often has a "soapy" flavor which detracts from the flavor of the dish . It's not a good idea even to use those for vegetable stock, as the overall flavor is unpleasant.

What is the best way to eat leeks?

Here are a few of my favorite ways to use them: On their own! Grill or roast them and enjoy them as a side dish. ... In soups. Leeks are famous for their ability to add depth to soups, stews, and stock. ... In pasta. ... In risotto. ... With eggs. ... In stuffing. ... On pizza.

What flavors go well with leeks?

Leeks partner well with chicken, ham, cheese, cream, garlic, and shallots . Complementary herbs and spices include chervil, parsley, sage, thyme, basil, lemon, and mustard.

How do the French eat leeks?

While the French use them all over the place , from the “French Women Don't Get Fat” soup to potato-leek soup to leek-and-whatever quiche and leek-and-whatever omelettes and leeks with vinaigrette and leeks gratin, I had them once in a restaurant here in France without any fuss, really just leeks, and they were awesome.

How long will leeks last in the fridge?

Do not trim or wash before storing. Leeks will last up to two weeks in the refrigerator if they are purchased fresh. Once cooked, leeks can be kept in the refrigerator and used within two days. Leeks do not freeze well.

Do leeks lower blood pressure?

Leeks also contain potassium while also being low in sodium, which helps to lower blood pressure . Most of the nutrients in leeks are concentrated in the bulb and lower leaf section, with the exception of folate and B6 which are found throughout the greens and bulb.

What part of the leek do you not use?

The most edible parts of leeks are the bottom white and light green parts because they are tender and have the most flavor. The dark green parts are technically edible but to a lesser extent because they are quite tough. If you do want to eat the dark green parts, be sure to saute them well so they soften.

How do you clean Gordon Ramsay leeks?

Prepare leeks - trim dark green tops and remove tough outer leaves from leeks and slice in half lengthwise, running under cool water to clean, dry thoroughly .

Chicken and Leek Recipe #SundaySupper (2024)

Home » Recipes » Dinner Ideas » Creamy Chicken and Leeks Recipe

Published: Feb 17, 2021 Modified: Feb 27, 2023 by Isabel Laessig

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Your new favorite chicken recipe is right here! Our simple creamy chicken and leeks recipe is made with a flavorsome that comes together in only 30 minutes. It is simply divine!

This chicken recipe is perfect for an easy Sunday dinner or as a tasty base for chicken leek pie or leek and chicken pasta recipes! There are just so many possibilities.

You will want to make this easy creamy leek chicken recipe again and again! Chicken breast recipes are perfect for busy families. They cook quickly and are always a favorite with my kids!

Chicken and Leek Recipe #SundaySupper (1)

Jump to:

What are leeks?
Are leeks green onions?
What to Do with Leeks
How to Cut Leeks
How to Clean Leeks
Leeks Substitute
Recipe Tips
Try making it with ramps!
Chicken and Leeks Recipes
Side Dishes for Chicken Breast
📋 Recipe
💬 Reviews

Our incredibly easy chicken leeks recipe is the best comfort food. It’s creamy, but not heavy, so it’s great when you’re looking for perfect chicken dinner ideas to make during a busy week. My other favorite easy chicken meals are Chick-fil-A chicken nuggets made in the Air Fryer and Chicken Taquitos which can be made ahead of time and popped in the oven when ready to eat.

Made mine with Gardein vegan chicken and added spinach. Topped with parmesan and crushed red pepper and then put over spaghetti noodles. Pretty tasty meal!
@kjo307

What are leeks?

Leeks are closely related to onions, garlic, and scallions. The edible parts of leeks are the tightly bound leaves that form stalk-like bases.

They are an under-used onion but, once you give them a try, you will want to find more ways to use them. They have an amazing flavor and impact on sauces.

Are leeks green onions?

Leeksmay look like overgrowngreen onions, but they have a milder, more delicate flavor that is a bit sweet.

They add a delicious layer of flavor to many dishes and are very popular in French cuisine.

What to Do with Leeks

Leeks are a flavorful addition insoups, pasta, eggs, and rice. They can also replace onions or shallots in almost any dish. Their incredible flavor elevates any recipe!

