Chicken Chasseur, or Hunter’s Chicken, which is a classic French dish made of chicken cooked in white wine and mushrooms with aromatic herbs that is so comforting. If you are a kitchen novice or an experienced home cook, this chicken chasseur will give you a simple way to prepare the perfect dish for sensory fine dining in all its visual and taste bud glory! This guide will take you through everything you need, from all the chicken chasseur ingredients to how to make this classic French chicken stew step by step. method for creating this iconic French chicken stew.
What is Chicken Chasseur?
Chicken Chasseur is a classic French chicken recipe dish consisting of chicken braised in a sauce of white wine, tomatoes, mushrooms and herbs. The name goes back to a hunter in French, « chasseur », which is why it has rustic, country-inspired roots. In history, hunters would use any ingredients they have available wild mushrooms, local herbs and of course chicken. It continues to be one of the most common dishes found in French homes and restaurants today.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple to Prepare: The process is simple, you do not need any special cooking skills.
- Tasty: The sauce from the wine, mushrooms and tomatoes compliments the flavor of the chicken.
- Flexible: You can make the recipe to what you have on hand, from more veg or changing the wine used in the sauce.
You have a brief idea about the dish, now let’s move on to the method of preparing this chicken stew recipe at home!
Chicken Chasseur Recipe: Ingredients
Now before you bang the pots and pans together, here is what you need to make chicken chasseur
- two bone–in chicken thighs (or chicken breasts if you prefer)
- 2 T olive oil (for searing the chicken)
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 200g mushrooms. (button or cremini are good more types)
- 1 cup dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay)
- 1 cup chicken stock (or vegetable stock for a lighter version)
- 2 medium tomatoes (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme, or 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.
- 1 bay leaf (optional, but brings complexity)
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
A great recipe with lots of savory flavor from simple ingredients that can be served for a family dinner or a dinner party.
How to Make Chicken Chasseur
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
The chicken is first browned in the chicken chasseur method. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high. While the oil is heating, salt and pepper the chicken; add to hot oil. Chicken should be golden and brown on both sides (3-5 min each side). Brown the chicken, then take it out of the skillet and put aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Using the same skillet, add in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Heat and add onion, garlic chopped finely (2-3 minutes until fragrant and soft). Immediately following that add in the sliced mushrooms and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the mushrooms enough time to release their water and soften.
Step 3: Deglaze with Wine
After the mushrooms have softened up, add the dry white wine to deglaze the pan. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Don’t be shy to add them into the sauce, these bits have a lot of flavor. Allow the wine to simmer for a couple of minutes until reduced slightly.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes, Stock, and Herbs
Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken stock into the pan. Add the thyme, and bay leaf if doing that. Simmer, cover and lower to cook for 5-7 minutes so that the sauce can thicken a little.
Step 5: Return the Chicken to the Pan
Once sauce has thickened, add the seared chicken back into the pan. Drizzle some of the sauce over the chicken and place lid on skillet. Add the chicken to the sauce, allowing it to simmer over low heat for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked and tender. Use a meat thermometer to measure its internal temperature and make sure it reached 165°F (75°C).
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
When the chicken is cooked through, transfer it to a plate and set aside. Behave the fresh parsley into the sauce and taste and rumored with salt and pepper. You can adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding a little more chicken stock or water as needed.
This chicken chasseur can be served straight from the skillet with sides of your choosing mashed potatoes (obviously), rice, or crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Tips for the Best Chicken Chasseur
- Don `t use Boneless Chicken: Use Bone these days chicken thighs for max flavor. The bones season a deeper sauce, and the dark meat remains juicy as it cooks.
- Pick a Good White: A dry white wine that you would sip, since this is a big part of the sauce! They’re not cooking wines, which can have salt and other preservatives added.
- Mushrooms: This recipe uses button or cremini mushrooms, but you can use wild mushrooms like shiitake or portobello for an earthier flavor.
- Drizzle with Bacon or Pancetta: You may also drizzle in some crispy bacon bits or crispen your sprinkle of pancetta on top to enjoy an additional layer of richness. This will add some meaty, smoky richness to the sauce.
Chicken Chasseur Variations
Traditional chicken chasseur recipe is delightful as is, but there are so many ways you can give your own twist to this dish:
- Herb Chicken with White Wine Sauce: Feel free to switch out the herbs used in the sauce. Add some rosemary or tarragon for a new flavor.
- For a Spicy Chicken Chasseur: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, or throw in a fresh chili (portrayed above) into the sauce – infusing some heat.
- Chicken Chasseur with Veggies: If your dish needs it, you can also add some veggies into the sauce such as bell peppers, carrots, and peas to make a heartier plate.
- Chicken Recipes with Wine: Feel free to change it up — swap out the white wine for red or some brandy, and see what you like!
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Chasseur
Check out a few sides that would go perfectly with this rich and hearty chicken stew recipe:
- They Pack the Best Mashed Potatoes: Mostly for the Sauce Creamy mashed potatoes are great to soak up that sauce.
- Rice: The chicken and sauce has a ton of flavor, so steamed jasmine or basmati rice is the perfect neutral base.
- Crusty Bread: A baguette or a rustic sourdough works perfectly for dipping into the sauce.
- Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed green beans, asparagus or peas make great sides.
Conclusion
This chicken chasseur recipe or hunter’s chicken is a great specimen of French comfort food at its best. This flavor-packed chicken dish with its thick sauce, falling apart chicken and earthy flavors from the mushrooms and wine will definitely surprise you and keep coming back to this recipe. Be it for a simple family dinner or hosting someone special, this method will ensure you to do the level every time. So, round up your chicken chasseur ingredients, components, keep to the steps and experience a heart of traditional French cuisine from the comfort of your home.
