Name: JB’s Chicken Chasseur Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 4 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on (~250 g / 8 oz each); 4 chicken drumsticks; 3/4 tsp cooking/kosher salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 3 tbsp all-purpose flour; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 30 g / 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 400 g / 14 oz white mushrooms, sliced; 2 brown or yellow onions, halved then sliced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 3 tbsp tomato paste; 3 cups chicken or beef stock (low-sodium); 3/4 tsp cooking/kosher salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 30 g / 2 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed; 1 tbsp fresh tarragon, finely chopped; Mashed potatoes, rice, or small pasta

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 3 reviews

If you crave a dish that brings warmth and classic French comfort to your dining table, then JB’s Chicken Chasseur Recipe is an absolute must-try. This delightful recipe features tender chicken thighs and drumsticks simmered in a luscious mushroom and tomato sauce, all brought together with a luxurious finish of cold butter and fresh tarragon. It’s a dish that’s both rustic and elegant, perfect for cozy weeknights or impressing guests with minimal fuss but maximum flavor. Trust me, once you make JB’s Chicken Chasseur Recipe, it will quickly become a beloved favorite in your kitchen repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with several pale pink raw chicken legs placed on a white marbled surface. Around the bowl, there are four small clear glass bowls: one with coarse black pepper, one with a light yellow liquid oil, one with two small pieces of pale yellow butter, and one with a heap of white flour. The layout is neat and spaced out, showcasing each ingredient clearly, with soft natural light highlighting the textures and colors. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is essential, and the beauty of JB’s Chicken Chasseur Recipe is how these simple yet crucial components create an unforgettable flavor experience. Each element plays its part, from the juicy chicken to the earthy mushrooms and fragrant tarragon, ensuring every bite is full of depth and satisfaction.

4 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on (~250 g / 8 oz each): The skin adds crispiness while the bone keeps the meat juicy and flavorful.
4 chicken drumsticks: Perfect for balancing the texture and makes the dish hearty.
3/4 tsp cooking/kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and sauce.
1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and earthy aroma.
3 tbsp all-purpose flour: Helps give the chicken a light crust and thickens the sauce slightly.
2 tbsp vegetable oil: Ideal for searing the chicken beautifully without burning.
30 g / 2 tbsp unsalted butter: Adds richness and depth of flavor during cooking.
400 g / 14 oz white mushrooms, sliced: Provides an earthy and meaty texture that’s the heart of the chasseur sauce.
2 brown or yellow onions, halved then sliced: Bring sweetness and body to the sauce as they soften and caramelize.
3 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses a fragrant warmth that lifts the entire dish.
3 tbsp tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor while contributing a subtle tangy sweetness.
3 cups chicken or beef stock (low-sodium): Forms the flavorful base that simmers the chicken tender and infuses the sauce.
3/4 tsp cooking/kosher salt: Balances the sauce perfectly.
1/4 tsp black pepper: Adds a touch of spice to complement the other ingredients.
30 g / 2 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed: Stirred in at the end for a glossy, silky finish.
1 tbsp fresh tarragon, finely chopped: The herb’s slightly licorice flavor brightens the dish just before serving.
Mashed potatoes, rice, or small pasta: For serving and soaking up all that delicious chasseur sauce.

How to Make JB’s Chicken Chasseur Recipe

Step 1: Season and Flour the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken dry—this ensures a nice sear later on. Season each piece generously with salt and pepper, then toss them lightly in flour. The flour creates a lovely crust on the chicken and will help thicken the sauce as everything cooks together.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat up the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter and wait until it’s melted and foaming. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down first; this step is crucial for achieving that mouthwatering golden crispness. Let them cook for about 5 minutes before flipping for another minute. Remove the thighs and transfer them to a plate. Next, brown the drumsticks on three sides, spending around 2 minutes on each. This effort really locks in the chicken’s juices and builds flavor from the first step.

Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms, Onions, and Garlic

Using the same skillet, toss in the sliced mushrooms and onions. Cook them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they soften and slightly caramelize. Add the minced garlic and cook just 30 seconds longer. This releases the garlic’s aromatic sweetness, deepening the flavor foundation of your sauce.

