Hunters Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Hunters Chicken is a comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts wrapped in smoky bacon, topped with tangy BBQ sauce and melted cheese. It’s a simple yet flavorful meal perfect for a weeknight dinner that pairs beautifully with chips or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 8 rashers/strips streaky bacon (smoked or unsmoked – your preference)
- 240 ml (1 cup) BBQ sauce
- 50 g (1/2 packed cup) grated/shredded mature cheddar cheese
- 50 g (1/2 packed cup) grated/shredded mozzarella cheese
- Chips or mashed potatoes, to serve
- Veggies such as carrots, green beans, or broccoli, to serve
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 200C/400F (fan).
- Step 2: Wrap each chicken breast with two rashers of bacon and place them in a shallow baking dish.
- Step 3: Bake in the oven for 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the middle.
- Step 4: Remove the chicken from the oven and spoon the BBQ sauce over and around each piece.
- Step 5: Sprinkle the cooked chicken with both the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
- Step 6: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, until the cheese has melted and is slightly golden.
Tips & Variations
- Use smoky BBQ sauce for a richer flavor or try a spicy variation if you like some heat.
- You can swap the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses for other types like Monterey Jack or smoked gouda for different textures and tastes.
- For extra crisp bacon, cook the bacon rashers lightly before wrapping the chicken.
- Serve with a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the dish.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 160C (320F) until warmed through to keep the chicken moist and the cheese melty. Avoid microwaving to prevent rubbery texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used and will add extra juiciness. Adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just be sure to use gluten-free BBQ sauce and double-check that any other ingredients you use are gluten-free.
PrintHunters Chicken Recipe
Hunter’s Chicken is a delicious oven-baked dish featuring tender chicken breasts wrapped in crispy bacon, topped with flavorful BBQ sauce and a blend of melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Served best with sides like chips or mashed potatoes and fresh veggies, this comforting meal is perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Ingredients
Chicken and Bacon
- 4 chicken breasts
- 8 rashers/strips streaky bacon (smoked or unsmoked, your preference)
Sauce and Cheese
- 240 ml (1 cup) BBQ sauce
- 50 g (1/2 packed cup) grated/shredded mature cheddar cheese
- 50 g (1/2 packed cup) grated/shredded mozzarella cheese
Serving Suggestions
- Chips or mashed potatoes
- Veggies such as carrots, green beans, or broccoli
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven temperature to 200°C (400°F) fan-assisted. This ensures it’s hot and ready for the chicken to cook evenly.
- Prepare the Chicken: Wrap each chicken breast with two rashers or strips of streaky bacon. Lay them carefully in a shallow baking dish to keep them snug while cooking.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the dish in the oven and cook for 25 minutes. This will cook the chicken thoroughly, ensuring it’s no longer pink inside and the bacon starts to crisp up.
- Add the BBQ Sauce: Take the dish out of the oven and spoon the BBQ sauce over and around each chicken breast. This adds a smoky, tangy flavor to the dish.
- Top with Cheese: Generously sprinkle both the mature cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the sauced chicken breasts.
- Final Bake: Return the dish to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and turned slightly golden.
Notes
- You can use either smoked or unsmoked bacon depending on your flavor preference.
- Ensure chicken is cooked through by checking that juices run clear and the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
- For extra flavor, consider brushing some BBQ sauce on the bacon before wrapping it around the chicken.
- Serve with your favorite sides such as chips, mashed potatoes, or steamed veggies for a full meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
Keywords: Hunter’s Chicken, bacon wrapped chicken, baked chicken, BBQ chicken, cheesy chicken, comfort food
