Mary Berry’s Chicken Chasseur is a nod to classic French cooking. It combines rich flavours with soft chicken thighs. It’s also called “Hunter’s Chicken.” It turns a classic French dish into something home cooks can master. White wine, shallots, mushrooms, and herbs make a tasty tomato sauce.
This dish is famous for being easy to make and delicious. It’s perfect for family meals or special events. Thanks to Mary Berry, even beginners can make this gourmet dish. It promises to be a favourite in homes all over the UK. Try this chicken chasseur for a meal full of flavour and comfort.
Chicken Chasseur is a beloved classic, deeply rooted in French cooking traditions. It’s inspired by the hunter’s cuisine, which shows the versatility of chicken dishes. The name “Chasseur” means “hunter” in French.
This recipe brings together tender chicken thighs, rich tomatoes, mushrooms, and white wine. Aromatic herbs are added to boost the dish’s flavours. Browning the chicken seals in its deliciousness. Simmering it in sauce makes the dish comforting and rich.
Chicken Chasseur fits well into any meal setting, from casual family dinners to classy gatherings. It’s known for its soothing aroma and exquisite taste. This dish takes you straight to the heart of France. It showcases why it’s a cherished classic in French cuisine.
Aspect
Details
Preparation Time
Less than 30 minutes
Serves
4 to 6 people
Freezing
Yes, suitable for freezing
Oven Temperature
160C/140C Fan/Gas Mark 3
Cooking Time
1 to 2 hours
Total Weight of Chicken
1.5kg/3lb 5oz
White Wine
175ml/6fl oz
Chicken Stock
500ml/18fl oz
Chicken Pieces per Serving
2
About Mary Berry’s Cooking Style
Mary Berry’s cooking blends simplicity and elegance. It pays homage to British culinary traditions. Her recipes make gourmet meals accessible for everyone using straightforward home cooking methods. Quality ingredients are key, letting natural flavours stand out. This approach avoids over-complicating things.
Her use of fresh herbs and strong seasonings boosts each dish’s tastiness. It invites home cooks into cooking’s enchanting world, mixing experimentation with tradition. Straightforward techniques build kitchen confidence, making it easy to tackle her classic dishes.
Mary Berry has become a beacon in the world of home cooking today. Her recipes bring back warm memories of childhood and family moments. Dishes like her well-loved cherry cake showcase the soul of British cuisine. Learn more about her delicious creations, such as the Cherry Cake, which demonstrate her lasting kitchen legacy.
Ingredients for Mary Berry’s Chicken Chasseur
Want to cook up Mary Berry’s delicious Chicken Chasseur? You’ll need some special ingredients. They mix together to create a dish full of flavour and texture. Here’s what you need, along with some ideas to make it your own.
Essential Ingredients
Chicken Thighs (8 pieces, bone-in, skin-on): Ideal for juiciness and flavour.
Shallots (4, finely chopped): Adds a touch of sweetness.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Brings depth and aroma.
Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Perfect for browning the chicken.
Thyme (1 teaspoon, dried): Adds a herby hint.
Bay Leaf (1): Infuses aromatic flavours.
Salt and Pepper: To taste, enhancing all flavours.
Chopped Fresh Parsley: For a refreshing garnish.
Optional Variations
Want to switch things up? Here are some changes you can make:
Substituting Chicken Breasts: A leaner option than thighs but may require adjusted cooking times.
Adding Bacon: Strips of smoked streaky bacon lend a smoky depth to the dish.
Herb Variations: Experiment with rosemary or tarragon in place of thyme for different flavours.
Creamy Version: Incorporating creme fraiche or sour cream yields a richer sauce.
Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with firm tofu or additional mushrooms.
How to Prepare Chicken Chasseur Mary Berry
Making Chicken Chasseur Mary Berry style needs some steps to get it just right. This classic French dish is full of flavour. It’s a great choice for meals with family and friends. Just follow these cooking instructions to learn how to make chicken chasseur.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Brown the Chicken: Start by heating olive oil in a big pan over medium heat. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Then, brown them for 4-5 minutes each side to add flavour.
Sauté Shallots and Garlic: Use the same pan to sauté shallots and garlic in butter. Do this for 2-3 minutes until they smell great. This step makes the dish even more aromatic.
Add Mushrooms: Add 200g of sliced mushrooms and cook them until they’re browned. This helps to release their moisture, making the sauce richer.
Deglaze with Wine: Next, add 150ml of white wine. Scrape the pan to get all the flavourful bits off. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavours.
