Classic Chicken Chasseur

The Story Behind the Recipe 🍗

Every family has that one dish that feels like a hug — warm, comforting, and impossible to forget. For me, it’s Classic Chicken Chasseur.

The first time I made it, it was a cool Sunday afternoon. The kind where the windows fog up and the scent of something delicious fills every corner of the house. I’d found an old French cookbook at a thrift shop (the kind with yellowed pages and sauce stains — you know it’s good when it’s a little messy 😅). Inside was this recipe called Poulet Chasseur, or “Hunter’s Chicken.”

The story behind it made me smile: French hunters used to make this dish after a long day in the woods, using freshly caught game, wild mushrooms, herbs, and a splash of wine. It was rustic, flavorful, and pure comfort.

That day, I made it with chicken thighs, tomatoes, and a good splash of white wine. When the sauce started bubbling and the aroma hit, I knew I had something special. My husband said it was “restaurant-worthy,” and even my kids — who are usually team chicken nuggets — asked for seconds.

Now, this dish has become a family favorite. It’s my go-to for cozy dinners, small gatherings, or those days when I just want to slow down, cook something soulful, and fill the kitchen with love. ❤️

---

What Makes This Recipe Special

There’s a reason Chicken Chasseur has stood the test of time — it’s timeless, elegant, and comforting all at once.

Here’s what makes this recipe extra special:

• 🍄 Rich Layers of Flavor: Tender chicken simmered in a tomato-wine sauce with earthy mushrooms and herbs.
• 🍅 Rustic & Refined: Simple ingredients, elevated by classic French cooking.
• 🍗 Versatile: Perfect for weeknights or dinner parties.
• 🍷 Wine-Infused Goodness: The wine deepens the sauce flavor beautifully — like a warm French countryside embrace.
• 💕 One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes, more flavor — what’s not to love?

It’s cozy, satisfying, and tastes like something straight out of a French bistro — without ever leaving your kitchen.

---

Ingredients – Fresh, Simple & Full of Flavor

🍗 For the Chicken:

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (you can also use drumsticks or breasts)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

🍄 For the Sauce:

• 2 shallots, finely chopped (or 1 small onion)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz (225g) cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• ½ cup dry white wine (or red, for a deeper flavor)
• ¾ cup chicken stock
• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

🧈 Optional Additions:

• 1 tablespoon butter (to finish the sauce)
• A splash of cream (for extra richness)
• A squeeze of lemon juice (for brightness)

---

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Season & Brown the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken pieces skin-side down until golden brown — about 5–6 minutes per side. Remove and set aside on a plate.

(Pro Tip: Don’t rush this step — the golden crust gives the sauce amazing flavor!)

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pan (don’t clean it!), add the chopped shallots and cook until softened, about 2 minutes. Add garlic and mushrooms, cooking until the mushrooms release their juices and start to brown — around 5 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Tomato Base

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to caramelize it slightly — this deepens the flavor.

Pour in the wine, scraping up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Add chicken stock, diced tomatoes, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir well to combine.

Step 5: Return the Chicken

Place the seared chicken pieces back into the pan, skin side up. Spoon some sauce over the top. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 30–35 minutes until the chicken is tender and the sauce is rich.

Step 6: Finish the Sauce

For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter or a splash of cream right before serving. Remove the bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 7: Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot. That glossy, fragrant sauce will make your heart happy. 💕

---

Serving Suggestions – What to Pair It With

This dish pairs beautifully with both rustic and elegant sides. Try these:

• 🥔 Mashed Potatoes: The creamy potatoes soak up that luscious sauce.
• 🍞 Crusty French Bread: Perfect for mopping up every drop.
• 🍚 Rice or Orzo: Simple but so satisfying.
• 🥦 Steamed Veggies or Green Beans Almondine: For balance and color.
• 🍷 Wine Pairing: Serve with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a medium-bodied Pinot Noir.

If you want to impress guests, serve it family-style — right from the pan with warm bread on the side. Rustic, elegant, and oh-so-French. 🇫🇷

---

Customization & Variations

There are so many ways to make this dish your own while keeping its classic charm:

• Creamy Chasseur: Stir in a splash of cream or crème fraîche for a velvety sauce.
• No-Wine Version: Replace the wine with extra stock and a squeeze of lemon.
• Add Bacon or Pancetta: Cook it first, remove it, then use the fat to sear the chicken — it adds smoky depth.
• Vegetarian Option: Use seared mushrooms or tofu instead of chicken, and vegetable broth.
• Add Herbs: Tarragon, rosemary, or a dash of Herbes de Provence work beautifully.

---

Storing & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stove over low heat or in the oven at 325°F until heated through.

(Pro Tip: If the sauce thickens after reheating, add a splash of stock or water to loosen it up.)

---

Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving – Approx.)

• Calories: 420
• Fat: 26g
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Sugar: 4g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 580mg

Wholesome, hearty, and full of real, satisfying flavor. 💕

---

Reader Q&A – Common Questions

1. Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes! Just reduce simmering time to about 20 minutes.

2. What kind of wine works best?
Dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc) or light red wine (like Pinot Noir).

3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! It tastes even better the next day.

4. My sauce is too thin — how can I fix it?
Simmer uncovered for a few minutes to let it thicken naturally.

5. Can I add cream?
Yes! Add a splash at the end for a luxurious texture.

6. What can I use instead of mushrooms?
Zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers work nicely.

7. Is this dish spicy?
No, but you can add a pinch of chili flakes if you like a little heat.

8. Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the chicken first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours.

9. What can I serve it with for a dinner party?
Mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, and a glass of wine — it’s perfect.

10. Can I double the recipe?
Totally! It scales beautifully for large gatherings.

---

Final Thoughts 🍽️

This Classic Chicken Chasseur is the kind of dish that reminds you why cooking matters — not just for the food, but for the feeling it brings.

Every spoonful tells a story: tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, fragrant herbs, and that silky tomato-wine sauce that feels like pure love. ❤️

It’s rustic enough for a cozy weeknight dinner but elegant enough for special occasions. When you cook it slowly, with care and patience, it becomes more than a meal — it’s comfort, it’s family, it’s a little taste of France in your own kitchen. 🇫🇷

Serve it with bread, pour yourself a glass of wine, and enjoy the moment. Because this one, Bro, is chef’s kiss perfection. 👩‍🍳✨

---

Tried This Recipe? 💕

If you made this Classic Chicken Chasseur, I’d love to see it!

📸 Share your version on Pinterest and tag @Granny’s Lil Kitchen — your cozy French feast might get featured on the blog!

Did you go creamy? Add bacon? Serve it over mashed potatoes?
Tell me in the comments — because food tastes better when shared with friends. 💖

Until next time, keep cooking with love, one comforting meal at a time. 🍷🍗