How to Cut Leeks

Place the leek on a cutting board. Using a large knife, cut a thin slice from the root end.
Cut the dark green, tough leaves off the end. You now have the section of the leek that is tender and oh so good for cooking.
Hold the leek with one hand and cut it into slices. We recommend thin slices. Be sure to rinse the leeks after chopping.

How to Clean Leeks

Leeks add such great flavor to dishes, but the downside is that they are very dirty. You want to give them a good scrub when you get them home.

Rinse the leeks under water to remove dirt and sand.
Chop the leeks per the above directions.
Place the chopped leeks in a bowl and fill it with cold water.
Use your hands to agitate the leeks and dislodge any leftover dirt and sand.

Chicken and Leek Recipe #SundaySupper (2)

Leeks Substitute

If you can find leeks (you should try them) you will love this recipe. But there are times I have a hard time finding them at my local grocer. The best substitute I have found for leeks is Sweet or Vidalia onions.

Slice the onions in rounds and you can easily substitute them for leeks. I have made this dish many times using sweet onions and it is also delicious.

Chicken and Leek Recipe #SundaySupper (3)

Recipe Tips

If you want very tender chicken, pound the meat with a rolling pin.
Make sure to move the leeks around when you are frying them up. You do not want to burn leeks. Trust me on this!
Leeks are a delicious vegetable full of wonderful flavor, but they are grown in the ground in sandy soil. Please make sure you give them a very good rinse. You don’t want to wind up with a gritty chicken dish.
If you can not find leeks, use sweet or Vidalia onions sliced into rounds.

Try making it with ramps!

You could also use ramps to put a spin on your chicken and leeks recipes by turning this into a ramps recipe. If you can get your hands on ramps, definitely give it a try!

Chicken and Leeks Recipes

Leeks recipes like these can be used as the starting point for a variety of new creations. This includes:

Chicken and leek pie
Chicken and leek soup
Chicken and leek stew
Chicken and leek pasta
…the list goes on!

For the chicken leek pie, pasta, and soup, the cooked chicken will need to be removed and shredded.

Side Dishes for Chicken Breast

Green Beans Almondine
Sauteed Mushrooms and Onions
Instant Pot Risotto
Perfect Rice Recipe

My chicken chili recipe is always a huge hit at every party. For more chicken recipes and inspiration on how to cook chicken perfectly, follow my Chicken Temperature Chart!

📋 Recipe

Chicken and Leeks Recipe

Isabel Laessig

The best chicken and leek recipe made with a flavorsome broth is perfect as it is for an easy dinner idea or as a tasty base for chicken leek pie or chicken and leek pasta!

4.80 from 91 votes

Print Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

0 minutes mins

Equipment

chopping board
cling film
rolling pin
large pan

Ingredients

1 Tbsp.
4
Juice from half a lemon
2 Leeks quartered length ways and then roughly chopped
1 clove finely chopped or 2 teaspoons of garlic paste
2 Tbsp.
2 cups or chicken broth
½ cup
1 teaspoon Ground Mustard
3 tablespoon
1 Handful fresh tarragon leaves (optional)

Cooking Conversions

See our Cooking Conversions Chart for help converting measurements!

Instructions

First prepare the chicken:

Place plastic wrap around the chicken breasts, then pound the chicken with a rolling pin to flatten the meat to around half a cm in thickness. This step is optional but will give you the most tender chicken.
Drizzle oil over one side of the chicken and then season with salt, pepper and lemon juice. Flip it over and repeat.
Place a large frying pan on the stove and add the chicken breasts. Cook on each side for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Then remove from the pan and set it on a plate.

Next prepare the chicken and leek broth:

Using the same pan, add a little more oil and gently fry the chopped leeks. Make sure to move the leeks around in order for them not to burn.
While the leeks are cooking add some finely chopped garlic and stir in well.
Once the leeks have softened, stir in 2 tablespoon flour and then gradually add the stock and milk.
When the broth starts to simmer return the chicken to the pan and cook with the lid on for 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes remove the lid and stir 1 teaspoon of ground mustard and 3 tablespoon of sour cream into the chicken and leek broth.
See Also
14 Tasty Low-Sodium Dinner Recipes
Finish by stirring in some fresh tarragon leaves (optional) before serving with your choice of veg or potatoes.

