Savory French Hunter's Chicken

As seen on: Delicious Main Course Recipes

Rustic French cooking featuring bone-in chicken pieces and mushrooms bathed in a tomato-cognac mixture seasoned with fresh tarragon and parsley.
emilyscooks.com
Shared By Emily
Last revised on Sat, 17 May 2025 11:24:11 GMT
A plate of chicken thighs smothered in rich sauce next to creamy mashed potatoes and colorful mixed vegetables. Save this
A plate of chicken thighs smothered in rich sauce next to creamy mashed potatoes and colorful mixed vegetables. | emilyscooks.com

My kitchen fills with the rustic charm of France whenever I whip up this Chicken Chasseur. There's something truly wonderful about how the juicy chicken blends with earthy mushrooms in that velvety sauce touched with cognac. The smell alone carries me away to a snug little French countryside restaurant every single time.

Why You'll Fall For This

I'm always amazed at how this dish turns basic stuff from my pantry into something that feels fancy. The combo of crispy-skinned chicken and that rich, flavorful sauce hits the sweet spot between down-home comfort and dinner party worthy. It's become what I cook when I want to make an ordinary evening feel extra nice.

What You'll Need

  • Chicken: Go for pieces with bones for extra taste.
  • Seasonings: Don't skip the salt and pepper.
  • Fats: Butter and olive oil team up for flavor.
  • Mushrooms: Cremini brings a nice woodsy note.
  • Aromatics: Garlic and shallots add complexity.
  • Liquids: Stocks and cognac build the base.
  • Tomatoes: Both paste and fresh ones for texture.
  • Finishing: Cream and fresh herbs for balance.

Cooking Magic Begins

Perfect chicken:
Add plenty of seasoning and cook till nicely browned.
Layer the taste:
Cook your veggies and splash with liquor to scrape up bits.
Magic sauce:
Mix in herbs stocks and tomatoes let everything bubble together.
Final touches:
Put chicken back sprinkle with herbs and serve with care.
A plated dish of chicken thighs topped with mushroom gravy, cherry tomatoes, and herbs, served alongside mashed potatoes. Save this
A plated dish of chicken thighs topped with mushroom gravy, cherry tomatoes, and herbs, served alongside mashed potatoes. | emilyscooks.com

Smart Cooking Tricks

Get everything chopped and ready before you start cooking. Leave space between chicken pieces when browning them. Grab your meat thermometer to make sure your chicken's done just right.

What Goes Well With It

Nothing beats this spooned over fluffy mashed potatoes or having some good bread nearby to mop up that sauce. Add a simple green salad on the side and you've got a perfect meal.

Storing Leftovers

This tastes even better the next few days if you warm it up slowly. Add a bit of chicken stock to loosen the sauce. Watch the microwave time so your chicken stays tender.

Make It Your Own

Switch up the meat or toss in some pearl onions. Play with different herbs too. The dish stays true to its French roots while letting you get creative. Every tweak brings a new twist to enjoy.

A plate of tender chicken thighs in a rich gravy, accompanied by creamy mashed potatoes and sautéed mushrooms, garnished with parsley. Save this
A plate of tender chicken thighs in a rich gravy, accompanied by creamy mashed potatoes and sautéed mushrooms, garnished with parsley. | emilyscooks.com

Storied French Background

I love how this dish travels from hunters' tables to fancy restaurants through the years. Knowing where it came from makes eating it even better as we connect to food traditions from long ago.

Quick Shortcuts

You can make the sauce a day or two ahead. Then just cook fresh chicken and warm everything up together. It's a great way to have something special even on busy weeknights.

Common Wonderings

Yes chicken with bones really does taste better here. The sauce shines with fresh stuff. That cognac works magic but you can swap it if needed. It freezes great for later when you need comfort food fast.

Forever Favorite

This Chicken Chasseur shows why we still love French cooking after all these years. It takes regular ingredients good technique and builds amazing flavors. You'll get both comfort and elegance in every bite at your table.

A plate of tender chicken thighs topped with a rich mushroom and tomato sauce, garnished with herbs, alongside a serving of mashed potatoes. Save this
A plate of tender chicken thighs topped with a rich mushroom and tomato sauce, garnished with herbs, alongside a serving of mashed potatoes. | emilyscooks.com

Common Questions

→ Can I swap out the cognac?
Absolutely, try using brandy instead, or just add more white wine if you're staying away from spirits.
→ What's the point of mixing chicken and beef stock?
They work together to create a fuller taste profile. The beef stock brings deep savory elements that really work well with the mushrooms.
→ Is boneless chicken okay to use?
You can do it, but chicken with bones gives you way more flavor and keeps the meat juicy throughout the cooking time.
→ What does sour cream do in this dish?
It makes the sauce creamier and adds a slight tanginess while also helping the sauce get thicker.

Wrap-Up

Chicken Chasseur stands as a beloved countryside staple in French cooking. This mouthwatering dish brings together juicy chicken with garden mushrooms in a complex, rich sauce that blends cognac, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant herbs.

French Hunter's Chicken

Beloved French creation with tender chicken and mushrooms simmered in a bold cognac sauce with fresh tomatoes and garden herbs.

Preparation Time
45 Minutes
Cooking Time
45 Minutes
Overall Time
90 Minutes
Shared By: Emily

Meal Type: Main Courses

Skill Level: Advanced

Cuisine Style: French

Makes: 8 Portions (8 pieces)

Special Diet: Low in Carbs, Made Without Gluten

What You’ll Need

01 items 3 brown-skinned Russet potatoes.
02 items 4 tablespoons butter, split in half.
03 items 4 tablespoons virgin olive oil.
04 items 3 pounds chicken pieces with bones.
05 items 2 teaspoons sea salt.
06 items ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.
07 items 1 pound baby cremini mushrooms.
08 items ¼ cup finely chopped shallots.
09 items 1½ tablespoons crushed garlic.
10 items ½ cup good quality brandy or cognac.
11 items ½ cup dry white wine.
12 items 3 tablespoons rich tomato paste.
13 items 2 diced Roma tomatoes.
14 items 1½ cups homemade chicken stock.
15 items ½ cup savory beef stock.
16 items ¼ cup tangy sour cream.
17 items 2 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon.
18 items 2 tablespoons snipped fresh parsley.

Steps To Make It

Step 01

Dust chicken with pepper and salt. If you want, get some mashed potatoes going too.

Step 02

Put chicken in hot oil and butter mixture for about 8 minutes each side until fully cooked. Take it out and keep it warm.

Step 03

Toss mushrooms into the same hot pan for 3 minutes. Throw in garlic and shallots and cook just 1 minute more.

Step 04

Pour in brandy followed by wine and let it bubble down. Mix in tomatoes, both stocks and add sour cream. Let it cook down until it gets thick.

Step 05

Mix butter and tarragon into the sauce. Put chicken back in the pan. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving.

Extra Notes

  1. Works great with either chicken thighs or breasts.
  2. Most folks serve this with a side of creamy mashed potatoes.

Essential Tools

  • Heavy-bottom skillet.

Allergen Info

Review ingredients carefully for allergens, and consult a healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Contains dairy products.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

Keep in mind, this data is an estimate and not a substitute for professional dietary advice.
  • Calories: 561
  • Fat Content: 39 grams
  • Total Carbs: 9 grams
  • Protein Content: 32 grams