Chicken Chasseur (Hunters Chicken)
This Hunters Chicken Recipe, also known as a Chicken Chasseur Recipe, features tender chicken breasts in an herbaceous, savory mushroom and tomato sauce. A classic French dish, it comes together in one pan for a showstopping comfort food that’s easy to make and perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to special occasions!
This Chicken Chasseur (aka Hunters Chicken recipe) is one of my favorite meals when I don’t know what to make. Full of savory complex flavors, it’s fancy enough for holidays or special occasions. Yet, it comes together with a single pan in about 30 minutes, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner for the whole family, too. I will admit that I was initially a little intimidated to try it out, assuming it would be difficult to create. However, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that the entire dish is virtually failproof! With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, all you have to do is combine the ingredients and simmer. It comes out perfect every single time. Plus, it’s fairly hands-off. So, you will have plenty of time to whip up a side or two for a complete comfort food meal!
What Is Hunters Chicken Or Chicken Chasseur
Hunters Chicken, also known as Hunter’s Chicken and Chicken Chasseur, is a classic French chicken recipe. The name “chasseur” is derived from the French word for hunter, and is where the chasseur sauce’s name comes from. Originally, hunters would bring home small game meats such as wild fowl, rabbit, venison, and wild chicken along with mushrooms and herbs they gathered on their hunt. Then, they’d cook all the ingredients together, creating a delicious French Chicken Chasseur recipe. Most recipes contain main ingredients like mushrooms, tomatoes, herbs, and garlic along with a wine-based sauce. As a result, the flavors of the dish are rich and comforting. This recipe is a slightly simplified, alcohol-free version but still has the rich, savory flavor you look for in the dish.
Ingredients You Need For This Hunters Chicken
- Chicken Breasts: Look for 4 large, equal-sized boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
- Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Season the chicken to taste.
- Oil: I like to use olive oil for this recipe, but any oil with a high smoke point such as avocado oil or canola oil will do.
- Sliced Mushrooms: I typically use button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms, but any type you like best would be great in this dish!
- Aromatics: Yellow onion and fresh garlic cloves add a savory, subtly sweet flavor to the sauce.
- White Wine Vinegar: You can either use white wine (which the traditional recipe calls for) or white wine vinegar which will add a similar acidity to the sauce.
- Tomato Paste: thickens the luscious sauce and adds acidity that helps balance some of the rich flavors
- Diced Tomatoes: I like to use Roma tomatoes, but feel free to use whatever you like best.
- Chicken Stock: Chicken stock, chicken broth, or vegetable broth can be used to help thin the sauce and combine the ingredients.
- Thyme: I recommend using fresh thyme. However, if you can’t find it, dried thyme can also be used. Just be sure to halve the quantity to compensate for the concentrated flavor of the dried herbs.
Can I Use A Different Cut Of Chicken
I prefer to use chicken breasts to keep this Chicken Chasseur recipe a little leaner, but you can substitute any cut of chicken you like best! Most traditional recipes actually utilize chicken thighs or chicken legs. Dark meat chicken pieces stay tender and juicy and add incredible flavor to the meal. If preferred, you can even opt for bone-in, skin-on chicken, arranging the chicken in the skillet skin side down. Whatever you choose, make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, ensuring your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165° Fahrenheit.
How To Make This Chicken Chasseur Recipe
- Generously season the chicken breasts on both sides. Then, add the olive oil to a large skillet on medium high heat, and sear for about 4 minutes per side or until the chicken is golden brown in colour. Set the chicken aside on a plate, and add the mushrooms, onions, and garlic to the pan. Sauté for 5 minutes or until the onions become translucent.
- Add in the white wine or vinegar and tomato paste, and stir to combine before pouring in the canned tomatoes, chicken stock, and thyme. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Then, return the chicken breasts to the pan.
- Leave the ingredients to simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the sauce has thickened and reduced and the chicken breasts are cooked through. If the mushroom sauce is still quite liquidy, increase the heat and continue to cook until the sauce is thick.
