If you are looking for a comforting dinner that feels elegant but comes together with simple ingredients, Chicken Chasseur is exactly what your table needs. Also known as Hunter’s Chicken, this classic French dish features golden seared chicken slowly simmered in a rich sauce made with mushrooms, tomatoes, stock, fresh herbs, and a touch of cream.
Ezoic – wp_under_page_title – under_page_title
End Ezoic – wp_under_page_title – under_page_title
It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or anytime you want restaurant-quality comfort food right from your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Chasseur
One-Pan Simplicity
Everything cooks in one skillet, making cleanup easy.
Rich French Flavor
Savory mushrooms, tomatoes, garlic, shallots, and fresh tarragon create deep, comforting flavor.
Ezoic – wp_under_first_paragraph – under_first_paragraph
End Ezoic – wp_under_first_paragraph – under_first_paragraph
Family-Friendly Comfort Food
Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread for a meal everyone will love.
Perfect for Make-Ahead Meals
The flavors become even better the next day.
Quick Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 4–6
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 3 pounds bone-in chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or mixed pieces)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
For the Sauce
- 1 pound cremini mushrooms, sliced
- ¼ cup shallots, finely diced
- 1½ tablespoons garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 Roma tomatoes, diced
- 1½ cups chicken stock
- ½ cup beef stock
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh tarragon, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional Side
- 3 russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
How to Make Chicken Chasseur
1. Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and black pepper.
Ezoic – wp_under_second_paragraph – under_second_paragraph
End Ezoic – wp_under_second_paragraph – under_second_paragraph
2. Sear Until Golden
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons butter and 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add chicken pieces and cook for about 8 minutes per side, until golden brown.
Remove chicken and set aside.
3. Cook the Mushrooms
In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil.
Add mushrooms and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add shallots and garlic. Cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Build the Sauce
Stir in tomato paste and diced tomatoes.
Pour in chicken stock and beef stock, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
Stir in sour cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Cook for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Finish with Herbs
Add fresh tarragon and remaining butter. Stir until silky and smooth.
6. Return the Chicken
Place the chicken back into the skillet.
Spoon sauce over the chicken and simmer for 5 more minutes, until fully cooked and tender.
7. Garnish and Serve
Top with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Optional Mashed Potatoes
Chicken Chasseur pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes.
Simply:
- Boil peeled potatoes for 15 minutes
- Drain
- Mash with butter, salt, and pepper
Serve alongside the chicken for the ultimate comfort meal.
Serving Suggestions
This French chicken dish pairs beautifully with:
- Mashed potatoes
- Buttered rice
- Crusty bread
- Roasted vegetables
- Green beans
- Buttered egg noodles
Expert Tips
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
Brown the chicken in batches if needed.
Let the Sauce Simmer
Allowing the sauce to reduce creates deeper flavor.
Use Bone-In Chicken
It stays juicier and adds richness to the sauce.
Fresh Tarragon Makes a Difference
Its slightly sweet, herbal flavor gives this dish authentic French character.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of stock.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes! Boneless thighs or breasts work well—just reduce cooking time slightly.
Can I make it without sour cream?
Absolutely. Heavy cream or crème fraîche work beautifully.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes. In fact, the flavors become even richer the next day.
Chicken Chasseur is rich, elegant, and deeply comforting—a timeless French classic that transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable meal.
