Authentic Hunter’s Chicken Recipe | Classic Chicken Chasseur

Introduction

Hunter’s Chicken, traditionally known as “Chicken Chasseur” in French cuisine, is a timeless dish that has been gracing dinner tables for generations. At www.dailymeatrecipe.com, we’ve perfected this classic Hunter’s Chicken recipe to bring you a meal that balances rustic charm with sophisticated flavor. This Hunter’s Chicken recipe transforms simple ingredients into an impressive meal, featuring tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich sauce of mushrooms, tomatoes, and herbs. The name “Hunter’s Chicken” comes from its origins as a hearty meal prepared with ingredients that hunters could easily gather – wild mushrooms and herbs found in the forest paired with their fresh catch. this Hunter’s Chicken recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with straightforward preparation.

Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Chicken thighs and legs	8 pieces (about 3 lbs)	Bone-in, skin-on for best flavor
All-purpose flour	3 tablespoons	For dredging
Olive oil	3 tablespoons	For browning the meat
Unsalted butter	2 tablespoons
Shallots	4 medium	Finely diced
Garlic cloves	4	Minced
Mushrooms	12 oz	Cremini or button, sliced
Tomatoes	4 medium	Diced (or 1 14-oz can diced tomatoes)
Dry white wine	1 cup	Such as Sauvignon Blanc
Chicken stock	1 cup	Low sodium preferred
Fresh thyme	4 sprigs	Or 1 teaspoon dried
Bay leaves	2
Fresh tarragon	2 tablespoons	Chopped, plus more for garnish
Fresh parsley	1/4 cup	Chopped, divided
Tomato paste	2 tablespoons
Brandy (optional)	2 tablespoons	For depth of flavor
Salt	To taste
Black pepper	To taste	Freshly ground
Lemon juice	1 tablespoon	Fresh, added at the end

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 385
• Protein: 34g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Potassium: 820mg
• Iron: 15% DV
• Calcium: 4% DV
• Vitamin C: 18% DV
• Vitamin A: 12% DV

Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This ensures proper browning of your Hunter’s Chicken.
2. Season the chicken generously on all sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
3. Place the flour in a shallow dish and lightly dredge each piece of chicken, shaking off any excess flour.
4. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, place the chicken pieces skin-side down in the hot pan.
6. Brown the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden. This step is crucial for developing the rich flavor base of your Hunter’s Chicken recipe.
7. Transfer the browned chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. In the same pan with the chicken drippings, add the remaining olive oil and butter if needed.
2. Add the diced shallots and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the sliced mushrooms and a pinch of salt. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms have released their moisture and are beginning to brown.
5. If using, add the brandy to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. This step adds tremendous depth to your Hunter’s Chicken.
6. Add the tomato paste and stir to coat the vegetables, cooking for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw taste.
7. Pour in the white wine and increase the heat to bring to a boil. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the wine has reduced by half.
8. Add the diced tomatoes, chicken stock, thyme sprigs, bay leaves, half of the chopped parsley, and half of the tarragon.
9. Stir to combine all ingredients for your Hunter’s Chicken sauce and bring to a simmer.

Step 3: Simmer the Hunter’s Chicken

1. Return the browned chicken pieces to the pan, skin-side up, nestling them into the sauce without submerging the crispy skin.
2. Reduce heat to low, cover partially with a lid, and simmer gently for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is completely cooked through and tender.
3. Check occasionally and add a splash more chicken stock if the sauce becomes too thick.
4. The Hunter’s Chicken is done when the meat is tender and registers 165°F (74°C) on an instant-read thermometer.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

1. Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs from the Hunter’s Chicken.
2. Stir in the remaining fresh tarragon and the lemon juice.
3. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
4. Let the Hunter’s Chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
5. Garnish with the remaining chopped parsley for a fresh finish to your Hunter’s Chicken recipe.
6. Serve hot, making sure each portion includes chicken pieces and plenty of the flavorful sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your Hunter’s Chicken meal with these perfect accompaniments from www.dailymeatrecipe.com:

• Serve over creamy mashed potatoes that will soak up the delicious sauce from this Hunter’s Chicken recipe.
• Pair with buttered egg noodles for a traditional European presentation.
• A crusty baguette or sourdough bread is essential for mopping up every bit of the flavorful sauce.
• For a complete meal, add a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the Hunter’s Chicken.
• Steamed green vegetables like haricots verts (French green beans) or asparagus make excellent sides for this meat dish.
• For a low-carb option, serve your Hunter’s Chicken with cauliflower puree or roasted vegetables.
• A glass of the same dry white wine used in cooking makes the perfect beverage pairing for this classic recipe.

Pro Tips for Perfect Hunter’s Chicken

Master this classic meat recipe with these expert tips from www.dailymeatrecipe.com:

• Use the right pan: A heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or cast iron skillet works best for this Hunter’s Chicken recipe, providing even heat distribution and preventing burning.
• Don’t rush the browning: Taking time to properly brown the chicken creates the foundation of flavor for the entire dish.
• Mushroom selection: While button mushrooms are traditional, a mix of wild mushrooms like chanterelles or porcini will elevate your Hunter’s Chicken to restaurant quality.
• Wine matters: Use a wine you’d enjoy drinking. A dry, crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay works best for this meat recipe.
• Make ahead: Hunter’s Chicken actually improves when made a day ahead, as the flavors have time to meld and deepen.
• Proper temperature: Simmer gently rather than boiling to keep the chicken tender and prevent the sauce from reducing too quickly.
• Herb freshness: If possible, use fresh herbs rather than dried for the brightest flavor in your Hunter’s Chicken.

Variations of This Hunter’s Chicken Recipe

Customize this classic meat recipe to suit different tastes and dietary needs:

• Italian-Style: Add olives, capers, and rosemary instead of tarragon for a Mediterranean twist on the classic Hunter’s Chicken recipe.
• English Pub Version: In the UK, Hunter’s Chicken often refers to chicken topped with bacon, BBQ sauce, and melted cheese – try this variation for a completely different take.
• Slow Cooker Adaptation: After browning the chicken and preparing the sauce, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours for an effortless Hunter’s Chicken.
• Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or a diced chili to the sauce for a Hunter’s Chicken with a kick.
• Cream-Enriched: Stir in 1/3 cup of heavy cream at the final stage for a more luxurious Hunter’s Chicken sauce.
• Herbaceous: Double the herbs and add rosemary and sage for an even more aromatic Hunter’s Chicken.
• Red Wine Alternative: Substitute red wine for white and add a touch more tomato paste for a deeper, richer Hunter’s Chicken variation.

Conclusion

This Hunter’s Chicken recipe perfectly demonstrates how traditional cooking techniques and quality ingredients come together to create something truly special. The layered flavors of this classic dish have stood the test of time for good reason – the combination of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and aromatic herbs in a rich tomato-wine sauce creates a meal that’s both comforting and sophisticated. What began as a humble hunter’s meal has evolved into a culinary classic that deserves a place in every home cook’s repertoire.

We’d love to hear how your Hunter’s Chicken turned out! Visit www.dailymeatrecipe.com to share your experience, post photos of your creation, or tell us which variation you tried. Did you serve it for a special occasion or make it for a cozy family dinner? Did you follow our traditional recipe or put your own spin on this classic dish?

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