The Hairy Bikers Chicken Chasseur is a hearty and flavorful French-inspired dish. This recipe features tender chicken cooked in a rich sauce made with tomatoes, white wine, mushrooms, and aromatic herbs. Chicken Chasseur, also known as “Hunter’s Chicken,” is a comforting and satisfying meal, perfect for family dinners. The Hairy Bikers’ take on this classic dish is simple, yet full of deep flavors, making it ideal for a cozy night in or a special occasion.
What is Hairy Bikers Chicken Chasseur?
Hairy Bikers’ Chicken Chasseur is a classic French dish made with chicken, mushrooms, tomatoes, white wine, and fresh herbs. The chicken is browned and then simmered in a rich, savory sauce until tender and infused with the flavors of the sauce. It’s a rustic, comforting meal that’s packed with flavor and is perfect for serving with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Rich and Flavorful: The sauce is packed with deep flavors from tomatoes, mushrooms, and wine.
- Hearty Comfort Food: A perfect dish for family dinners or special occasions.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses easy-to-find ingredients that come together beautifully.
- French Classic: A traditional dish with a timeless appeal.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes even better the next day, making it great for leftovers.
Ingredients Needed to Make Hairy Bikers Chicken Chasseur
- Chicken Thighs (8 pieces, bone-in, skin-on): Provides rich flavor and stays juicy during cooking.
- Mushrooms (200g, sliced): Adds earthiness and texture to the sauce.
- Shallots (4, finely chopped): Brings a mild sweetness to the dish.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds depth of flavor.
- White Wine (150ml): For deglazing the pan and adding a slight tang.
- Chicken Stock (200ml): Forms the base of the sauce.
- Tomato Paste (1 tablespoon): Thickens the sauce and adds richness.
- Tinned Tomatoes (400g): For a rich, tomato-based sauce.
- Butter (25g): For sautéing and adding richness to the dish.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): For browning the chicken.
- Thyme (1 teaspoon, dried): Adds herby notes to the dish.
- Bay Leaf (1): For an extra layer of flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
- Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish): Adds freshness at the end.
Equipment
- Large Frying Pan or Casserole Dish: For browning the chicken and making the sauce.
- Wooden Spoon: For stirring the ingredients.
- Tongs: To handle the chicken.
- Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping vegetables.
Instructions to Prepare Hairy Bikers Chicken Chasseur
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
- Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan or casserole dish over medium heat.
- Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then brown them on both sides for about 4-5 minutes per side, until golden. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same pan, add the butter and sauté the shallots and garlic for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add the mushrooms and cook for another 5 minutes until they are browned and any liquid has evaporated.
Step 3: Deglaze with Wine
- Pour the white wine into the pan and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Step 4: Add the Tomatoes and Stock
- Stir in the tomato paste, tinned tomatoes, and chicken stock. Add the thyme and bay leaf, then bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Simmer the chicken
- Return the browned chicken thighs to the pan, nestling them into the sauce.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Step 6: Finish and Garnish
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove the bay leaf and taste the sauce, adjusting the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
What Goes Well With Hairy Bikers Chicken Chasseur
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up the rich sauce.
- Rice: Fluffy rice makes a great side to absorb the delicious chasseur sauce.
- Crusty Bread: Use a fresh loaf of crusty bread to mop up every bit of the sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, parsnips, or green beans complement the flavors of the dish.
- Steamed Broccoli: Adds a healthy, fresh side to the rich and savory chicken.
- Buttered Noodles: Simple buttered noodles pair wonderfully with the flavors of the sauce.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Hairy Bikers Chicken Chasseur
- Brown the Chicken Well: Make sure to brown the chicken thighs properly before simmering them in the sauce. This adds flavor and texture.
- Deglaze the Pan: Don’t skip deglazing the pan with wine. It helps lift all the caramelized bits from the bottom, adding depth to the sauce.
- Use Bone-In Chicken: Bone-in chicken thighs bring more flavor and stay juicy during cooking.
- Slow Simmering: Let the sauce simmer slowly to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh parsley at the end brings brightness and freshness to the dish.
Easy Variations of Hairy Bikers Chicken Chasseur
- Use Chicken Breasts: You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts for a leaner version, though they may cook faster.
- Add Bacon: Fry some bacon pieces with the shallots for a smoky flavor.