Video

Notes

RECIPE BASE: You can use this chicken leek recipe as a base for other recipes, such as chicken and leek pie, chicken leek soup, or chicken and leek pasta.
MAKE SURE TO CLEAN THE LEEKS: Leeks are a delicious vegetable full of wonderful flavor, but they are grown in the ground in sandy soil. They need a good cleaning before you use them for cooking.
LEEK SUBSTITUTE: You can substitute sweet onions or Vidalia onions if you can not find leeks

Nutrition

Serving: 391gCalories: 422kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 54gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 155mgSodium: 478mgPotassium: 1096mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 895IUVitamin C: 8.5mgCalcium: 89mgIron: 2.4mg

Keyword chicken and leek recipe, Chicken and Leeks, creamy chicken and leeks

Did you try this recipe?Tag on social and leave a comment below!

Photography credit: Debbie Jones

Chicken and Leek Recipe #SundaySupper (10)

About Isabel Laessig

Hi! I’m Isabel Laessig, also known as Family Foodie, creator of Sunday Supper Movement and author of the Boujee Steak Cookbook. Sunday Supper is my mission to bring family back around the dinner table. Join me in making family meal-time a tradition to celebrate!

» About Me

Reader Interactions

Comments

Chelsea says
October 27, 2021 at 5:19 pm

I’ve made this recipe twice now and it was a huge hit! My husband and my 2 year old love it! I didn’t have ground mustard or tarragon so I subbed Dijon mustard and thyme. Worked beautifully! I just have one question, could I use boneless skinless chicken thighs in place of breasts?
Reply
- Em Beitel says
  October 27, 2021 at 5:56 pm
  Chelsea, that’s awesome! We’re so glad you and your family enjoy it so much! Those are perfect substitutions. Yes, you could absolutely use chicken thighs in place of breasts if you prefer. Thank you for your question!
  Reply
Christine says
March 28, 2022 at 8:28 am

Had a leek left over and was looking for something I could make with what I had. This recipe was great, so tasty! Had the sauce and chicken mixed with some spiral pasta and added spinach.
Reply
- Em Beitel says
  March 28, 2022 at 10:41 am
  That’s awesome – spiral pasta and spinach sound like great additions! Thank you for sharing, Christine!
  Reply
Susan says
April 28, 2022 at 8:13 pm
I bought some leeks with no idea what I would do with them, which is when I searched Pinterest and came across your recipe. I made it almost exactly except I deleted the taragon (didn’t have it) and added a bit of white wine and, when the dish was in its final simmer, added fresh broccoli to the top to steam. This recipe is definitely a keeper.
Reply
- Em Beitel says
  April 29, 2022 at 12:09 pm
  That is so awesome, Susan! We’re so glad you enjoyed it! That sounds fantastic.
  Reply
Jill says
May 08, 2022 at 7:24 pm
Had this for dinner tonight and it was delicious! Served with little potatoes and green beans
Reply
- Em Beitel says
  May 09, 2022 at 11:09 am
  That’s awesome, Jill! Thank you for sharing!
  Reply
Nancy says
July 04, 2022 at 9:34 pm

I added fresh mushrooms, sauteed with the leeks, and deglaze with white wine. Used dijon instead of dry mustard and omitted sour cream. Served over wild rice with asparagus. Definitely a hit!
Reply
- Em Beitel says
  July 05, 2022 at 10:42 am
  That’s awesome, Nancy! Thank you so much for sharing – that sounds completely delicious!
  Reply
Tracy says
May 31, 2023 at 11:53 pm
Looks delicious and can’t wait to try it. I have a leek that I need to use.
But can I use dried tarragon and if so, how much do I use?
Reply
- Isabel Laessig says
  June 01, 2023 at 2:20 pm
  Hi Tracy! I am so glad to hear you’ll try this recipe! You can definitely use dried tarragon if you like. I would use about ½ teaspoon dried tarragon. Enjoy!
  Reply

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