Hunter's chicken facts for kids

Hunter's chicken

Hunter's chicken, also known as chicken chasseur, is a yummy chicken dish that comes from French cuisine. Imagine tender chicken cooked until it's crispy, then covered in a rich, flavorful sauce. This special sauce, called "chasseur sauce," is made with ingredients like tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, white wine, and a herb called tarragon.

Even though other dishes around the world might share a similar name, they are usually very different. Hunter's chicken is a unique and classic French meal.

What is Hunter's Chicken?

French hunter's chicken starts with chicken that is sautéed. This means it's cooked quickly in a little bit of fat until it's golden and crisp. After cooking, the chicken is served with a special sauce.

The Chasseur Sauce

The "chasseur" sauce is what makes this dish so special. It's usually made by cooking down a mix of tomatoes, mushrooms, and onions. White wine and a little brandy are often added for depth of flavor. A herb called tarragon gives the sauce its unique taste.

Sometimes, cooks might add other things to the sauce. These can include shallots, olive oil, chicken stock, or even vermouth. Besides tarragon, other herbs like marjoram, thyme, and bay leaf can be used. Salt and pepper are also important for seasoning.

How the Sauce Gets Thick

The sauce for hunter's chicken is often thickened by a process called reduction. This means the sauce is simmered gently, allowing some of the liquid to evaporate. As the water leaves, the flavors become stronger and the sauce gets thicker.

Serving Hunter's Chicken

Once the dish is ready, it can be made even prettier and tastier. People often garnish it with fresh parsley or crispy croutons. A cool fact about hunter's chicken is that it can taste even better the next day! This is because the flavors have more time to mix together.

Where Does the Name Come From?

The name "chasseur" means "hunter" in French. So, "chicken chasseur" literally means "hunter's chicken." This name also refers to the special sauce used in the dish, which is called chasseur sauce.

Interestingly, there's a similar dish in Italy called chicken cacciatore. In Italian, the word "cacciatore" also means "hunter." So, both dishes share the idea of a "hunter's style" meal, even though they are prepared differently.

Images for kids

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  Ingredients for poulet sauté chasseur