Poulet Chasseur, or “hunter’s chicken,” is a great dish from France made with young chicken in a full-bodied sauce of mushrooms, tomatoes, and white wine finished sometimes with fresh herbs. This rustic dish forms the underpinning of country cooking in France-a blend of simple but rich-tasting ingredients towards creating this magnificent dining experience. The name “chasseur” originated from the name of the dish given to it according to its original source-it is hunted, meaning it has ingredients that can be found both in the wild and the garden.

In this post, we will run through creating Poulet Chasseur, including tips on choosing ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and ideas for side dishes that complement perfectly the flavors of this French classic.

Ingredients for Poulet Chasseur
What makes a Poulet Chasseur so good is good, fresh ingredients. Here’s what you need:

Chicken: 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or a whole chicken cut into pieces.
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons to brown the chicken
Butter: 2 tablespoons to be able to enrich the sauce
Mushrooms: 1 cup sliced (button or cremini)
Shallots: 2 finely chopped (or a small onion)
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
Tomato Paste: 1 tablespoon for the depth of flavor
White Wine: 1/2 cup dry. Omit this if you want the dish to be non-alcoholic.
Chicken Broth: 1 cup adds more depth to the sauce
Canned/Diced Tomatoes: 1 cup
Fresh Thyme: 2-3 sprigs
Bay Leaf: 1 add depth to the flavor
Fresh Parsley: 1 tablespoon chopped for garnish
Salt and Black Pepper: Season.
This recipe makes 4 servings of Poulet Chasseur. Feel free to multiply ingredients for a crowd.

Poulet Chasseur Recipe Steps
Let’s begin with how to make this comforting meal. Poulet Chasseur can be ready in under an hour. Thus, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season the Chicken: Rub both sides with salt and black pepper.

Pan-fry the Chicken: Heat some olive oil over medium-high in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Sear the chicken pieces skin-side down, so that the skin will be good brown and crispy toward the end of cooking. Flip and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes.

Remove and Set Aside: Transfer the browned chicken to a plate and set it aside. This step colours and forms fond within the pan, to be used later to flavour the sauce

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Sauté the Shallots and Garlic: Cut down the heat to medium. Add butter to the pan and let it melt. Add chopped shallots and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes or until softened and fragrant.

Cook the Mushrooms: Put the sliced mushrooms in and carry on cooking for another 5 minutes or so, until they give up their juices and become golden brown. Mushrooms are the basis of this recipe, as they contribute earthiness and body to the sauce.

Step 3: Prepare the Chasseur Sauce
Add Tomato Paste: Add tomato paste to the pan, cooking for 1-2 minutes over gentle heat, until it releases its flavor and the sauce begins to gain body.

Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the white wine and scrape up all those lovely browned bits off the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until it reduces by half. That provides the sauce with that acidity and complexity.

Chicken broth and diced tomatoes should be added to it, and you stir to combine. Then it should be brought to a gentle simmer.

Add Fresh Herbs: Toss in fresh thyme sprigs and a bay leaf for herbal flavor to balance earthy depth.

Step 4: Simmer and Finish the Dish
Add Chicken back to Pan: Place the browned chicken pieces back into the pan and nestle it into the sauce.

Simmer: Insert the perforated lid on top of the skillet and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through. The sauce will thicken up a bit and absorb all the flavors the chicken and vegetables give it.

Seasoning: Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Garnishing: Garnish with fresh parsley sprinkled on top to add some pop of color and a freshness.

Serving Suggestions for Poulet Chasseur
Poulet Chasseur pairs excellent with many side dishes. Here are some ideas to provide the complete meal:

Potato Puree: Potato puree permits the creamy texture that is a perfect complement to the savory chasseur sauce.
Rice or Quinoa: A plain serving of rice or quinoa soaks up the sauce and forms a healthy, filling base.
Crusty French Bread: Serve with crusty French bread to mop up the flavor sauce.
Green Beans or Roasted Vegetables: Green beans or roasted carrots add color and complement the richness of the recipe.
Tips for Making the Best Poulet Chasseur
Use Bone-In Chicken: In general, bone-in, skin-on pieces of chicken offer more flavor and moisture, but you can use boneless if you prefer quicker cooking.

Choose a good quality dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. As the flavor of the wine carries over to the sauce, avoid very sweet wines.

Do Not Skip the Herbs: Thyme, bay leaves, and parsley form an aromatic layer of flavor. Fresh herbs are much better, but dried in a pinch.

Balance the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or wine. If it’s too thin, continue to simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce.

Make Ahead: Poulet Chasseur can be made one day ahead and often tastes even better after the flavors have had a chance to meld together. Simply reheat over low heat, adding a little extra broth if needed.

Variations of Poulet Chasseur
Vegetarian Chasseur: Replace chicken with the chickeny vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, and zucchini. And use the vegetable broth in order to accommodate your vegetarian diet.
Creamy Chasseur: When served, you can stir in some tablespoons of heavy cream for a richer sauce that brings creaminess to the acidity of the tomatoes.

Other Proteins : Duck, rabbit, or pork instead of chicken-just for a little difference.

Conclusion: The Joys of Poulet Chasseur
Poulet Chasseur is more than just a chicken dish. It feels like a piece of French culinary heritage with a rich, savory sauce and tender chicken-this recipe brings the taste of France to your kitchen, combining the perfect elegance and comfort within a meal. Its rustic origin along with refined flavors make it a perfect occasion meal, from a quiet dinner for a family night to an impressive piece for guests.

Whether you serve it with a crunchy crusty baguette, creamy mashed potatoes, or with simple greens, Poulet Chasseur is just sure to please any palate. Relish the simplicity and richness of French cuisine as you prepare this tried and true classic recipe that leaves you satisfied in hearty yet indulgent satisfaction with every single bite of it.