Mary Berry Chicken Chasseur is an elegant and sumptuous dish, perfect for enthusiasts of classic cuisine with a touch of sophistication. This recipe, brought to life by the esteemed Mary Berry, combines juicy chicken with a harmonious sauce enriched with tomatoes, mushrooms, and a blend of aromatic herbs. Renowned for her ability to transform traditional recipes into accessible delights, Mary Berry ensures that this Chicken Chasseur is as effortless to prepare as it is pleasing to the palate.
In this article, I will show you how to make Mary Berry chicken chasseur recipe in a complete step by step guide. You will learn how to prepare the ingredients, how to cook the chicken and the sauce, and how to serve the dish.
Let’s get started!
What is Mary Berry Chicken Chasseur Recipe?
Mary Berry chicken chasseur is a delicious and easy chicken dish that is inspired by classic French cuisine. The name chasseur means hunter in French, and it refers to the rustic and hearty sauce that is made with white wine, tomatoes, mushrooms, and herbs. The chicken pieces are first browned in a frying pan, then transferred to a casserole dish and baked in the oven with the sauce. The result is a tender and juicy chicken dish that is full of flavor and aroma.
Able to comfortably serve 4-6 people, this recipe is an excellent choice for both intimate family meals and more formal dining occasions
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Why You Love this Recipe
The Mary Berry Chicken Chasseur recipe stands out for several compelling reasons. It’s not just a dish; it’s a delightful experience for anyone who enjoys good food.
Here’s why this recipe is a must-try:
- Ease of Preparation: This recipe demystifies the art of French cooking, making it accessible to everyone. With ingredients easily found in your local supermarket, it’s a fuss-free process.
- Flexibility: Accompanying this dish are numerous side dish options, offering a great deal of flexibility. Whether it’s mashed potatoes for a classic feel or a light salad for a healthier twist, the recipe pairs well with a variety of sides.
- Nutritional Balance: Combining protein, carbs, and vegetables, it’s a wholesome meal in one dish. It’s not just about taste but also about providing a balanced meal.
- Comforting Flavors: The rich and savory sauce brings a comforting warmth, perfect for family dinners or a quiet evening.
- Home Luxury: It offers the elegance of a high-end restaurant meal with the comfort of home cooking. It’s a way to bring a touch of luxury to your dining table.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Chicken Chasseur Recipe
To make this Mary Berry chicken chasseur recipe, 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
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 2 tablespoons of plain flour
- 300 ml of dry white wine
- 300 ml of chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons of tomato purée
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
- 250 g of chestnut mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley
Useful Equipment
To make this Mary Berry chicken chasseur recipe, you will need the following equipment:
- A large frying pan
- A large ovenproof casserole dish
- A wooden spoon
- A measuring jug
- A measuring spoon
- A knife
- A chopping board
- A garlic press
- A small bowl
- A whisk
- A pair of kitchen tongs
- A pair of oven gloves
- A serving platter
- A ladle
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Chicken Chasseur
Preparation
Before you start cooking, you need to do some preparation. Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas mark 4.
- Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Peel and chop the onion, peel and crush the garlic, slice the mushrooms, and chop the parsley. Set them aside in separate bowls.
- Measure the wine, the stock, and the tomato purée, and set them aside in a measuring jug.
- Pick the bay leaves and the thyme leaves from their stems, and set them aside in a small bowl.
Cooking
Now that you have prepared the ingredients, you can start cooking. Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Heat the oil in a large frying pan over high heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin side down, and cook for about 15 minutes, turning once, until golden and crisp. Transfer the chicken to a large ovenproof casserole dish, and set aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium, and add the onion and garlic to the same frying pan. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden. Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture, and cook for another minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in the wine, the stock, and the tomato purée, and bring the sauce to a boil. Season with salt and pepper, and add the bay leaves and the thyme. Pour the sauce over the chicken in the casserole dish, and cover it with a lid.
- Transfer the casserole dish to the oven, and bake for 40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Remove the casserole dish from the oven, and stir in the mushrooms and the parsley. Return the dish to the oven, and bake for another 10 minutes, uncovered, until the mushrooms are cooked and the sauce is slightly thickened.
- Carefully take the casserole dish out of the oven, and transfer the chicken and the sauce to a serving platter. Garnish with more parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Serving
You can serve this Mary Berry chicken chasseur recipe with a variety of side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, bread, salad, or steamed vegetables. You can also enjoy it with a glass of white wine if you like. This recipe serves 4 to 6 people, depending on the size of the chicken thighs and the appetite of your guests.
What Do I Serve With Mary Berry Chicken Chasseur?
Selecting the right side dish for the Mary Berry Chicken Chasseur can elevate your meal to a new level. Depending on your preferences and the occasion, here are some popular choices:
- Mashed Potatoes: A classic pairing, mashed potatoes complement the chicken and sauce beautifully. They absorb the flavors and add a creamy texture to the meal.
- Rice: For those who prefer a lighter side, rice is an excellent choice. It provides a pleasant contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken and sauce, while adding some extra fiber to the meal.
- Pasta: If you’re in the mood for an Italian twist, pasta works wonderfully with this dish. It adds a different texture and soaks up the sauce, enhancing every bite.
- Bread: A slice of crusty bread not only adds crunch but also acts as a great tool for savoring every last bit of the delicious sauce.
- Salad: A crisp, fresh salad is the perfect counterbalance to the rich flavors of the chicken, adding vitamins and minerals for a more rounded meal.
- Steamed Vegetables: Colorful and nutritious, steamed vegetables complement the chicken both in taste and nutrition, adding an extra layer of healthiness to your plate.