Incorporate Tomatoes and Stock: Mix in 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, 400g of tinned tomatoes, and 200ml of chicken stock. Don’t forget the thyme and a bay leaf. Then, let it simmer.
Simmer the Chicken: Put the chicken back in the pan, making sure it’s covered by the sauce. Cover and simmer for 30-35 minutes until the chicken is tender.
Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaf and season to taste. Add some freshly chopped parsley for garnish before serving.
Tips for Perfecting the Recipe
Brown the Chicken Well: Brown the chicken properly for the best flavour.
Deglaze Properly: Remember to scrape up all the browned bits for a rich and deep sauce.
Low and Slow Cooking: Slow cooking at a low heat makes the chicken tender and blends flavours nicely.
Garnish Freshly: Fresh parsley added just before serving brightens the dish and adds colour.
Chicken chasseur pairs well with many sides. These options enhance its rich flavours. Think of these for a lovely family meal:
Mashed Potatoes: Their creamy texture is perfect for the sauce.
Rice: White or wild rice offer a neutral base for the sauce.
Crusty Bread: Great for soaking up the delicious sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: Adds colour and heartiness to your dish.
Steamed Greens: Green beans or broccoli balance the meal nicely.
In the 70s, families loved adding convenience foods to their meals. A notable pairing was chicken chasseur with baked potatoes. This was a favourite for many households. Today, chicken chasseur still holds a special place, standing tall with classics like fish pie.
Chicken chasseur is a timeless favourite. Pairing it with different sides enhances dining experiences. This turns a simple meal into an event to remember.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
When you store chicken chasseur right, it stays tasty for later. It’s good for the planet and cuts down on waste.
First, cool it down then pop it in the fridge quickly. Put the chicken chasseur in a tight container. It stays fresh for three days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. It lasts for three months. Make sure it’s cool before freezing. Defrost it in the fridge before you eat it again.
There are a few ways to reheat this dish:
Oven: Heat it to 180°C. Cover with foil to keep it moist and bake for 15-20 minutes.
Stovetop: Reheat on low, stirring now and then. You can add a bit of water to keep it from drying out.
Microwave: Great for a quick meal. Zap portions on medium for 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway to warm it evenly.
Conclusion
Mary Berry’s Chicken Chasseur is not just food; it’s an adventure into French cooking. This meal brings together soft chicken and a tasty sauce. It’s perfect for bringing people together, whether at family dinners or fancy events.
When you add sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or baguette, it becomes a celebration. This dish turns any meal into a memorable event.
This recipe shows that fancy cooking is within everyone’s reach. It’s about bringing a piece of French food history into our homes. Plus, it lets everyone add a little bit of themselves into the meal, making each dish unique.
In our last words on this delicious meal, we share a simple truth. With some easy steps and preparation, making Chicken Chasseur is a breeze. So, get your ingredients ready, use the tips we’ve shared, and prepare to wow your guests and family.
FAQ
What is Chicken Chasseur?
Chicken Chasseur, also called “Hunter’s Chicken,” is a classic French meal. It includes tender chicken thighs in a rich tomato and mushroom sauce. The sauce gets its flavour from white wine and herbs.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this recipe?
Yes, chicken breasts can work if you prefer leaner meat. Just remember, they cook quicker than thighs. So, keep an eye on them while they cook.
What should I serve with Chicken Chasseur?
It goes great with mashed potatoes, rice, crusty bread, or roasted veggies. This combination makes for a filling, well-rounded meal.
How do I store leftovers of Chicken Chasseur?
First, let the dish cool completely. Then, put it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It’ll stay good for 3 days, or you can freeze it for up to 3 months. To use frozen leftovers, thaw them in the fridge overnight.
What tips can help me enhance the flavour of Chicken Chasseur?
For a deeper flavour, brown the chicken well. Also, make sure to deglaze the pan fully. Letting it simmer slowly is also key.
Can I make a vegetarian version of Chicken Chasseur?
Definitely, replace the chicken with firm tofu or more mushrooms. This veggie version will still be hearty and satisfying.
Is Chicken Chasseur difficult to prepare?
Not at all. Chicken Chasseur is quite straightforward, reflecting Mary Berry’s cooking philosophy. It’s about making fancy recipes easy for anyone to try at home.
How can I make Chicken Chasseur creamier?
Simply add a splash of cream near the end of cooking. It will enrich the sauce with a creamy texture and a touch of luxury.
