What is Hunter’s Chicken? The Tasty History Behind This Beloved Pub Classic

Have you ever wondered why that delicious combination of chicken, bacon, cheese, and barbecue sauce on your plate is called “Hunter’s Chicken”? I mean, it’s not like hunters are out there catching chickens in the wild with BBQ sauce bottles strapped to their backs! This popular dish has become a staple in pubs and restaurants, but its origins and even its definition can be a bit confusing.

As a food blogger who’s spent way too many hours researching random culinary questions (while my dinner gets cold) I’m excited to share everything you need to know about Hunter’s Chicken – from its mixed-up history to how you can make it at home tonight!

The Confusing Identity of Hunter’s Chicken

Here’s where things get a bit muddled. “Hunter’s Chicken” actually refers to two completely different dishes depending on where you are:

1. British Hunter’s Chicken The pub classic featuring chicken breast wrapped in bacon, topped with barbecue sauce and melted cheese

2. Traditional Hunter’s Chicken (Chicken Chasseur/Cacciatore) A completely different dish with roots in Italian and French cuisine featuring chicken braised with mushrooms tomatoes herbs. and wine

Let’s explore both versions since they share the same name but couldn’t be more different!

British Hunter’s Chicken: The Pub Classic

When most people in the UK hear “Hunter’s Chicken,” they think of the beloved pub dish that’s basically a flavor explosion of:

• Juicy chicken breast
• Crispy bacon
• Sweet and tangy barbecue sauce
• Gooey melted cheese (usually cheddar or mozzarella)

This version has become wildly popular in British pubs and restaurants since the 1970s. It’s basically comfort food perfection – simple but incredibly satisfying.

Origins of British Hunter’s Chicken

The modern British version of Hunter’s Chicken is actually quite recent, likely emerging in the mid-20th century. While it shares a name with the traditional Italian and French versions, it’s really its own creation that seems to blend:

• American barbecue influences
• The British love of bacon
• The universal appeal of melted cheese

Some food historians suggest this pub version might have evolved as a simplified, crowd-pleasing adaptation of the traditional hunter-style dishes. The name stuck, even though the recipe completely transformed!

Traditional Hunter’s Chicken: A Dish With Many Names

The traditional “hunter’s chicken” is known by several names globally:

• Chicken chasseur (French)
• Chicken cacciatore (Italian)
• Poulet chasseur (French)
• Poulet à la chasseur (French)

In French, “chasseur” means “hunter,” while in Italian, “cacciatore” also means “hunter” – hence the English translation “hunter’s chicken.” But remember, this is completely different from the British pub version!

The Renaissance Roots

The traditional dish dates back to the Italian Renaissance (around 1450-1600). During this period, Italian nobility enjoyed hunting for wild game. When hunters returned from the forest, they’d bring back not just game meat but also wild mushrooms and herbs they gathered along the way.

The first documented evidence of a chicken cacciatore recipe appears in the 1865 cookbook “La Cucina Teorico-Pratica” by Ippolito Cavalcanti. Back then, chickens were expensive, so this dish was mainly enjoyed by those wealthy enough to hunt regularly.

What’s in Traditional Hunter’s Chicken?

Traditional hunter’s chicken typically includes:

• Chicken pieces (often bone-in)
• Mushrooms
• Tomatoes
• Onions or shallots
• Wine (typically white)
• Herbs (tarragon, parsley, thyme depending on the region)

The dish is usually braised rather than baked, creating a rich, flavorful sauce. French versions may include cognac or brandy along with the wine, while Italian versions might use more tomatoes.

As food writer Alan Davidson notes in “The Oxford Companion to Food,” the term “hunter-style” appears in many cuisines (Italian “alla cacciatora,” Polish “bigos,” French “chasseur”) and usually indicates the presence of forest mushrooms – a nod to ingredients hunters might gather.

Why Is It Called “Hunter’s Chicken”?

The name’s persistence across cultures speaks to the dish’s connection to hunting traditions:

1. Ingredients from the Hunt: Traditional versions used ingredients hunters could gather – mushrooms, herbs, and game (though chicken later replaced wild game in many recipes)

2. One-Pot Simplicity: Both versions can be prepared as a one-pot meal – something practical for cooking outdoors or with limited equipment

3. Hearty and Satisfying: Both dishes provide the substantial meal a hunter might need after a day in the woods

For the British pub version, the name likely carried over despite the recipe changing dramatically over time. The modern BBQ sauce version gained popularity in the UK in the 1970s, helping distinguish it from the traditional Italian braise.

Comparing the Two Hunter’s Chicken Varieties

Let’s break down the key differences:

How to Make British Hunter’s Chicken at Home

Want to make the pub classic at home? Here’s a simple recipe:

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 slices of streaky bacon
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 2 cups grated cheese (cheddar or mozzarella work great)
• Salt, pepper, and paprika to taste

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)
2. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika
3. Wrap each chicken breast with 2 slices of bacon
4. Place in a baking dish and cook for about 20 minutes
5. Remove from oven, top with barbecue sauce and grated cheese
6. Return to oven for another 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly
7. Serve with your favorite sides (chips/fries are traditional!)

Frequently Asked Questions About Hunter’s Chicken

Is Hunter’s chicken the same as Chicken New Yorker?

They’re very similar! Both feature chicken, bacon, BBQ sauce and cheese. The main difference is that Hunter’s chicken typically has more sauce, but honestly, the lines between these dishes have blurred over time.

Is Hunter’s chicken healthy?

Let’s be honest – the British pub version isn’t winning any health food awards with its bacon, cheese and sugary BBQ sauce. But you can make healthier versions by using leaner bacon, reduced-sugar BBQ sauce, and less cheese. Grilling instead of frying helps too!

What sides go best with Hunter’s chicken?

For the pub version, chips/fries are classic, but mashed potatoes, coleslaw, corn on the cob, and simple salads all work great. For the traditional version, polenta, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce are perfect companions.

Can I make Hunter’s chicken in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! For the pub version, layer chicken and bacon in the slow cooker, top with BBQ sauce, and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add cheese in the last 30 minutes. The traditional version is actually perfect for slow cooking – all those flavors have time to meld together beautifully.

What’s the difference between Hunter’s chicken and Chicken Parmigiana?

While both have chicken and cheese, Chicken Parmigiana uses tomato/marinara sauce instead of BBQ sauce and typically involves breaded chicken. Hunter’s chicken uses bacon and BBQ sauce for its distinctive flavor.

The Enduring Appeal of Hunter’s Chicken

Whether you prefer the pub classic with its sweet BBQ sauce and melty cheese or the traditional hunter-style braise with mushrooms and wine, Hunter’s chicken in all its forms represents what we love about comfort food – hearty, flavorful dishes that satisfy both hunger and soul.

The next time you’re enjoying this dish, you can impress your friends with your knowledge of its confusing dual identity and centuries-old heritage. Or just focus on enjoying every delicious bite – I won’t judge!