- Herb Variations: Try using fresh thyme or rosemary for a more aromatic flavor.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for hearty vegetables like eggplant or mushrooms and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
- Creamy Sauce: Stir in a splash of cream at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
Best Practices to Store Hairy Bikers Chicken Chasseur
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: You can freeze the chicken chasseur for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Cool Completely: Allow the dish to cool before storing to avoid condensation, which can lead to soggy chicken.
Best Practices to Reheat Hairy Bikers Chicken Chasseur
- Oven Reheating: Preheat your oven to 180°C and reheat the chicken chasseur in an ovenproof dish for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
- Stovetop Option: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or stock if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Microwave: For a quicker option, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes on medium power.
How Can I Make Hairy Bikers Chicken Chasseur Healthier?
- Use Skinless Chicken: Remove the skin from the chicken thighs to reduce fat.
- Use Less Oil: Reduce the amount of oil used for browning the chicken.
- Low-Sodium Stock: Opt for a low-sodium chicken stock to reduce salt content.
- Increase Vegetables: Add more vegetables like carrots, celery, or spinach to boost the nutritional content.
- Swap Wine for Stock: Use additional chicken stock instead of wine for a lower-calorie sauce.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
FAQs
Can you freeze Hairy Bikers Chicken Chasseur?
Yes, you can freeze Hairy Bikers Chicken Chasseur. Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven or on the stovetop until heated through.
What wine is best for Chicken Chasseur?
Dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, works best for Chicken Chasseur. The wine adds a tangy depth to the sauce, balancing the richness of the chicken and mushrooms. You can also use a light red wine like Pinot Noir if you prefer.
Can I make Chicken Chasseur in advance?
Yes, Chicken Chasseur can be made in advance. Prepare the dish, let it cool, and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven before serving. The flavors actually improve after sitting, making it perfect for make-ahead meals.
What is a good substitute for white wine in Chicken Chasseur?
If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with additional chicken stock and a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to maintain the acidity and flavor balance in the sauce.
Final Words
The Hairy Bikers Chicken Chasseur is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines classic French techniques with rustic, comforting ingredients. This rich, savory meal is easy to make and perfect for cozy nights at home. With tender chicken, mushrooms, and a deliciously rich tomato sauce, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home. Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread, and enjoy a delicious meal full of bold flavors.
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Hairy Bikers Chicken Chasseur Recipe
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 45
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: French
Description
Hairy Bikers’ Chicken Chasseur is a classic French dish made with chicken, mushrooms, tomatoes, white wine, and fresh herbs. The chicken is browned and then simmered in a rich, savory sauce until tender and infused with the flavors of the sauce. It’s a rustic, comforting meal that’s packed with flavor and is perfect for serving with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.
Ingredients
- Chicken Thighs (8 pieces, bone-in, skin-on): Provides rich flavor and stays juicy during cooking.
- Mushrooms (200g, sliced): Adds earthiness and texture to the sauce.
- Shallots (4, finely chopped): Brings a mild sweetness to the dish.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds depth of flavor.
- White Wine (150ml): For deglazing the pan and adding a slight tang.
- Chicken Stock (200ml): Forms the base of the sauce.
- Tomato Paste (1 tablespoon): Thickens the sauce and adds richness.
- Tinned Tomatoes (400g): For a rich, tomato-based sauce.
- Butter (25g): For sautéing and adding richness to the dish.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): For browning the chicken.
- Thyme (1 teaspoon, dried): Adds herby notes to the dish.
- Bay Leaf (1): For an extra layer of flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
- Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish): Adds freshness at the end.
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
- Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan or casserole dish over medium heat.
- Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then brown them on both sides for about 4-5 minutes per side, until golden. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same pan, add the butter and sauté the shallots and garlic for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add the mushrooms and cook for another 5 minutes until they are browned and any liquid has evaporated.
Step 3: Deglaze with Wine
- Pour the white wine into the pan and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Step 4: Add the Tomatoes and Stock
- Stir in the tomato paste, tinned tomatoes, and chicken stock. Add the thyme and bay leaf, then bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Simmer the Chicken
- Return the browned chicken thighs to the pan, nestling them into the sauce.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Step 6: Finish and Garnish
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove the bay leaf and taste the sauce, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
