Yummy Hunters Chicken Recipe
You’ll find Hunters Chicken on nearly every British pub menu today, but its journey to becoming a gastropub staple isn’t as straightforward as you might think. While its name suggests a connection to traditional hunting practices, this comfort food classic actually emerged in the 1980s as pub fare began evolving beyond basic bar snacks. The combination of chicken, bacon, barbecue sauce, and melted cheese appears deceptively simple, yet there’s more to the story of how this relative newcomer managed to secure its place alongside time-honored British dishes like shepherd’s pie and fish and chips.
Overview
- Hunter’s Chicken is a British pub dish featuring bacon-wrapped chicken breast topped with barbecue sauce and melted cheddar cheese.
- The dish requires four main ingredients: chicken breasts, smoked back bacon, barbecue sauce, and mature cheddar cheese.
- Cooking involves wrapping seasoned chicken in bacon, searing it, then baking with sauce and cheese for 20-25 minutes.
- Internal temperature must reach 75°C (165°F) to ensure food safety and proper doneness.
- Each serving provides approximately 520 calories and 45g of protein, making it a substantial main course.
Origins and British Pub Heritage
Hunter’s Chicken is a beloved British pub classic featuring succulent chicken breast wrapped in crispy bacon, smothered in barbecue sauce, and topped with melted cheese. This hearty dish combines smoky, sweet, and savory flavors for a truly satisfying meal that’s become a staple of modern British cuisine since its rise to popularity in the 1980s.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts (about 150g each)
- 8 slices smoked back bacon
- 240ml barbecue sauce
- 200g mature cheddar cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan/400°F/Gas 6)
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper
- Wrap each chicken breast with 2 slices of bacon
- Heat oil in an ovenproof pan over medium-high heat
- Sear wrapped chicken for 2-3 minutes each side until bacon starts to crisp
- Pour barbecue sauce over chicken
- Top each piece with grated cheese
- Transfer to oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until chicken is cooked through
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving
Top Tips
- Use room temperature chicken for even cooking
- Choose thick-cut bacon for better wrapping
- Check internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F)
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning for better sear
- Allow cheese to properly melt and slightly brown
- Rest meat to retain juices
Variations
- Mediterranean: Use Parma ham and mozzarella
- Spicy: Add jalapeños and chipotle barbecue sauce
- Mushroom: Add sautéed mushrooms under the cheese
- Deluxe: Top with crispy fried onions
- Smoky: Use smoked cheese and maple bacon
Nutritional Guide
Per serving (1 chicken breast):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 |
| Protein | 45g |
| Fat | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Fiber | 0.5g |
| Sodium | 980mg |
High in protein and moderate in carbohydrates. Consider using reduced-fat cheese or sugar-free barbecue sauce for a lighter version.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Cheese Works Best for Hunters Chicken Besides Cheddar?
You’ll find that smoked Gouda, Gruyère, or Provolone offer excellent gourmet cheese options. Their melting profiles and cheese texture influence your dish’s final consistency, delivering that stretchy, indulgent coating you’re looking for.
How Long Can Leftover Hunters Chicken Be Stored in the Refrigerator?
You’ll want to follow proper food safety guidelines for your leftover storage. Store your cooked chicken dish in an airtight container and consume within 3-4 days while keeping it at 40°F (4°C) or below.
Can Hunters Chicken Be Prepared in Advance and Reheated?
You can prep hunters chicken ahead and freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, cover with foil and warm at 350°F until reaching 165°F internally for ideal food safety and texture.
Is It Possible to Make Hunters Chicken in a Slow Cooker?
You’ll find slow cooking works beautifully for this dish. Layer chicken, bacon, and BBQ sauce, cooking on low for 6-7 hours. For flavor variations, try adding caramelized onions or different cheese blends.
What Side Dishes Pair Well With Hunters Chicken?
You’ll find perfect pairings with both vegetable and starch options. Consider roasted garlic potatoes, creamy mashed potatoes, or buttered corn. For vegetables, try steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or a mixed garden salad.
Before You Go
You’ll find Hunter’s Chicken exemplifies the quintessential evolution of British gastropub cuisine. The layered composition of pan-seared chicken breast, precisely wrapped in streaky bacon, then glazed with a reduction of smoky barbecue sauce and gratinated with aged cheddar, demonstrates refined culinary technique while maintaining its rustic pub roots. This protein-rich dish continues to dominate contemporary British menus, validating its gastronomic significance.
