Hunter’s Chicken Recipe

Servings: 4 Total Time: 40 mins Difficulty: Beginner
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Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our Hunter’s Chicken recipe. This beloved pub classic combines juicy chicken breasts wrapped in smoky streaky bacon, smothered in a rich BBQ sauce, and topped with melted cheese. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish that’s sure to be a hit with the whole family.

History

Hunter’s Chicken, or Chicken Chasseur, originates from French cuisine, where “chasseur” means “hunter.” Traditionally, hunters would use whatever game and ingredients they had on hand, creating a robust and flavourful dish. The British adaptation of this classic, however, transforms it into a pub favourite with the addition of bacon, BBQ sauce, and cheese.

Serving Suggestions

Hunter’s Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. For a classic pub meal, serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or crispy chips. Roasted vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts make for a wholesome accompaniment. Alternatively, a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the chicken.

Storing Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you wish to keep it longer, freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Ensure the dish is fully cooled before freezing to maintain the best quality.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil to prevent the cheese from over-browning, and heat for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, allow the chicken to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoy making and devouring this delicious Hunter’s Chicken recipe! We’d love to hear your thoughts and any personal twists you added to the dish. Share your experiences in the comments below, and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter for more mouth-watering recipes and culinary tips.

How to Make Hunter’s Chicken Recipe

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Hunter’s Chicken Recipe

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 30 mins Total Time 40 mins
Cooking Temp: 200  °C Servings: 4 Calories: 450 kcal per serving
Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Hunter's Chicken, a beloved pub favourite, features juicy chicken breasts wrapped in smoky streaky bacon, generously smothered in rich BBQ sauce, and topped with a blend of melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese. This hearty and satisfying dish is perfect for a comforting meal at home, offering a delightful mix of savoury and sweet flavours. Serve it with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables for a complete and delicious dinner.

Ingredients

Instructions

Prepare the Oven:

  1. Preheat Oven

    Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).

Prepare the Chicken:

  1. Season Chicken

    Season the chicken breasts with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.

  2. Wrap Chicken

    Wrap each chicken breast with three slices of streaky bacon, ensuring the ends of the bacon are tucked under the chicken to prevent unwrapping.

Bake the Chicken:

  1. Place Chicken in Oven

    Place the wrapped chicken breasts in a baking dish or cast iron skillet.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the middle.

Prepare the BBQ Sauce:

  1. Combine Ingredients

    While the chicken is baking, combine the BBQ sauce, tomato ketchup, honey, mustard powder, dark brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and water in a small saucepan.

  2. Cook Sauce

    Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens (about 5-10 minutes).

Add Sauce and Cheese:

  1. Remove Chicken

    Remove the chicken from the oven.Remove the chicken from the oven.

  2. Add BBQ Sauce

    Spoon the BBQ sauce generously over each chicken breast.

  3. Add Cheese

    Sprinkle the grated cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the sauced chicken breasts.

Melt the Cheese:

  1. Return to Oven

    Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5-8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5-8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

Serve:

  1. Garnish and Serve

    Garnish with finely chopped fresh chives if desired.
    Serve hot with your choice of sides such as mashed potatoes, chips, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4


Amount Per Serving
Calories 450kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 22g34%
Saturated Fat 10g50%
Sodium 1200mg50%
Total Carbohydrate 18g6%
Sugars 15g
Protein 45g90%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

  • Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper based on your spice preference.
  • For a smokier flavour, use smoked streaky bacon and a smoky BBQ sauce.
  • Ensure the chicken breasts are of similar size for even cooking.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) for safe consumption.
  • Fresh chives can be replaced with parsley or green onions for garnish if preferred.
Keywords: Hunter's Chicken Recipe, How to make Hunter's Chicken, Hunter's Chicken, Chicken Chasseur, Chicken wrapped in bacon, BBQ Chicken, Pub classic chicken recipe, Baked Chicken with Cheese, Comfort food recipes, Easy chicken dinner, Traditional British recipes

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for breasts. Adjust the cooking time as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

Is it possible to use turkey bacon instead of streaky bacon?

Absolutely! Turkey bacon can be used as a lower-fat alternative. Just ensure it's tightly wrapped around the chicken to prevent unwrapping during cooking.

Can I prepare Hunter's Chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and wrap it in bacon ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator and bake when ready. The BBQ sauce can also be made in advance and refrigerated.

What type of BBQ sauce works best for this recipe?

Any store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce works well. Choose a sauce that suits your taste preference, whether it's sweet, smoky, or tangy.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Ensure that all ingredients, especially the BBQ sauce and mustard powder, are certified gluten-free. Most cheeses are naturally gluten-free, but double-check the labels to be sure.

Did you make this recipe?

Tag #GreatFoodIreland if you made this recipe. Follow @greatfoodireland on Instagram for more recipes.

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Fiona O'Sullivan

Fiona O'Sullivan is the passionate editor of Great Food Ireland, a popular blog dedicated to celebrating traditional Irish cuisine and culinary heritage. With a rich background in food writing and a deep love for Ireland's gastronomic culture, Fiona brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to her role. She curates authentic recipes, shares culinary stories, and explores the vibrant food scene across Ireland. Fiona's dedication to promoting Irish food traditions has made Great Food Ireland a beloved resource for food enthusiasts around the world.

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