You can find full step by step instructions in the recipe card below
What Else Can I Add to This Easy Hunter’s Chicken Recipe
Some people like to top their chicken with melted cheese slices. Monterey Jack cheese or provolone cheese both work well. In addition, many recipes include store-bought or homemade barbecue sauce along with extra spices like garlic powder and smoked paprika. You can also include a dash of liquid smoke for a slightly smokier taste. Or, keep the dish simple with extra fresh herbs like fresh tarragon or fresh parsley. While I can’t attest to the authenticity of these variations, they are tasty and make for a great dish that satisfies all your taste buds. So, feel free to experiment with different flavor combinations to find what you like best!
Can I Add Different Veggies To This Chicken Chasseur
Yes, given that Chicken Chasseur was originally a dish made with foraged produce, pretty much anything goes! Feel free to experiment with different fresh herbs and veggies to find what flavor combinations you like best for this Hunters Chicken recipe, and use it as an opportunity to clear out your fridge. However, if you’re looking for ideas, I love to include additional vegetables like carrots, kale, and sweet potatoes. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, simmering the ingredients until the veggies are soft. For the best results, add more delicate vegetables like kale at the very end of the cooking process.
What To Serve With This Chicken Chasseur
I love to serve this easy Chicken Chasseur recipe over mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash to soak up every last bit of the delicious sauce. However, it’s also great served over pasta, couscous, or even rice. Then, if you want to add even more nutrients, pair it with a veggie side, too. Some of my favorite options include lemon roasted green beans, roasted carrots, roasted broccoli, and Brussels sprouts, bacon & kale gratin. Don’t forget to add a side of crusty bread as well!
What About Leftovers
Once cooled, you can transfer leftovers to an airtight container, or simply wrap the baking dish with aluminum foil. They taste even better the next day and will keep fresh in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat, warm individual portions in the microwave. Or, heat the dish in the oven at 350 degrees just until warmed through. If the chicken begins to brown, cover it with foil, and continue to bake until warm! I recommend adding a splash of water or chicken stock to the sauce when reheating to help thin it out.
Can I Freeze This Chicken Chasseur
This easy chicken dish makes for a great meal prep option and freezes well for up to 3 months! For the best results, transfer leftover Chicken Chasseur to an airtight, freezer-safe container, and freeze until you’re ready to serve. Then, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight, and reheat it in the microwave, oven, or in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add an extra splash of chicken stock as needed to freshen the sauce back up, and you’ll have a tasty meal you can look forward to eating!
Here are a few more chicken recipes that you might enjoy:
- Air Fryer Cajun Chicken
- Panko Chicken Cutlets
- The BEST Grilled Chicken
- Herb & Citrus Chicken
- Chicken Stroganoff
- Chicken Puttanesca
If you make this Hunters Chicken Recipe let me know in the comment section below, I would love to hear what you think, or take a photo and tag me (@everylastbite_) on Instagram, I love seeing your photos!
Chicken Chasseur
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 8 oz mushrooms quartered
- 1 large yellow onion halved and thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup white wine or 1 tbsp white wine vinegar for alcohol free
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- ⅔ cup diced tomatoes canned
- 1 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 2 tsp thyme
Instructions
- Generously season chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. Add the olive oil to a skillet on medium high heat and sear the chicken for 4 minutes per side until a golden brown colour. Set the chicken aside on a plate and add the mushrooms, onions and garlic to the pan and saute for 5 minutes until the onions become translucent.
- Add in the wine and tomato paste and stir around before pouring in the canned tomatoes, chicken stock and thyme. Bring to a simmer and then return the chicken breasts to the pan. Leave to simmer for 20 minutes uncovered until the sauce has begun to thicken and reduce and the chicken breasts are cooked through. If the mushroom sauce is still quite liquidy, increase the heat and continue to cook until the sauce is thick.
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