This French bistro classic, Chicken Chasseur, is a rich and flavorful dish cooked in one pot. Made with tender chicken, mushrooms, red wine, and aromatic herbs, it’s perfect for serving with creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 tsp olive oil
• 25g butter, divided
• 4 chicken legs
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 200g small button or chestnut mushrooms
• 225ml red wine
• 2 tbsp tomato purée
• 2 thyme sprigs
• 500ml chicken stock

Directions

1. Heat the olive oil and half of the butter in a large lidded casserole dish.
2. Season the chicken legs and fry for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
3. Melt the remaining butter in the pan and add the chopped onion. Fry for about 5 minutes until soft.
4. Add the crushed garlic and cook for about 1 minute. Stir in the mushrooms and cook for 2 more minutes.
5. Pour in the red wine, stir in the tomato purée, and let the liquid bubble and reduce for about 5 minutes.
6. Add the thyme sprigs and pour in the chicken stock. Return the chicken legs to the pan, cover, and simmer on low heat for about 1 hour until the chicken is tender.
7. Remove the chicken legs and keep them warm. Boil the sauce for about 10 minutes until it thickens and becomes syrupy.
8. Return the chicken legs to the sauce and serve.

Nutrients (Per Serving, Estimated for 4 Servings)

• Calories: ~450 kcal
• Protein: ~40g
• Fat: ~25g
  • Saturated Fat: ~8g
• Carbohydrates: ~10g
  • Fiber: ~2g
  • Sugars: ~5g
• Sodium: ~600mg

The Origins of Chicken Chasseur

The name “Chasseur” means “hunter” in French, which hints at the dish’s rustic origins. It was originally created as a meal for hunters who would prepare freshly caught game, such as rabbit or pheasant, in a sauce made from wild mushrooms, wine, and herbs found in the countryside. Over time, the recipe evolved, and chicken became the more common protein choice. Today, Chicken Chasseur remains a staple in French cuisine, beloved for its rich, earthy flavors and its ability to bring a touch of fine dining to a home-cooked meal.

Why Chicken Chasseur is a Classic French Bistro Dish

French cuisine is known for its balance of flavors and emphasis on quality ingredients, and Chicken Chasseur embodies these principles beautifully. Here’s what makes this dish stand out:

• Rich and Complex Sauce – The combination of red wine, tomato purée, and chicken stock creates a deep, flavorful sauce that coats every bite.
• Earthy Mushrooms – Mushrooms add a layer of umami and texture to the dish, making the sauce even more robust.
• Aromatic Herbs – Thyme and garlic bring warmth and fragrance to the sauce, enhancing the overall taste.
• One-Pot Cooking – This dish is cooked in a single pot, allowing the ingredients to meld together while making cleanup easy.
• Versatile Pairings – Chicken Chasseur pairs well with a variety of side dishes, making it a flexible meal for different occasions.

Choosing the Best Ingredients for Chicken Chasseur

To create the best Chicken Chasseur, it’s important to use high-quality ingredients that enhance the dish’s natural flavors. Here’s what to look for:

• Chicken – Bone-in, skin-on chicken legs or thighs work best, as they stay moist and absorb the flavors of the sauce beautifully.
• Mushrooms – Small button or chestnut mushrooms add a rich, earthy taste and a satisfying texture.
• Red Wine – A dry red wine, such as Pinot Noir or Merlot, enhances the sauce’s depth without overpowering the dish.
• Tomato Purée – This adds a subtle sweetness and richness to the sauce, balancing the acidity of the wine.
• Thyme – Fresh thyme sprigs bring a fragrant, herbal note that complements the other ingredients.

How Chicken Chasseur Compares to Other French Chicken Dishes

French cuisine offers a variety of rich, wine-based chicken dishes, each with its own unique characteristics. Here’s how Chicken Chasseur compares to some of its close relatives:

• Chicken Chasseur vs. Coq au Vin – Coq au Vin is braised in red wine with bacon and pearl onions, whereas Chicken Chasseur has a lighter, tomato-based sauce and includes mushrooms.
• Chicken Chasseur vs. Chicken Fricassée – Chicken Fricassée is a creamy, white-wine-based stew, while Chicken Chasseur has a deeper, red-wine-infused sauce.
• Chicken Chasseur vs. Poulet Basquaise – Poulet Basquaise comes from the Basque region and is cooked with bell peppers and paprika, while Chicken Chasseur is more herbaceous and mushroom-forward.

Best Side Dishes to Serve with Chicken Chasseur

Chicken Chasseur is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some of the best options:

• Mashed Potatoes – The creamy texture of mashed potatoes complements the rich, savory sauce.
• Crusty Bread – A warm baguette or sourdough loaf is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the sauce.
• Rice or Couscous – These grains absorb the sauce beautifully while adding a light and fluffy texture.
• Steamed Green Beans – A side of simple green beans balances the richness of the dish with a fresh, crisp bite.
• Roasted Root Vegetables – Carrots, parsnips, and turnips add natural sweetness and enhance the rustic appeal of the meal.

How to Customize Chicken Chasseur to Your Taste

While the classic Chicken Chasseur recipe is already packed with flavor, there are several ways to adapt it to your preferences:

• Use White Wine Instead of Red – For a lighter sauce, substitute red wine with dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc.
• Add Bacon for Extra Depth – A few slices of crispy bacon or pancetta can add a smoky, salty layer to the dish.
• Make it Spicier – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for a subtle heat.
• Try Different Mushrooms – Experiment with wild mushrooms like shiitake or cremini for a richer, more intense mushroom flavor.
• Thicken the Sauce – If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water during the final simmer.

Pairing Chicken Chasseur with the Right Wine

Since Chicken Chasseur is a wine-based dish, choosing the right wine to serve alongside it can enhance the dining experience. Here are some excellent wine pairings:

• Pinot Noir – A light and fruity red wine that complements the earthiness of the mushrooms.
• Merlot – A medium-bodied red with soft tannins that enhances the richness of the sauce.
• Grenache – A slightly spicier red that adds depth without overpowering the dish.
• Chardonnay – If using white wine in the sauce, a full-bodied Chardonnay pairs well with the flavors.
• Rosé – A dry rosé can provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty sauce.

Making Chicken Chasseur Ahead of Time

One of the great advantages of Chicken Chasseur is that it tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Here’s how to prepare it in advance:

• Cook Ahead – Make the dish a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.
• Freeze for Later – Chicken Chasseur freezes well for up to three months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheat Properly – Warm the dish over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or wine to refresh the sauce.

Conclusion

Chicken Chasseur is a timeless French classic that brings elegance and comfort to any meal. Its rich sauce, infused with mushrooms, red wine, and aromatic herbs, creates a deeply satisfying dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Whether you’re preparing it for a special dinner or simply indulging in a cozy home-cooked meal, this one-pot wonder is sure to impress.