Classic French Chicken Chasseur Recipe

Indulge in the exquisite flavors of France with this Chicken Chasseur Classic French recipe. Transport yourself to a charming French countryside kitchen with this hearty dish that marries tender chicken with a rich tomato and mushroom sauce. This classic meal is the epitome of comfort food with a touch of elegance, making it perfect for special occasions or when you simply want to savor a taste of French culinary tradition.

Crafted with love and a sprinkle of nostalgia from my own Parisian adventures, this Chicken Chasseur recipe has become a cherished favorite in my family. The robust flavors of mushrooms, tomatoes, and tarragon come together beautifully to create a sauce that will have you scraping your plate clean. The secret lies in the slow simmering process that allows the ingredients to meld into a symphony of taste that will linger on your palate long after the meal is over.

Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or just craving a comforting meal, this Chicken Chasseur Classic French recipe is sure to impress even the most discerning palates. Embrace the rustic charm and heartwarming essence of French home cooking with this timeless dish that promises to elevate any dining experience. So, roll up your sleeves, don your apron, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece that will have your loved ones singing your praises.

Quick Benefits

• Elevates a regular dinner into a special occasion with French flair
• Uses bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces for optimal flavor and tenderness
• Features a rich, robust sauce enhanced by tarragon and a mix of stocks for depth of flavor
• Versatile: allows for ingredient substitutions such as brandy for cognac and cremini mushrooms for personal preference

Why You’ll Love This Classic French Chicken Chasseur Recipe Recipe

• French Flair: This recipe exudes French elegance and charm, making it perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress with a classic dish.
• Comforting and Flavorful: The tender chicken simmered in a robust tomato and mushroom sauce offers a taste of pure comfort, with a depth of flavors that will leave you craving more.
• Transformative Tarragon: The addition of tarragon with its unique sweet anise flavor elevates the sauce, adding a distinct and delightful twist to the dish.
• Family Favorite: With leftovers disappearing quickly, this recipe is sure to become a beloved family favorite that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Versatile and Customizable: Easily adaptable with ingredient substitutions like sherry for cognac or crème fraîche for sour cream, allowing you to tailor the dish to your preferences.
• French Home Cooking: Experience the essence of French home cooking with this heritage recipe that turns humble ingredients into something extraordinary.
• Rustic Charm: Embrace the rustic charm of Chicken Chasseur, a dish that has been warming French tables for generations and captures the essence of country kitchen spirit.

Ingredients for Classic French Chicken Chasseur Recipe

Main Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons fresh tarragon, chopped
• 0.5 cup cognac or brandy
• 1.5 cups chicken stock
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 0.25 cup sour cream
• 2 Roma tomatoes, diced
• 1.5 tablespoons garlic, freshly minced
• 0.5 cup beef stock
• 3 pounds bone-in chicken pieces
• 0.5 cup dry white wine
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 pound cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 russet potatoes
• 3 tablespoons double concentrated tomato paste
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 0.25 cup shallots, finely diced

Pro Tips for Classic French Chicken Chasseur Recipe

Pro Tip 1: For the best flavor and tenderness, use bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces like thighs and drumsticks in this Chicken Chasseur recipe. The bones add richness to the sauce while keeping the meat moist during cooking.

Pro Tip 2: If you don’t have cognac on hand, dry sherry is a suitable substitute that can provide a similar depth to the sauce. Additionally, swapping sour cream with crème fraîche can give your dish an extra touch of French elegance.

Pro Tip 3: To elevate your dining experience, serve Chicken Chasseur with creamy mashed potatoes or buttered noodles to soak up the flavorful sauce. For a lighter option, consider pairing it with steamed green beans or a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.

How to Make Classic French Chicken Chasseur Recipe

Step 1: Season Chicken and Potatoes

Dry the chicken pieces and season with kosher salt and black pepper. Optionally, peel and quarter russet potatoes for mashed potatoes.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

In a large heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat, heat half of the butter and all of the olive oil. Sear chicken pieces skin-side down for 8 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken and cover to keep warm.

Step 3: Sauté Mushrooms and Aromatics

In the same pan, sauté mushrooms over medium heat until golden, about 3 minutes. Add diced shallots and minced garlic, cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Deglaze and Build Sauce

Deglaze the pan with cognac, then add white wine and reduce by half. Stir in tomato paste, diced Roma tomatoes, chicken stock, beef stock, and sour cream. Simmer until sauce thickens, about 8 to 10 minutes.

Step 5: Finish and Assemble

Add chopped tarragon and the remaining butter to the pan. Return seared chicken with any juices, spoon sauce over chicken, and simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Take the pan off the heat and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, if desired.

Storage Tips

Once you have enjoyed your Chicken Chasseur, it’s important to store any leftovers properly. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container for refrigeration. The Chicken Chasseur can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. If the sauce thickens overnight, simply add a splash of chicken stock or water when reheating to help loosen it up and restore its original consistency.

