Chicken Chasseur (Hunters Chicken) – Easy Chicken Recipes

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My Chicken Chasseur recipe, a classic French dish also known as Hunters Chicken, is filled with savory flavors. Deliciously-seasoned chicken legs are cooked up with onions, garlic, and mushrooms, in a rich red wine tomato sauce. I always pair this easy dinner with a robust glass of wine!

a pan of chicken chasseur (hunters chicken).a pan of chicken chasseur (hunters chicken).

Ingredients

I’ve taken tender, juicy chicken legs, and cooked them in a rich sauce made from mushrooms, tomatoes, onions, and wine. What could be better?

  • Olive Oil: Helps the chicken cook without burning.
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the dish.
  • Chicken Leg Quarters: This juicy dark meat chicken is perfect for this dish.
  • Salt + Pepper: Enhance the natural flavor of the chicken.
  • Yellow Onion: Adds an earthy sweetness to the dish.
  • Garlic: Adds an earthy flavor and a pungent aroma.
  • Cremini Mushrooms: Add flavor and texture to the sauce.
  • Tomato Paste: Adds depth to the sauce.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the sauce.
  • Red Wine: Adds acidity to balance the sauce. Choose a dry red wine, like cabernet sauvignon or merlot.
  • Chicken Broth: Forms the rich and flavorful base of the sauce.
  • Herbs: Thyme and parsley add a fresh and herbaceous element.
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Add a burst of freshness, sweetness, and acidity.

Pro Tip: I always use fresh herbs when making hunters chicken for the best flavor!

Variations on Hunters Chicken

There are lots of ways to make this classic chicken chasseur your own. Sometimes I swap out the red wine for white or marsala wine for a sweeter flavor. Or I’ve also been known to add heavy cream to the sauce (off the heat) for a creamy take.

Try adding some bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or (pitted) olives for some extra color and flavor.

Roasted chicken with mushrooms and tomatoes in a pan.Roasted chicken with mushrooms and tomatoes in a pan.

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftover chicken chasseur in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave in 30-second increments until warmed through.

How to Freeze

You can freeze chicken chasseur in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

I love to serve this hunters chicken with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. Add a side of green beans, asparagus, or a simple salad to create a full meal.

A bowl filled with chicken quarters in a sauce of red wine, mushrooms, and tomatoes.A bowl filled with chicken quarters in a sauce of red wine, mushrooms, and tomatoes.
A pan with chicken and mushrooms in it.A pan with chicken and mushrooms in it.

Chicken Chasseur Recipe (Hunters Chicken)

I cook chicken in a sauce made of wine, tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, and broth for a rich and savory dish.

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Instructions

  • In a large, deep sauté pan, heat the oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat.

    2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • Season the chicken on all sides with 1 teaspoon of salt and all of the pepper, then cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, until browned. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

    2½ pounds bone-in chicken leg quarters, 1¼ teaspoons kosher salt, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

  • Reduce the heat to medium and melt the remaining butter.

  • Add the onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.

    1 yellow onion

  • Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, then stir in the mushrooms. Season with the remaining ¼ teaspoon of salt and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are browned.

    4 cloves garlic, 16 ounces cremini mushrooms

  • Stir in the tomato paste and flour and cook for 30 seconds, then stir in the red wine and bring it to a simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.

    1 tablespoon tomato paste, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, ¾ cup dry red wine

  • Stir in the broth, thyme, parsley, and the remaining salt and pepper.

    1¼ cups low-sodium chicken broth, 3 sprigs thyme, 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

  • Nestle the chicken and any juices back into the pan, then top with the tomatoes.

    1 cup cherry tomatoes

  • Cover the pan, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 30-45 minutes until the chicken is tender.

  • Taste and season the sauce as desired, thickening it uncovered if desired, then serve garnished with fresh herbs.

Notes

  • You can also make this recipe with chicken thighs or chicken breasts; just make sure not to overcook the chicken.
  • Properly cooked chicken is 165°F internally.
  • Use fresh herbs for the best taste.

Storage: Store chicken chasseur in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Facts

Chicken Chasseur Recipe (Hunters Chicken)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 506
Calories from Fat 324

% Daily Value*

Fat 36g55%

Saturated Fat 10g63%

Trans Fat 0.3g

Polyunsaturated Fat 6g

Monounsaturated Fat 16g

Cholesterol 167mg56%

Sodium 654mg28%

Potassium 856mg24%

Carbohydrates 12g4%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 3g3%

Protein 30g60%

Vitamin A 598IU12%

Vitamin C 12mg15%

Calcium 49mg5%

Iron 2mg11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

What is chicken chasseur?

This classic French dish is made from tender pieces of chicken braised in a sauce made from chicken broth, tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, and fresh herbs.

Why is it called chicken chasseur?

Chasseur is French for “hunter”, and this rich sauce is traditionally paired with freshly hunted fowl, rabbit, or venison.

What is the difference between chicken cacciatore and chicken chasseur?

They are essentially the same base dish; however, Italians often add sweet peppers and olives to chicken cacciatore.

Can I make chicken chasseur with a different cut of chicken?

Sure! You can make this dish with chicken thighs or breasts.

What can I use instead of red wine in chicken chasseur?

You can make this dish with white or marsala wine, alcohol-removed red wine, beef broth, or chicken broth.

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