Chicken Chasseur French Hunter S Chicken

What I love most about this Hunter’s Chicken is its rustic charm and versatility. Whether enjoyed on a cozy evening at home or shared with loved ones during a special gathering, it never fails to impress. And the best part? It’s really easy to make! With just a few ingredients and a little patience, I can make this French classic at home. It’s a dish that makes any mealtime special, and I love sharing it with others. French cuisine is often though of as being fancy and complicated, but many of their best dishes are humble, simple homestyle food. My Coq au Vin and Chicken Provençal are two such recipes. Today I am bringing you another wine braised chicken dish, with its own unique flavors and personality.

What is Chicken Chasseur?

Chicken Chasseur, often known as “hunter’s chicken” or poulet chasseur, is a classic French dish that represents the rustic and hearty flavors of traditional French cooking. It is not to be confused with Chicken Cacciatore, which is the Italian rendition of hunter’s chicken. The name “chasseur” means hunter in French, reflecting its origins as a meal that hunters would prepare with the game and foraged mushrooms they gathered. This dish has evolved, and is now commonly made with chicken. The key to Chicken Chasseur lies in its rich and aromatic chasseur sauce. Although there are variations, wine, mushrooms, shallots and tomato are typically key components.

Ingredients Needed

Chicken – I prefer using bone-in, skin-on thighs because they have more flavor and are juicier. But if you want something lighter, chicken breasts will work too, though they might not be as tender. Traditionally, whole cut up chicken is used. Shallots – Shallots are milder and slightly sweeter than onions, making them perfect for this dish. Mushrooms – White or cremini mushrooms are great choices for their availability and mild flavor. White Wine – For the wine, I choose a dry white that I like to drink. If you don’t want to use alcohol, chicken broth is a good substitute. Cognac – If you don’t have cognac, brandy is a suitable substitute. For a non-alcoholic version, you can omit it. Tomatoes – Crushed tomatoes add a slight tang and richness, balancing the flavors. Herbs – Fresh tarragon and parsley. If fresh herbs aren’t available, dried ones can be used, but the flavor will be different. Keep in mind that dried are more potent, so use only 1 teaspoon of dried in place of 1 tablespoon dried.

Chicken Chasseur Recipe

Brown the chicken: I start by seasoning the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then I coat them lightly in flour. Next, I sear them in butter until they’re golden brown on both sides. Once they’re done, I transfer them to a plate.
Create the sauce: I sauté the shallots until they’re soft and translucent. Then, I add the mushrooms and cook them until they’re golden brown. After that, I add the garlic and cook it until it’s fragrant. Next, the white wine goes in, and I stir to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. It cooks for a few minutes to let the alcohol evaporate. Then, I add the cognac along with some fresh tarragon and parsley for extra flavor. After that, I pour in the chicken stock and crushed tomatoes, and let everything simmer for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld together. I place the seared chicken thighs into the sauce, skin side up.
Bake: I bake the dish for about 30 minutes in preheated oven at 400°F. While that’s baking, I mix softened butter with flour, then slowly stir this mixture into the sauce to thicken it up. After that, I return the dish to the oven and bake it for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 185°F and is fall-off-the-bone tender.

Serving Suggestions

I usually enjoy this French chicken stew with a side of crusty bread. It’s great for sopping up those delicious juices. Mashed or Roasted potatoes are also wonderful options. Or try the stewed chicken over a bed of egg noodles.

Alpana’s Tips

Try my delightful stewed chicken soon, and declare to everyone that you’ve mastered the art of French cooking! Pin or bookmark this easy recipe so you always know where to find it. And be sure to subscribe to GypsyPlate, we’re always cooking up new recipes for you. For more great meals, check out our hand picked collection of Dinner Ideas for Tonight. Until next time…