For those looking to customize the recipe, you can substitute cognac with dry sherry for a similar depth of flavor. Additionally, boneless chicken thighs can be used instead of bone-in pieces, but remember to reduce the simmer time by about ten minutes to prevent overcooking. If you prefer, you can swap sour cream with crème fraîche for a more French-inspired touch. Remember to pair this delicious dish with creamy mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, roasted vegetables, or crusty French bread to fully savor the flavorful sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have cognac on hand, dry sherry is a suitable alternative that can provide a similar depth of flavor to the sauce. Boneless chicken thighs can be substituted for bone-in pieces, but remember to adjust the simmering time to avoid overcooking the meat. For a more authentic French twist, swap out the sour cream with crème fraîche to enhance the dish with a creamy and tangy element.

While cremini mushrooms are recommended in the recipe, you can use white button mushrooms or wild mushrooms based on your preference or availability. These variations can slightly alter the overall flavor profile but will still contribute to a delicious outcome. Remember, the key to a flavorful sauce lies in simmering the ingredients like tomato paste, stocks, and dairy to allow the liquids to reduce and concentrate their flavors, creating a rich and luscious texture.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion with Chicken Chasseur, try plating the dish over a bed of creamy polenta instead of the traditional mashed potatoes or noodles. The smooth texture and subtle corn flavor of the polenta will complement the rich and robust tomato-mushroom sauce perfectly, adding a new dimension to this classic French dish.

To elevate the presentation of Chicken Chasseur, consider garnishing each serving with crispy fried shallots or a sprinkle of toasted almond slices for added texture and visual appeal. The crispy shallots will provide a delightful crunch, while the toasted almonds will bring a nutty undertone that beautifully contrasts with the savory flavors of the chicken and sauce.

FAQs for Classic French Chicken Chasseur Recipe

Can I use brandy instead of cognac in this recipe?

Yes, brandy can be used in place of cognac and will also lend a rich, aromatic depth to the sauce.

Can I use a different type of mushroom than cremini?

Cremini mushrooms are recommended, but white button or wild mushrooms can also be used depending on preference.

What helps create the flavorful sauce in this recipe?

Simmering with tomato paste, stocks, and dairy, and allowing the liquids to reduce, creates a lush, flavorful sauce.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Always check labels for processed items to ensure compliance.

Conclusion

As you finish cooking this Chicken Chasseur Classic French recipe, take a moment to savor the rich aromas filling your kitchen and the anticipation of the delicious meal ahead. Whether you’re preparing this dish for a special occasion or simply to elevate a regular family dinner, the flavors of this classic French recipe are sure to impress and delight all who gather around your table.

Remember, the beauty of Chicken Chasseur lies in its ability to transform humble ingredients into a dish that exudes warmth and comfort, capturing the essence of French home cooking. The sweet anise notes of tarragon, the earthiness of mushrooms, and the richness of the tomato and wine-infused sauce all come together to create a truly unforgettable dining experience. So, embrace the tradition, enjoy the process, and revel in the joy of sharing a meal that speaks to the heart. Bon appétit!

Classic French Chicken Chasseur Recipe

“Experience the French flair with Chicken Chasseur – tender chicken in a robust tomato-mushroom sauce, a classic meal that transforms any occasion into a celebration.”

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time45 Minutes

Cook Time45 Minutes

Total Time90 Minutes

CuisineFrench

Skill LevelEasy

Servings8 Servings (8 pieces)

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons fresh tarragon, chopped
• 0.5 cup cognac or brandy
• 1.5 cups chicken stock
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 0.25 cup sour cream
• 2 Roma tomatoes, diced
• 1.5 tablespoons garlic, freshly minced
• 0.5 cup beef stock
• 3 pounds bone-in chicken pieces
• 0.5 cup dry white wine
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 pound cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 russet potatoes
• 3 tablespoons double concentrated tomato paste
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 0.25 cup shallots, finely diced

Instructions

1. Season Chicken and Potatoes: Dry the chicken pieces and season with kosher salt and black pepper. Optionally, peel and quarter russet potatoes for mashed potatoes.
2. Brown the Chicken: In a large heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat, heat half of the butter and all of the olive oil. Sear chicken pieces skin-side down for 8 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken and cover to keep warm.
3. Sauté Mushrooms and Aromatics: In the same pan, sauté mushrooms over medium heat until golden, about 3 minutes. Add diced shallots and minced garlic, cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Deglaze and Build Sauce: Deglaze the pan with cognac, then add white wine and reduce by half. Stir in tomato paste, diced Roma tomatoes, chicken stock, beef stock, and sour cream. Simmer until sauce thickens, about 8 to 10 minutes.
5. Finish and Assemble: Add chopped tarragon and the remaining butter to the pan. Return seared chicken with any juices, spoon sauce over chicken, and simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Garnish and Serve: Take the pan off the heat and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, if desired.