Delia Chicken Chasseur Recipe

Delia Smith's Chicken Chasseur, a classic French dish, offers a delightful blend of flavors that bring warmth and comfort to any dining table. This recipe is a testament to Smith's ability to take traditional dishes and make them accessible for home cooks, ensuring that the rich, tomato-based sauce perfectly complements the tender chicken pieces.

Delia Smith's Chicken Chasseur Recipe

Cultural or Historical Context: Chicken Chasseur, or "hunter's chicken," is a French bistro classic known for its rich, hearty sauce made with tomatoes, onions, and mushrooms. Delia Smith's rendition of this dish simplifies the classic French technique without sacrificing flavor, making it an ideal recipe for home cooks looking to bring a touch of French cuisine into their kitchen.

Ingredients for the Chicken Chasseur

• 1 Traditional Free Range chicken (about 1.35 kg), jointed into 8 pieces
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• Salt and freshly milled black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 large onions, peeled and thickly sliced (approximately 350g total)
• 700g ripe red tomatoes
• 2 large cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
• 1 level tablespoon tomato purée
• 1 level tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves, bruised and finely chopped
• 1 bay leaf
• 275ml dry white wine

Preparation Instructions

1. Begin by heating the oil in a casserole over high heat and seasoning the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
2. Brown the chicken in batches to achieve a golden color on all sides, then set aside.
3. Cook the onions until softened and browned, then add garlic, followed by the tomatoes, tomato purée, rosemary, bay leaf, white wine, and vinegar.
4. Allow the sauce to reduce by half its volume, then return the chicken to the pan, cover, and simmer until the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
5. Serve with green tagliatelle, noodles, rice, or a simple vegetable for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating

To store leftovers, allow the dish to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. For reheating, gently simmer on the stove or heat in the microwave until thoroughly warmed.

Nutritional Information

This dish is rich in protein from the chicken, with a moderate amount of fat from the olive oil and the chicken's skin. The tomatoes provide vitamins C and K, potassium, and fiber.

FAQ about the Chicken Chasseur

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken? Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but the cooking time may vary.
• Is it possible to make this dish without alcohol? Yes, you can substitute the white wine with chicken broth, though the flavor profile will slightly change.

For a more detailed guide and additional tips, refer to Delia Smith's original recipe in her "Complete How to Cook" book. This recipe is a wonderful way to experience the flavors of French cuisine with the guidance of one of Britain's most beloved culinary figures.