Name: Hairy Bikers Chicken Chasseur Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Ingredients: 2 tsp olive oil; 8 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed of fat; 1 tbsp plain flour; 2 shallots, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped; 250g mushrooms, wiped clean and quartered; 100ml white wine; 1 tbsp tomato purée; 300ml chicken stock; 200g fresh tomatoes, peeled and chopped (or tinned equivalent); 2 tbsp fresh tarragon, finely chopped; Flaked sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

This Chicken Chasseur Hairy Bikers recipe is made with tender chicken thighs, savoury mushrooms, shallots, white wine, and fresh tarragon. The rich tomato and wine sauce is perfect for mopping up with crusty bread. Ready in just over an hour, this classic French stew serves four.

I make this on chilly evenings when I want something warming but still impressive. The sauce gets even better the next day, so I always try to make extra.

Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

Chicken Chasseur Ingredients

2 tsp olive oil
8 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed of fat
1 tbsp plain flour
2 shallots, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
250g mushrooms, wiped clean and quartered
100ml white wine
1 tbsp tomato purée
300ml chicken stock
200g fresh tomatoes, peeled and chopped (or tinned equivalent)
2 tbsp fresh tarragon, finely chopped
Flaked sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

How To Make Chicken Chasseur

Prepare and brown the chicken: Place each thigh bone-side up and cut either side of the bone to flatten slightly. Season with salt and pepper, then dust with plain flour. Heat one teaspoon of oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken for about 2 minutes per side until golden, then set aside.
Cook the vegetables: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the remaining oil and gently fry the shallots, garlic, and mushrooms for several minutes, stirring regularly, until softened without browning.
Deglaze the pan: Pour in the white wine and stir to loosen any sticky bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine bubble and reduce by about half.
Simmer the stew: Mix in the tomato purée, then add the chicken stock, chopped tomatoes, and tarragon. Return the browned chicken to the pan.
Finish and serve: Simmer uncovered for about 40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender and the sauce has reduced. Add a splash of water if the pan becomes too dry. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

What Is the Secret to Perfect Chicken Chasseur?

Flatten the thighs first: Cutting either side of the bone and pressing the thigh flat helps it cook evenly. This also means the meat browns better in the pan.
Use a dry white wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works well here. Avoid anything labelled “cooking wine” as it often contains added salt.
Choose fresh tarragon: Fresh tarragon gives this dish its distinctive flavour. Dried tarragon is much milder, so use fresh where possible.
Try mushroom variations: Chestnut mushrooms add extra depth, or mix in some wild mushrooms for something special. If you enjoy mushrooms in French cooking, try our Hairy Bikers chicken and mushroom pie next.

What Should You Serve on the Side?

The rich sauce pairs well with starchy sides that soak up every drop. Creamy mashed potatoes are the classic choice, or try a batch of Hairy Bikers dauphinoise potatoes for something more indulgent. Boiled new potatoes or crusty bread also work well.

A simple side of steamed green beans or spring greens adds freshness and colour. The source recipe suggests serving with celeriac purée and green veg or salad for a lighter option.

Does This Keep Well?

Let the stew cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavours actually improve overnight, so this is a great make-ahead meal.

You can also freeze chicken chasseur for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the hob until piping hot all the way through.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
Calories: 307 kcal
Total Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 120mg
Sodium: 550mg
Total Carbohydrate: 10g
Dietary Fibre: 2g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 38g

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “chasseur” mean in cooking? Chasseur is French for “hunter.” The dish gets its name because it was traditionally made with ingredients a hunter might find, such as wild mushrooms, herbs, and foraged vegetables.

What is the difference between chicken chasseur and coq au vin? Both are French chicken stews, but coq au vin uses red wine and bacon, while chasseur uses white wine and tomatoes. Try our Hairy Bikers coq au vin to compare the two.

How does the Hairy Bikers chicken chasseur compare to Mary Berry’s version? The Hairy Bikers version uses bone-in thighs simmered uncovered for a reduced sauce. Mary Berry’s recipe typically uses chicken legs with brandy, giving it a slightly richer flavour.

Can I make chicken chasseur in a slow cooker? Yes. Brown the chicken and vegetables on the hob first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.

Can I use boneless chicken thighs or breasts instead? Boneless thighs work well but will cook faster, so reduce the simmering time to about 25 minutes. Chicken breasts can dry out during the long simmer, so thighs are the better choice.

Try More Recipes: