I remember the first time I made Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Chasseur. It was a rainy Saturday afternoon, and I was craving something comforting but a little special. I’d heard Jamie Oliver talk about the dish on one of his shows and was intrigued by how simple yet elegant it sounded. As I chopped up the garlic and browned the chicken, I realized something-this recipe was about far more than just food. It felt like a moment of connection, almost like I was learning to cook with Jamie himself. It wasn’t just the recipe that made the dish; it was the love and care put into it. That’s what Jamie’s cooking is all about. He makes you feel like you’re part of something bigger, and this Chicken Chasseur is no exception.
Jamie’s version of this classic French dish blends rustic flavors with vibrant freshness. His Chicken Chasseur is a masterpiece of simplicity and bold taste. If you’re looking for something that feels like home but with a sophisticated twist, this is it. Here’s everything you need to know to make it at home and turn it into one of your favorite recipes.
Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Chasseur Recipe
Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Chasseur is a dish that brings a comforting warmth to the table. It’s a classic French recipe that’s all about balancing rich, earthy flavors with zesty notes of fresh herbs.
What Makes Jamie’s Version Stand Out?
- He adds an unexpected twist with fresh parsley, tarragon, and a touch of lemon zest.
- The chicken is browned to crispy perfection, adding texture before simmering in a tangy, herb-infused sauce.
- It’s the kind of meal that transforms a simple evening into something a little more extraordinary.
Ingredients Needed
Making this dish doesn’t require a laundry list of exotic ingredients. Instead, you’ll find yourself with a short list of ingredients you can easily grab at your local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken: Bone-in, skin-on thighs or breasts. I always go for thighs as they stay juicier and more flavorful.
- Olive oil: To fry the chicken and build the flavor base.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic adds depth to the sauce.
- Onions: Yellow onions, finely chopped, provide sweetness.
- Mushrooms: Button mushrooms are the go-to for this recipe. They absorb the sauce beautifully.
- White wine: It adds acidity and helps deglaze the pan, lifting up all those delicious brown bits.
- Tomato puree: Gives the sauce a nice richness and depth.
- Stock: Chicken stock is perfect for bringing it all together.
- Herbs: Fresh tarragon and parsley for fragrance, plus bay leaves for that earthy, comforting flavor.
- Lemon zest: For a touch of brightness that cuts through the richness.
- Butter: A knob of butter at the end rounds out the sauce with a silky texture.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Chasseur
This recipe is all about building flavor layer by layer. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
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Brown The Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Season your chicken generously with salt and pepper, then brown the chicken skin-side down. This should take about 5-6 minutes per side. You want that golden, crispy skin!
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Sauté The Aromatics
- Once the chicken is golden, remove it from the pan and set it aside. In the same pan, add more olive oil and sauté the onions and garlic. Cook until they’re soft and fragrant.
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Add The Mushrooms
- Toss in the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown.
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Deglaze With White Wine
- Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits at the bottom of the pan. This is where all the flavor lives!
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Simmer The Sauce
- Add tomato puree, chicken stock, bay leaves, and herbs. Stir everything together, then return the chicken to the pan, skin-side up.
- Cover and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
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Finishing Touches
- Right before serving, stir in the lemon zest and a knob of butter. This will give the sauce a lovely shine and richness.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
As simple as this dish may seem, there’s a lot of science at work to make sure the flavors are just right:
- Chicken: The skin-on, bone-in chicken creates that crispy texture while keeping the meat juicy. The bones also add richness to the sauce as it simmers.
- White Wine: Wine adds acidity to balance the richness of the chicken and butter. The alcohol evaporates during cooking, leaving behind the complex flavors.
- Mushrooms: Mushrooms have a high water content. As they cook, they release moisture, which helps build the sauce. Their umami flavor also adds depth.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs like tarragon and parsley not only boost flavor but also bring their oils and aromas, adding to the fragrance of the dish.
- Lemon Zest: The zest adds oils and a fresh, citrusy punch that cuts through the richness of the sauce, bringing everything together.
Expert Tips
- Don’t skip browning the chicken: That crispy skin and caramelized bits at the bottom of the pan are essential for depth of flavor.
- Use good-quality stock: A rich, flavorful chicken stock will make all the difference in the sauce’s richness. If you can, go for homemade stock!
- Patience with the simmer: Letting the chicken cook slowly in the sauce will keep it moist and tender while absorbing all the flavors.
- Taste the sauce: Before serving, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning. A pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon juice can really elevate the flavor.
Recipe Variations
This Chicken Chasseur recipe is versatile, and there’s room to make it your own. Here are a few ideas:
- Add Bacon: For a smoky depth, add some crispy bacon at the start. It’ll add another layer of flavor.
- Try Different Mushrooms: Experiment with wild mushrooms like chanterelles or shiitake for a more complex flavor.
- Use Different Herbs: Swap tarragon for thyme if you prefer a more piney, earthy taste.
- Add Cream: For a richer sauce, stir in a bit of cream at the end for a luxurious finish.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Chasseur is one of those recipes that feels like a celebration of the simple things. It’s not about fancy techniques or obscure ingredients. It’s about letting great ingredients shine through and taking your time to build flavors. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish will always make the evening feel special. Plus, the leftovers (if you have any) are even better the next day.
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need For Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Chasseur?
You’ll need chicken, onions, garlic, mushrooms, carrots, tomatoes, white wine, chicken stock, herbs, and some basic seasonings like salt and pepper.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Chasseur?
It should take around 1 hour in total, including prep and cooking time.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Chasseur Ahead Of Time?
Yes, it actually tastes better if left to sit for a few hours or even the next day. Just reheat before serving.