Pro Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Chicken Chasseur
Achieving the perfect Mary Berry Chicken Chasseur is easier than you think.
These pro tips will guide you to enhance the flavors and texture of this classic dish:
- Choosing the Chicken: Opt for chicken thighs with skin and bone. This choice ensures a juicier, more flavorful dish compared to using chicken breasts, and it also helps the meat stay moist during cooking.
- Seasoning Matters: Generously season the chicken with salt and pepper. This simple step is crucial for enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken and achieving a delightfully crispy skin.
- Perfect Browning: Take your time browning the chicken in the frying pan. This step is essential for sealing in the juices and forming a delicious golden crust that adds depth to the dish.
- Aromatic Base: Cook the onion and garlic until they’re soft and golden. This foundation contributes a sweet and aromatic quality to the sauce, enriching the overall flavor profile.
- Sauce Thickness: Incorporate the flour thoroughly into the onion mixture. This helps in thickening the sauce evenly and avoiding any lumps.
- Wine Selection: Choose a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. The wine plays a dual role – it deglazes the pan and infuses the sauce with a subtle acidity and complexity.
- Stock Quality: Use good-quality chicken stock, preferably homemade or low-sodium. This enriches the sauce with a deeper flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Tomato Purée for Depth: Select tomato purée over tomato sauce or ketchup. It adds a desirable color and a hint of sweetness to the sauce.
- Fresh Herbs for Freshness: Utilize fresh herbs like bay leaves, thyme, and parsley. They impart freshness and an enticing aroma to the dish.
- Adding the Vegetables: Add the mushrooms and parsley towards the end of cooking. This preserves their texture and flavor, ensuring they don’t become overcooked.
Variations of Mary Berry Chicken Chasseur
Tailor this Mary Berry Chicken Chasseur recipe to suit your taste buds or ingredient availability.
Here are some creative variations:
- For Extra Smokiness: Incorporate bacon, ham, or pancetta into the onion mixture. This addition brings a smoky and salty dimension to the dish.
- Vegetable Boost: Add carrots, celery, or leeks to the onion mix for an extra layer of sweetness and crunch.
- Umami Enhancements: Olives, capers, or anchovies can be added to the sauce for an umami kick.
- Creamier Sauce: Consider stirring in cream, sour cream, or crème fraîche to the sauce for a richer and creamier texture.
- Cheese Indulgence: Sprinkle in some grated cheese like Parmesan, Gruyère, or Cheddar for a cheesy, melty twist.
- Spice It Up: Introduce spices such as paprika, cumin, or curry powder to the sauce to add warmth and an extra layer of flavor.
How do I store Mary Berry Chicken Chasseur Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers of this Mary Berry chicken chasseur recipe, you can store them in the fridge or freezer for later use.
Here are the steps you need to follow:
Fridge
- Let the chicken and the sauce cool completely at room temperature.
- Transfer the chicken and the sauce to an airtight container or a ziplock bag, and squeeze out as much air as possible.
- Label the container or the bag with the name and the date of the dish, and place it in the fridge.
- Use the leftovers within 3 to 4 days, or discard them if they smell or look bad.
Freezer
- Let the chicken and the sauce cool completely at room temperature.
- Transfer the chicken and the sauce to a freezer-safe container or a ziplock bag, and squeeze out as much air as possible.
- Label the container or the bag with the name and the date of the dish, and place it in the freezer.
- Use the leftovers within 3 to 4 months, or discard them if they have freezer burn or ice crystals.
How do I reheat Mary Berry Chicken Chasseur Leftovers?
If you want to reheat the leftovers of this Mary Berry chicken chasseur recipe, you can do it in the oven or on the stovetop.
Here are the steps you need to follow:
Oven
- Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas mark 4.
- Thaw the chicken and the sauce in the fridge overnight, or in the microwave for a few minutes, if frozen.
- Transfer the chicken and the sauce to an ovenproof dish, and cover it with foil.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken is hot and the sauce is bubbling.
- Remove the foil, and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the chicken is crisp and golden.
- Serve hot, with your choice of side dish.
Stovetop
- Thaw the chicken and the sauce in the fridge overnight, or in the microwave for a few minutes, if frozen.
- Transfer the chicken and the sauce to a large saucepan, and bring to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the chicken is hot and the sauce is thickened.
- Serve hot, with your choice of side dish.
How do I peel the baby shallots easily?
You can peel the baby shallots more easily by blanching them in boiling water for a few minutes, then plunging them into cold water. The skins should come off more easily after that.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?
You can use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs if you prefer. However, chicken thighs are more juicy and flavorful, and they don’t dry out as easily as chicken breasts. If you use chicken breasts, you may need to reduce the cooking time slightly and check for doneness with a meat thermometer.
Can I make this dish ahead of time or freeze it?
Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time, and reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop before serving. You can also freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months, and thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
How do I make the sauce thicker or thinner?
If the sauce is too thin, you can stir in some creme fraiche and sprinkle with xanthan gum (or stir in a little diluted cornflour) at the end of the cooking, and simmer for a minute or so. If the sauce is too thick, you can add some more chicken stock or water, and adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Is It Possible to Make Mary Berry Chicken Chasseur Vegetarian?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe to make a vegetarian version of the dish. Substitute chicken with a hearty vegetable like portobello mushrooms or eggplants. These vegetables make for a great alternative, offering a similar texture. You can also use vegetarian stock instead of chicken stock to maintain the depth of flavor in the sauce.
Final Words
I hope you enjoyed this article on how to make Mary Berry chicken chasseur recipe in a complete step by step guide. This is a delicious and easy dish that you can make for your family or friends, and impress them with your cooking skills. If you try this recipe, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below. I would love to hear from you. Bon appétit!