Hunter’s Chicken is a hearty, flavor-packed dish that brings together the best of smoky barbecue, crispy bacon, and melted cheese. The slow cooker ensures the chicken stays incredibly juicy, while the oven-finished cheese layer adds a beautifully golden, bubbly topping. Whether you serve it with creamy mashed potatoes, crispy roasted veggies, or a side of buttery garlic bread, this dish is a guaranteed winner for family dinners or cozy weekend meals. Plus, with simple ingredients and effortless preparation, it’s an easy way to impress without spending hours in the kitchen!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 streaky bacon rashers
- 250g barbecue sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato ketchup
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- 3 drops liquid smoke (or 2 tsp smoked paprika)
- 4 tbsp panko breadcrumbs (optional)
- 50g grated cheddar cheese
- 50g grated mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Directions:
- Wrap each chicken breast with two rashers of streaky bacon and place them in the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix barbecue sauce, tomato ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, honey, garlic powder, sea salt, and liquid smoke (or smoked paprika). Pour this sauce over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on high for 3 hours.
- Preheat the oven grill. Transfer the chicken and sauce to an ovenproof dish.
- Sprinkle the optional panko breadcrumbs, followed by the grated cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
- Place under the grill for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 3 hours 3 minutes | Total Time: 3 hours 8 minutes
Calories: 528 kcal | Servings: 4
A Brief History of Hunter’s Chicken
The origins of Hunter’s Chicken are somewhat debated, but the name itself suggests a dish that was once prepared with freshly caught game. In French cuisine, a similar dish called Poulet Chasseur (meaning “hunter’s chicken”) features chicken in a rich tomato and mushroom sauce with wine, often served with rustic bread or potatoes. However, the British version has taken a different route, swapping out the tomato base for a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, wrapped in bacon for extra depth of flavor.
While it may not have deep historical roots in the UK, Hunter’s Chicken has become a staple in British gastropubs and home kitchens alike. It represents the kind of comforting, indulgent meal that brings people together. The slow-cooked version takes all the traditional flavors and makes it even easier to prepare without compromising on taste.
Why Slow Cooking Makes This Dish Even Better
One of the main advantages of making Hunter’s Chicken in a slow cooker is how effortlessly it transforms simple ingredients into a rich and flavorful dish. Here are some reasons why this method is a game-changer:
1. Juicier Chicken
Chicken breasts can sometimes become dry when baked or grilled, but slow cooking allows them to stay tender and absorb all the flavors of the sauce. The long cooking time at a low temperature ensures a perfectly juicy result every time.
2. Infused Smoky Flavor
Since the chicken simmers in the barbecue sauce for hours, every bite is infused with deep, smoky flavors. Adding ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, honey, or liquid smoke enhances this effect, making the dish taste like it was slow-smoked on a grill.
3. Hands-Off Cooking
One of the biggest benefits of using a slow cooker is the ability to “set it and forget it.” Once you’ve prepped the ingredients and started the slow cooker, you’re free to focus on other tasks while your meal cooks to perfection.
4. Perfect for Meal Prep
Hunter’s Chicken is an excellent meal-prep option. You can make a batch ahead of time, refrigerate it, and reheat portions throughout the week. The leftovers taste just as delicious if not better because the flavors continue to develop over time.
Popular Variations of Hunter’s Chicken
While the classic version includes bacon, barbecue sauce, and cheese, there are plenty of ways to tweak the recipe to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Here are some variations you might want to try:
1. Hunter’s Pork
Swap out the chicken breasts for pork chops or pork tenderloin. The slow cooker will make the pork incredibly tender, and it pairs beautifully with the barbecue and cheese combination.
2. Spicy Hunter’s Chicken
For those who love a bit of heat, add some chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños to the sauce. You can also use a spicy barbecue sauce for an extra kick.
3. Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly Version
To make this dish low-carb, opt for a sugar-free barbecue sauce and use a low-carb cheese like cheddar or gouda. Skip the optional breadcrumbs for a completely keto-friendly meal.
4. Vegetarian “Hunter’s Chicken”
If you want to make a meat-free version, try using thick slices of halloumi or tofu instead of chicken. Wrap them in vegetarian bacon and follow the same cooking process.
5. Hunter’s Chicken Casserole
Turn this into a hearty casserole by shredding the cooked chicken and mixing it with pasta or rice before topping it with cheese and baking it in the oven.
Best Sides to Serve with Hunter’s Chicken
Hunter’s Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Whether you want a classic pub-style meal or a lighter option, here are some great choices:
1. Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes balance out the smoky and tangy flavors of the dish. Add a knob of butter and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for extra richness.
2. Roasted Vegetables
A side of roasted carrots, bell peppers, or broccoli adds color and nutrients to your plate while complementing the flavors of the chicken.
3. French Fries or Sweet Potato Fries
For a true pub-style experience, serve Hunter’s Chicken with crispy fries or sweet potato fries. They soak up the sauce beautifully and add a satisfying crunch.
4. Garlic Bread
A slice of warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover barbecue sauce on your plate.
5. Green Salad
If you’re looking for a lighter option, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and cheesy chicken.
Tips for Making the Best Slow Cooker Hunter’s Chicken
- Choose Quality Bacon – Opt for streaky bacon with a good balance of fat and meat. This ensures that it stays crispy and adds maximum flavor.
- Use a Thick Barbecue Sauce – A thicker sauce will coat the chicken better and result in a richer final dish. If your sauce is too thin, try simmering it for a few minutes before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Don’t Skip the Cheese – The final step of melting the cheese under the grill is what makes this dish truly irresistible. It adds a gooey, golden topping that brings everything together.
- Make It Ahead of Time – You can prep the bacon-wrapped chicken the night before and store it in the fridge. In the morning, just place it in the slow cooker and let it do its magic.
- Shred the Chicken for a Different Texture – If you want to change things up, you can shred the slow-cooked chicken and mix it with the sauce before topping it with cheese. This makes a great filling for sandwiches or tacos.
Conclusion:
Slow Cooker Hunter’s Chicken is a dish that perfectly balances smoky, savory, and cheesy flavors in one comforting bite. Its simplicity, combined with the deep, rich taste, makes it a fantastic choice for family dinners, meal prep, or entertaining guests.
By using a slow cooker, you eliminate the need for constant supervision while ensuring that the chicken remains juicy and flavorful. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with different variations, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your home.