Chicken Chasseur, also known as “Hunter’s Chicken,” is a classic French dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, savory sauce made from mushrooms, tomatoes, white wine, and aromatic herbs. The name “chasseur” refers to its origins as a dish prepared by hunters in the French countryside. The flavors are deep and complex, yet the preparation is simple enough for a cozy weeknight dinner. Perfectly paired with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread, Chicken Chasseur offers a comforting and satisfying meal that captures the essence of traditional French cuisine with its earthy and hearty flavors.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried tarragon (or fresh, if available)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Brown the chicken: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and sear until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, and cook for another 5 minutes until the mushrooms are browned.
- Deglaze the pan: Pour in the white wine and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Prepare the sauce: Stir in the chicken broth, tomato paste, flour, thyme, and tarragon. Mix well to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer.
- Cook the chicken: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up, and spoon some of the sauce over them. Cover and simmer on low heat for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the dish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.
Enjoy your Chicken Chasseur as a flavorful and comforting meal that showcases the rich and rustic taste of traditional French cuisine.
