Delia Chicken Chasseur Recipe

Chicken Chasseur is a classic French dish, featuring tender chicken pieces cooked in a rich and flavorful sauce made with white wine, mushrooms, tomatoes, and herbs. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed any time of the year. This recipe serves 4-6 people and can be prepared in approximately 1 hour.

In this article, I will show you how to make Delia Smith’s Chicken Chasseur step by step, with tips and tricks along the way.

What is Delia Chicken Chasseur Recipe?

Delia Chicken Chasseur is a variation of the traditional Chicken Chasseur, adapted by the famous British cook and author Delia Smith. She simplifies the recipe by using chicken thighs instead of a whole chicken, and by adding some bacon and garlic for extra flavor. She also uses a combination of fresh and dried herbs, such as tarragon, parsley, and bay leaves, to give the sauce a wonderful aroma and taste.

Other Popular Recipes

• Mary Berry Chicken Chasseur
• Mary Berry Chicken Casserole
• Hairy Bikers Chicken Chasseur

Reasons to Love Delia Chicken Chasseur:

There are many reasons to love this recipe, such as:

• Ease of Preparation: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for cooks of all levels.
• Versatility: Accompany the dish with rice, potatoes, pasta, or bread, tailoring it to your meal preferences.
• Delicious Taste: The chicken remains tender, and the sauce rich, creating a savory, satisfying experience.
• Comforting Meal: Its heartiness provides warmth and fulfillment.
• Elegant Presentation: Achieve a restaurant-quality look and taste, impressing guests or family.

Ingredients Needed to Make Delia Chicken Chasseur

To make Delia Chicken Chasseur, you will need the following ingredients:

• 8 chicken thighs, skin on and bone in
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• 4 ounces of smoked bacon, chopped
• 1 large onion, peeled and chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, peeled and crushed
• 8 ounces of button mushrooms, wiped and sliced
• 2 tablespoons of plain flour
• 10 fluid ounces of dry white wine
• 10 fluid ounces of chicken stock
• 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon of dried tarragon
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons of butter

Instructions to Make Delia Chicken Chasseur Recipe

Follow these steps to make this recipe:

Step 1: Season and brown the chicken

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.
• Heat the oil in a large ovenproof skillet over high heat.
• Add the chicken thighs, skin side down, and cook for about 15 minutes, turning once, until golden and crisp on both sides.
• Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the bacon, onion, garlic, and mushrooms

• Reduce the heat to medium and add the bacon to the same skillet.
• Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crisp and browned.
• Add the onion and garlic and cook for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent.
• Add the mushrooms and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and tender.

Step 3: Make the sauce

• Sprinkle the flour over the bacon, onion, garlic, and mushroom mixture and stir well to combine.
• Gradually whisk in the wine, stock, and tomato paste, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
• Bring the sauce to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
• Stir in the tarragon, bay leaves, and parsley, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Bake the chicken in the sauce

• Arrange the chicken thighs on top of the sauce, skin side up, and spoon some of the sauce over them.
• Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and transfer it to the oven.
• Bake for 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbling.
• Remove the lid or foil and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the chicken skin is crisp and browned.

Step 5: Finish and serve

• Discard the bay leaves and transfer the chicken and sauce to a large platter or individual plates.
• Dot the butter over the sauce and let it melt.
• Garnish with more parsley if desired and serve hot with your choice of accompaniment.

What Do I Serve With Delia Chicken Chasseur?

Selecting the right sides to accompany Delia Chicken Chasseur can transform it from a simple meal to a memorable dining experience.

Consider these options:

• Rice: A side of fluffy rice, whether it be aromatic basmati, nutty brown, or exotic wild, acts as the perfect canvas to absorb the sauce’s richness while complementing the chicken’s tenderness.
• Potatoes: Explore the versatility of potatoes; from the classic comfort of mashed potatoes to the elegance of a gratin dauphinoise or the crunch of croquettes, each offers a delightful texture and flavor contrast.
• Pasta: Pasta serves as an ideal base, with shapes like spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine intertwining with the sauce, ensuring each bite is as satisfying as the last. For something different, egg noodles, gnocchi, or dumplings can add a comforting dimension.
• Bread: Fresh, crusty bread becomes a tool for savoring every last drop of sauce. Elevate this pairing with garlic, cheese, or herb-infused varieties for a burst of flavor in every bite.
• Salad: A crisp, green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing counterpoint to the dish’s richness. Incorporating colorful vegetables adds visual appeal and a crunch.
• Vegetables: Complement the chicken with a side of steamed, roasted, or sautéed vegetables. For a heartier option, consider a vegetable gratin, casserole, or stir-fry, adding both nutrition and variety to your meal.

