Mary Berry Chicken Chasseur Recipe

The Mary Berry Chicken Chasseur is a rich and flavorful French-inspired dish that is perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Combining tender chicken with a savory sauce made from tomatoes, mushrooms, white wine, and aromatic herbs, this dish delivers hearty, comforting flavors. With Mary Berry’s expert guidance, you can recreate this classic recipe that’s both easy to prepare and impressive to serve.

What is Mary Berry Chicken Chasseur?

Mary Berry’s Chicken Chasseur is a classic French dish, also known as “Hunter’s Chicken,” which combines chicken, mushrooms, tomatoes, white wine, and herbs. The chicken is browned first and then simmered in a flavorful sauce until tender. The result is a rustic, comforting meal that’s full of deep, rich flavors.

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Full of Flavor: The combination of wine, herbs, and mushrooms creates a deep, savory sauce that complements the chicken perfectly.
• Perfect for Family Dinners: This hearty dish is a crowd-pleaser and ideal for family gatherings.
• Classic French Cuisine: A traditional French recipe with Mary Berry’s touch of simplicity.
• Simple to Prepare: Though it looks and tastes fancy, the recipe is straightforward and easy to follow.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Chicken Chasseur tastes even better when made in advance, making it ideal for entertaining.

Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Chicken Chasseur

• Chicken Thighs (8 pieces, bone-in, skin-on): The bone and skin add flavor and keep the chicken juicy.
• Shallots (4, finely chopped): Add a mild, sweet onion flavor.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): For depth and aroma.
• Mushrooms (200g, sliced): Adds earthiness and texture.
• White Wine (150ml): For deglazing and adding flavor to the sauce.
• Chicken Stock (200ml): Forms the base of the sauce.
• Tinned Tomatoes (400g): Adds richness and body to the sauce.
• Tomato Paste (1 tablespoon): Concentrated flavor to thicken and enrich the sauce.
• Butter (25g): For cooking the vegetables and adding richness.
• Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): For browning the chicken.
• Thyme (1 teaspoon, dried): Adds an earthy, herby note.
• Bay Leaf (1): Adds aromatic flavor to the dish.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
• Chopped Fresh Parsley (for garnish): Brighten the dish before serving.

Equipment

• Large Frying Pan or Casserole Dish: For browning the chicken and cooking the sauce.
• Tongs: To handle the chicken easily.
• Wooden Spoon: For stirring the sauce.
• Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping vegetables.

Instructions to Make Mary Berry 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.
• Brown the chicken on both sides for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Shallots and Garlic

• In the same pan, add the butter. Once melted, sauté the shallots and garlic for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Mushrooms

• Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan and cook for another 4-5 minutes, allowing them to brown and release their moisture.

Step 4: Deglaze with Wine

• Pour in the white wine and stir, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.

Step 5: Add Tomatoes and Stock

• Stir in the tomato paste, tinned tomatoes, and chicken stock. Add the thyme and bay leaf. Bring the sauce to a simmer.

Step 6: Simmer the chicken

• Return the browned chicken thighs to the pan, nestling them into the sauce.
• Cover the pan and simmer on low heat for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

• Remove the bay leaf and taste the sauce, adjusting the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
• Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

What Goes Well With Mary Berry Chicken Chasseur

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up the rich sauce.
• Rice: Fluffy white or wild rice pairs wonderfully with the chasseur sauce.
• Crusty Bread: A warm loaf of crusty bread is ideal for mopping up the flavorful sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts for a hearty meal.
• Steamed Greens: Spinach, green beans, or broccoli add a fresh side to balance the rich sauce.
• Egg Noodles: Buttered noodles offer a simple yet delicious side dish.

Expert Tips for Making the Best Mary Berry Chicken Chasseur

• Brown the Chicken Well: Make sure the chicken is browned well before simmering—it adds depth of flavor to the dish.
• Deglaze the Pan: Scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan when adding the wine. These bits add flavor to the sauce.
• Use Bone-In Chicken: Bone-in chicken adds more flavor to the dish and keeps the meat tender.
• Cook Low and Slow: Let the chicken simmer gently to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender.
• Garnish Freshly: Adding fresh parsley just before serving gives the dish a vibrant, fresh note.

Easy Variations of Mary Berry Chicken Chasseur

• Use Chicken Breasts: Substitute the chicken thighs with chicken breasts for a leaner option, though breasts may cook faster.
• Add Bacon: Include diced, fried bacon for a smoky flavor.
• Herb Variations: Swap thyme for rosemary or tarragon for a different herbal twist.
• Creamy Version: Add a splash of cream at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with firm tofu or extra mushrooms for a vegetarian version.

Best Practices to Store Mary Berry Chicken Chasseur

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Chicken Chasseur can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before freezing, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Cool Before Storing: Allow the dish to cool completely before storing to avoid condensation and sogginess.

Best Practices to Reheat Mary Berry 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 retain moisture.
• Stovetop Reheating: Warm on low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or stock if the sauce thickens too much.
• Microwave: For quicker reheating, microwave individual portions on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

How Can I Make Msary Berry Chicken Chasseur Healthier?

• Use Skinless Chicken: Remove the skin from the chicken thighs to reduce fat content.
• Use Less Oil: Reduce the amount of olive oil used for browning the chicken.
• Low-Sodium Stock: Opt for low-sodium chicken stock to control salt levels.
• Increase Vegetables: Add extra vegetables like carrots, celery, or peas to increase the nutritional content.
• Replace Wine with Stock: Substitute white wine with extra chicken stock for a lower-calorie sauce.

Nutrition Value (per serving):

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fat: 25g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sodium: 650mg

FAQs

Can you freeze Mary Berry Chicken Chasseur?

Yes, you can freeze Mary Berry Chicken Chasseur. Let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in the oven or on the stovetop until heated through.

What wine should I use for Chicken Chasseur?

A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay works best for Chicken Chasseur. The acidity from the wine balances the richness of the chicken and mushrooms, adding depth to the sauce. For a non-alcoholic option, use extra chicken stock and a splash of white wine vinegar.

How long does Chicken Chasseur keep in the fridge?

Chicken Chasseur can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the oven, ensuring the chicken is heated through without drying out.

What’s the best side dish for Chicken Chasseur?

Mashed potatoes or rice are the best side dishes for Chicken Chasseur, as they absorb the rich sauce beautifully. Crusty bread or buttered noodles are also great options for pairing with this flavorful dish.

Final Words

The Mary Berry Chicken Chasseur is a delicious, comforting meal that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. With tender chicken, a rich tomato and wine-based sauce, and the subtle flavors of mushrooms and herbs, this classic French-inspired dish is sure to impress. Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce, and enjoy a heartwarming meal full of flavor.

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