Chicken Chasseur or French Hunters Chicken

Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then dust them with flour, shaking off any excess.

In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs to the pan and brown them on all sides, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced mushrooms. Cook until the onions are translucent and the mushrooms have released their moisture, about 5 minutes.

Add the white wine to the skillet and deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine simmer for a couple of minutes to reduce slightly.

Stir in the chicken broth, tomato paste, and dried thyme. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it warm. Increase the heat to medium-high and let the sauce reduce and thicken for a few minutes.

Serve the chicken chasseur with the sauce poured over it, garnished with fresh chopped parsley. It pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.

History of Traditional Chicken Chasseur:

Chicken Chasseur, also known as “poulet chasseur” in French, translates to “hunter-style chicken.” This classic French dish originated in the region of France known as Alsace-Lorraine, which has a rich culinary heritage. It is believed to have been popularized in the 19th century, but its exact origin and creator are unknown.

The term “chasseur” refers to a hunter, and the dish was traditionally prepared using ingredients that a hunter might have readily available, such as chicken, mushrooms, onions, and herbs. The hunters would often gather mushrooms from the woods while on their hunting trips, which would be incorporated into the recipe.

Chicken Chasseur typically involves browning chicken pieces and then simmering them in a flavorful sauce made with white wine, mushrooms, onions, and herbs. The wine adds acidity and depth of flavor, while the mushrooms provide an earthy taste and texture. The sauce is often thickened and enriched with tomato paste, giving it a slightly tangy and savory note.

Over time, variations of Chicken Chasseur have emerged, with some recipes including additional ingredients such as bacon, shallots, or different herbs. However, the core elements of the dish remain consistent—chicken, mushrooms, onions, and a rich wine-based sauce.

Today, Chicken Chasseur continues to be enjoyed both in France and around the world, as a comforting and flavorful poultry dish that showcases the rustic and traditional flavors of French cuisine.