The one pot chicken chasseur is a beloved French classic, offering a perfect balance of succulent chicken, rich tomato-based sauce, and deep herbal flavors. With its origins rooted in French countryside cooking, this dish delivers comforting warmth, making it an ideal centerpiece for both casual weeknight dinners and elegant gatherings. Combining simple ingredients like onions, mushrooms, garlic, wine, and chicken stock, it results in a meal that is deeply flavorful, easy to prepare, and ideal for leftovers.
Ingredients for One Pot Chicken Chasseur
To achieve authentic chasseur flavors, the following ingredients are essential:
- 6 chicken thighs or chicken breasts, skin-on, bone-in preferred
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 250g mushrooms (button or portobello), sliced
- 1 tablespoon tomato purée
- 400g canned chopped tomatoes
- 150ml dry white wine
- 200ml chicken stock
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Optional: Brandy, bacon, or additional vegetables like carrots
These simple pantry staples create a harmonious blend of taste and aroma, resulting in a dish that satisfies the palate and the soul.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Chicken Chasseur in One Pot
Step 1: Prepare and Brown the Chicken
In a large ovenproof casserole dish, frying pan, or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs or breasts with salt and pepper. Place them skin-side down and brown for 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion Mixture and Vegetables
In the same pan, melt the butter. Add chopped onions and garlic, cooking for a few minutes until softened. Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and take on a golden color.
Stir for an additional minute after adding the tomato purée. This process gives the sauce a thick, velvety texture and deepens its flavor.
Step 3: Deglaze and Build the Sauce
Pour in the white wine, scraping any browned bits from the pan’s base—these bits offer an extra layer of flavor. Let the wine reduce by half before adding the chopped tomatoes and chicken stock. Toss in the bay leaves and thyme.
Return the chicken to the pot, nestling it into the sauce.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer. The chicken will become soft and absorb the strong flavors of the sauce if you cover it and cook it for 35 to 45 minutes.
For oven cooking, transfer the dish to a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) and bake for the same duration. This method deepens the chasseur flavors and gives a satisfying oven-roasted taste.
Step 5: Final Touches
For a thicker texture, take off the top and let the sauce reduce a little. Discard the herb sprigs and bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Best Sides to Serve with Chicken Chasseur
The adaptability of one pot chicken chasseur is what makes it so lovely. It goes well with a wide range of side dishes:
- Creamy mashed potatoes – the gold standard in comfort food
- Crusty bread – for mopping up the sauce chasseur
- Steamed green beans or asparagus – adds vegetable boost
- Buttered pasta or rice – absorbs the rich, tomato-based sauce
- Salads – offer contrast and freshness
For carefully chosen side dish combinations and contemporary presentation ideas inspired by classic French cookery, visit ProfastfoodRecipes.
Creative Variations of Chicken Chasseur
1. Incorporate Bacon for Extra Smokiness
Adding crispy pancetta or smoky bacon infuses the dish with a salty dimension that elevates the overall profile.
2. Mary Berry Chicken Chasseur Twist
Inspired by Mary Berry’s chasseur recipe, you can use chicken breasts for a leaner version, reduce the sauce with less wine, and opt for a quicker stovetop finish for busy weeknights.
3. Add a Vegetable Boost
To transform this into a nutrient-rich meal, toss in chopped carrots, celery, or bell peppers. These add texture, color, and a hearty feel to the dish.
4. Vegetarian Version
Substitute chicken with hearty vegetables like aubergine, zucchini, or portobello mushrooms. Use vegetarian stock and keep the same base ingredients for a similar texture and flavor.
Storage, Leftovers, and Reheating
The flavors of this one-pot dinner increase the next day, making it even delicious.
- Refrigerator: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Place in a ziplock bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: In a pan, reheat slowly over medium heat. Add a splash of water or stock if the sauce thickens too much.
Looking for more storage hacks and meal-prep ideas? Check out ProfastfoodRecipes, where smart cooking meets great flavor.
Why One Pot Chicken Chasseur Is an Excellent Choice
- Minimal Clean-Up: Fewer dishes mean more time to enjoy your meal.
- Deep, Rich Flavors: Thanks to slow cooking, herbs, wine, and tomato, every bite is packed with taste.
- Customizable: Works well with different cuts like chicken breasts or thighs, and adapts beautifully to personal preferences.
- French Elegance, Home Simplicity: Perfectly blends rustic charm with easy cooking techniques.
Tips for Perfecting the Chicken Chasseur Experience
Use the Right Pan
An ovenproof dish or heavy-bottomed pan ensures even cooking and enhances flavor.
Allow Sauce to Cool Properly
Before storing, let the sauce cool to room temperature to preserve its taste and texture.
Experiment with Fresh Herbs
Swap thyme for tarragon or rosemary for unique herbal twists.
Portion Into Bags for Meal Prep
Store individual servings in a ziplock bag to streamline weekday lunches or quick dinners.
Don’t Rush the Cooking Time
Letting the dish simmer slowly ensures chicken tenderness and a velvety sauce consistency.
Enhancing the Flavors with Wine and Stock
Using dry white wine adds acidity and complexity to the chasseur sauce, while chicken stock deepens the umami profile. Opt for a quality wine you’d enjoy drinking, and a low-sodium stock for better control over seasoning.
Substituting Ingredients Without Losing Flavor
- Chicken Breasts vs Thighs: Breasts are leaner, while thighs offer richer taste and juiciness.
- Vegetarian Stock: Perfect for meat-free adaptations.
- Fresh Tomatoes vs Canned: Use fresh in season, otherwise quality canned tomatoes work best.
Berry Infusion: Add a spoonful of berry compote for a modern fusion twist inspired by Mary Berry’s signature tang.
Make-Ahead Tips and Batch Cooking
Prepare the dish a day ahead and store in the fridge overnight. The flavors develop beautifully, making it ideal for hosting. For batch cooking, double the recipe and freeze in portions—perfect for families and busy professionals.
Visit ProfastfoodRecipes for meal prep calendars, freezer-friendly versions, and expert guides to build your cooking confidence.
FAQs about One Pot Chicken Chasseur
1. Can I use chicken breasts for the thighs?
Yes. Chicken breasts are a leaner alternative but may require less cooking time to avoid drying out.
2. What wine works best for chicken chasseur?
A dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay adds the right acidity and depth.
3. How do I thicken the chasseur sauce?
Let it simmer uncovered for the final 10–15 minutes or stir in a small spoon of tomato purée.
4. Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes. The flavors intensify overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently for best results.
5. What is a good vegetarian substitute for chicken?
Use portobello mushrooms, aubergines, or a mix of root vegetables and vegetarian stock for a satisfying meatless version.
For more authentic French cooking inspirations and modern takes on classics like chicken chasseur, explore the full collection at ProfastfoodRecipes — your trusted guide for delicious, stress-free meals.
