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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
Season the chicken breasts with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Wrap each chicken breast with three slices of streaky bacon, ensuring the ends of the bacon are tucked under the chicken to prevent unwrapping.
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.
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.
Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens (about 5-10 minutes).
Remove the chicken from the oven.Remove the chicken from the oven.
Spoon the BBQ sauce generously over each chicken breast.
Sprinkle the grated cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the sauced chicken breasts.
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.
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.
Servings 4
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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.