Step 4: Build and Simmer the Chasseur Sauce

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute to concentrate its rich flavor. Pour in the stock, then stir in the salt and pepper. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen all the browned bits left from browning your chicken; these pieces are pure gold for flavor. Return the chicken to the skillet, skin side up, and bring everything to a simmer. Cover the pan and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the sauce’s essence.

Step 5: Reduce and Finish the Sauce

Remove the lid and continue simmering the sauce uncovered for 20 minutes. This step thickens the sauce while intensifying the tomato, mushroom, and stock flavors. Transfer the chicken to a plate, then let the sauce simmer alone for an additional 3 minutes to reduce slightly. Turn off the heat and whisk in the cold butter cubes in two batches; this will make the sauce beautifully glossy and velvety. Finally, sprinkle with fresh tarragon before gently warming everything together for serving.

How to Serve JB’s Chicken Chasseur Recipe

A round white pan filled with six golden-brown cooked chicken pieces partially covered in a thick, rich reddish-brown sauce with small slices of mushrooms and herbs sprinkled on top. The chicken has a crispy texture, and the sauce is smooth and glossy, pooling around the chicken, giving a warm, hearty feel. The background shows a white marbled surface with a dark cloth partly under the pan and blurred bowls with green leaves and stacked plates in the back. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh chopped tarragon is the signature garnish for JB’s Chicken Chasseur Recipe, adding a fresh, slightly sweet herbal note that cuts through the richness of the sauce. A few whole leaves can also add a decorative touch. If you want to mix things up, a little freshly cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley offers a lovely visual and flavor balance.

Side Dishes

To really enjoy every drop of that sumptuous sauce, serve JB’s Chicken Chasseur with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or delicate small pasta like buttered noodles or spaetzle. Each of these sides acts like a sponge, ensuring you savor every bit of the dish’s deeply flavorful chasseur sauce. Roasted seasonal vegetables or a simple green salad can add freshness and texture contrast too.

Creative Ways to Present

For a rustic yet charming presentation, serve the chicken pieces nestled in a shallow bowl with sauce ladled generously over. Layering the chicken on a bed of mashed potatoes and topping with sauce and tarragon makes for a cozy, inviting plate. And if you’re having guests, consider plating each piece individually with a sprig of tarragon and a drizzle of sauce artfully swirled on the side for a bistro-style flourish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying JB’s Chicken Chasseur Recipe, any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making leftovers taste even better the next day. Make sure to keep the chicken pieces submerged in the sauce to maintain moisture and tenderness.

Freezing

You can freeze JB’s Chicken Chasseur Recipe for up to 2 months if stored properly in a freezer-safe container. Freeze the chicken and sauce together to preserve the harmonious flavors and prevent dryness. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating. Adding a splash of stock or water can help loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving if possible, as slow, gentle reheating helps maintain the chicken’s tenderness and the sauce’s luscious texture.

FAQs

What is the origin of Chicken Chasseur?

Chicken Chasseur is a beloved French dish, often referred to as “hunter’s chicken.” It traditionally features chicken cooked in a savory mushroom and tomato sauce with herbs like tarragon, perfect for comforting, rustic meals.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs and drumsticks?

You can substitute chicken breasts, but be mindful that they cook faster and can dry out more easily. Adjust cooking times accordingly and consider adding more sauce or broth to keep them tender.

Is there a vegetarian version of JB’s Chicken Chasseur Recipe?

While the classic version centers on chicken, you could experiment with hearty mushrooms or plant-based meat substitutes simmered in the chasseur sauce for a delicious vegetarian twist.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?

Absolutely! You can chop onions, slice mushrooms, and prepare the stock ahead of time. Even browning the chicken a day before can save time on the day you plan to cook the full dish.

What wine pairs best with JB’s Chicken Chasseur Recipe?

A medium-bodied red like Pinot Noir or a light white like Chardonnay pairs beautifully. The wine’s acidity balances the richness of the sauce, enhancing the overall experience.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about JB’s Chicken Chasseur Recipe that makes it such a joy to cook and savor. It’s a dish that wraps you in warmth and French elegance without demanding complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. If you’re looking for a flavorful, heartwarming meal to share with family or friends, I encourage you to try this recipe and make it a new favorite in your kitchen. Once you do, I’m sure you’ll be coming back to JB’s Chicken Chasseur Recipe time and time again.