Pro Tips to Make Perfect Delia Chicken Chasseur

Achieving the perfect Delia Chicken Chasseur involves a few key considerations:

• Select Chicken Wisely: Opt for thighs with the skin on and bone in for maximum flavor and juiciness. Drumsticks or a mix of both can also be excellent choices.
• The Right Bacon: Smoked bacon enhances the sauce with depth and a hint of smokiness. Alternatives like pancetta or prosciutto can also work well.
• Wine Selection: A dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, introduces acidity and complexity to the sauce. For a non-alcoholic version, chicken broth or water can substitute, though the flavor profile will differ.
• Herb Choices: Tarragon adds a unique, anise-like flavor, but feel free to experiment with thyme, rosemary, or sage based on your taste preferences.
• Finishing Touches: Butter lends the sauce a rich, glossy finish. For a different texture or to cater to dietary needs, consider alternatives like cream or yogurt.

Variations of Delia Chicken Chasseur

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to suit various tastes and dietary requirements:

• Spice It Up: Introduce some warmth with red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or your favorite hot sauce.
• Cheese Please: Before baking, a sprinkle of grated cheese such as Parmesan or Cheddar can add a layer of gooey delight.
• Creamy Dream: Incorporate cream, sour cream, or yogurt into the sauce post-baking for an extra layer of tanginess and richness.
• Vegetarian Variant: Swap out the chicken for tofu, seitan, or tempeh, and use smoked paprika or liquid smoke in place of bacon for a vegetarian twist. Opt for vegetable broth and vegan butter to keep it plant-based.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute plain flour with a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch or rice flour. Ensure accompaniments such as pasta or potatoes are gluten-free to make the entire meal celiac-friendly.

How do I Store Delia Chicken Chasseur Leftovers?

Proper storage of Delia Chicken Chasseur leftovers ensures you can enjoy this delicious dish for days after the initial meal.

Here’s how to store the leftovers effectively:

• Cool Down: Allow the leftovers to cool to room temperature. However, don’t leave them out for more than 2 hours to avoid bacterial growth.
• Airtight Container: Transfer the cooled chicken chasseur into an airtight container. This step is crucial to prevent the absorption of other flavors from the fridge and also to maintain the dish’s moisture.
• Refrigerate or Freeze: Place the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the leftovers within 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the chicken chasseur; it keeps well in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How do I Reheat Delia Chicken Chasseur Leftovers?

Reheating Delia Chicken Chasseur correctly can help preserve its flavor and texture. Whether you’re warming it from the fridge or the freezer, here’s how to do it:

Refrigerator:

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the chicken chasseur to an oven-safe dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for 20-25 minutes, or until thoroughly warmed. If you prefer a crispy skin on the chicken, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of reheating.
• Microwave Method: Place the chicken chasseur in a microwave-safe dish and cover it loosely with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring the sauce halfway through to ensure even warming. Continue heating in 30-second intervals until hot throughout.

Freezer:

• Thawing: Ideally, thaw the frozen chicken chasseur in the refrigerator overnight. This method ensures even reheating and preserves the dish’s quality.
• Once thawed, you can reheat it using either the oven or microwave method mentioned above.

Nutrition value per serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 417 kcal
• Fat: 13.66 g
• Carbs: 15.18 g
• Protein: 55.1 g
• Cholesterol: 142 mg
• Sodium: 697 mg
• Potassium: 548 mg
• Vitamin A: 76 mcg
• Vitamin C: 5 mg
• Calcium: 157 mg
• Iron: 2.84 mg

FAQs

Final Words

I hope you enjoyed this article and learned how to make Delia Smith’s Chicken Chasseur recipe. This is a delicious and easy dish that you can make for your family and friends, and impress them with your cooking skills. It’s also a great way to use up any leftover chicken or bacon you have in your fridge. If you try this recipe, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below. I would love to hear from you. Thank you for reading and happy cooking!

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