📝 About This Recipe
A quintessential British pub classic, Hunter’s Chicken (or Chasseur in its rustic form) is the ultimate comfort food that marries succulent poultry with salty, crisp bacon. Our version features tender chicken breasts wrapped in streaky bacon, smothered in a rich, tangy homemade BBQ sauce and topped with a molten blanket of sharp mature Cheddar. It is a symphony of smokey, sweet, and savory flavors that brings the warmth of a cozy countryside inn right to your dining table.
🥗 Ingredients
The Chicken & Wrap
- 4 pieces Chicken Breasts (large, skinless and boneless)
- 8-12 rashers Smoked Streaky Bacon (depending on size of chicken)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (for searing)
- 1 pinch Sea Salt & Black Pepper (to taste)
The Signature BBQ Sauce
- 200 ml Tomato Ketchup (high quality)
- 2 tablespoons Dark Brown Sugar (packed)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce (essential British flavor)
- 1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar (for acidity)
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (pimenton)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard (for depth)
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
The Topping & Garnish
- 150 g Mature Cheddar Cheese (grated)
- 50 g Mozzarella (grated, for extra melt)
- 1 small bunch Fresh Chives (finely snipped)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F/Gas Mark 6). Lightly grease a large ovenproof baking dish with a touch of oil.
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2
Prepare the chicken by trimming any excess fat. Place each breast between two sheets of parchment paper and lightly pound with a rolling pin to ensure an even thickness for uniform cooking.
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3
Season the chicken breasts lightly with salt and pepper. Remember the bacon and cheese are salty, so don't overdo it.
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4
Wrap each chicken breast with 2-3 rashers of smoked streaky bacon. Start at one end and overlap slightly, tucking the ends underneath the breast to secure them.
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5
Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Sear the bacon-wrapped chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until the bacon is starting to turn golden and crisp. This adds vital flavor that the oven alone cannot achieve.
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6
Transfer the seared chicken breasts to the prepared baking dish, arranging them in a single layer.
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7
In a small saucepan or bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, cider vinegar, smoked paprika, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder.
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8
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over low heat for 5 minutes until thickened and glossy. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
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9
Generously spoon the BBQ sauce over each chicken breast, ensuring they are well-coated but leaving a little sauce aside for serving if desired.
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10
Place the dish in the center of the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through and the sauce bubbling.
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11
Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the mixed grated Cheddar and Mozzarella over the top of each breast.
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12
Return to the oven for a further 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and beginning to blister.
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13
Remove from the oven and let the meat rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist chicken breast.
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14
Garnish with a flourish of fresh chives before serving hot from the dish.
💡 Chef's Tips
Always sear the bacon-wrapped chicken in a pan first; it renders the fat and prevents 'soggy' bacon inside the oven. Use a 'mature' or 'extra mature' British Cheddar for a sharper flavor profile that cuts through the sweet BBQ sauce. If you have a meat thermometer, the chicken is perfectly done when it reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F). For a spicier kick, add a teaspoon of chipotle paste or a dash of hot sauce to your BBQ mixture. Don't skip the resting period—it's the secret to keeping the chicken breast tender rather than dry.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve with thick-cut triple-cooked chips for the authentic British pub experience. A side of buttery corn on the cob adds a lovely sweetness and crunch. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the cheese and bacon. Pairs beautifully with a cold British Ale or a medium-bodied Merlot. Steamed green beans with a hint of garlic butter make for a lighter, nutritious accompaniment.