Hunter’s Chicken

Hunter’s chicken recipe – oven-baked chicken breasts wrapped in bacon, topped with BBQ sauce and melted cheese. This easy weeknight dinner is a popular family meal, served with mashed potatoes, chips, and vegetables. Perfect for a comforting homemade dish with simple ingredients and bold flavors.

This classic Hunter’s Chicken combines juicy chicken breasts wrapped in crispy bacon, topped with rich BBQ sauce and melted cheese. Baked in the oven until golden and bubbly, this pub-style dish is perfect for an easy and comforting dinner at home.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts
• 8 rashers (strips) streaky bacon (smoked or unsmoked)
• 240 ml (1 cup) BBQ sauce (use quality store-bought or homemade)
• 50 g (½ packed cup) grated mature cheddar cheese
• 50 g (½ packed cup) grated mozzarella cheese

To serve:

• Mashed potatoes or chips (fries)
• Steamed vegetables (e.g., carrots, green beans, broccoli)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven:
   Preheat to 200°C (400°F) fan.
2. Prepare the chicken:
   Wrap each chicken breast with 2 rashers of bacon and place them in a shallow ovenproof dish.
3. Bake the chicken:
   Cook in the oven for 25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (no longer pink in the center).
4. Add the sauce and cheese:
   Remove the dish from the oven. Spoon the BBQ sauce over and around the chicken. Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella evenly on top.
5. Melt the cheese:
   Return to the oven for 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
6. Serve:
   Plate the chicken with mashed potatoes or chips, and steamed vegetables.

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Tips

• Use smoked bacon for a more intense, savory flavor.
• Ensure the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should be 75°C/165°F).
• Use a baking dish just big enough to keep the sauce around the chicken, preventing it from drying out.

Variations and Substitutions

• BBQ sauce: Try a smoky, spicy, or honey-infused BBQ sauce.
• Cheese options: Swap cheddar and mozzarella for Monterey Jack, gouda, or Red Leicester.
• Low-carb version: Serve with cauliflower mash and steamed greens instead of potatoes.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of chilli flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce over the cheese.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can wrap the chicken in bacon and refrigerate it up to 24 hours ahead. Add the sauce and cheese just before baking.

Can I freeze it?
Yes, freeze the cooked and cooled chicken with sauce (without cheese), then thaw and reheat in the oven, adding cheese during the last few minutes.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well—adjust cooking time as needed.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with mashed potatoes or thick-cut chips.
• Add steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli for a balanced meal.
• Include coleslaw or a crisp salad for extra crunch and freshness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic comfort food with simple ingredients
• Family-friendly and kid-approved
• Oven-baked in under 35 minutes
• Customizable with different sauces and cheeses
• Perfect for easy weeknight dinners or casual entertaining