Andy Montoya
Hunters Chicken is a British pub classic that can be made at home with just a few ingredients. The chicken is wrapped in bacon, smothered in barbecue sauce, and topped with melted cheese. While the classic recipe calls for a combination of mozzarella and cheddar, there are many variations to this dish, including the use of different types of cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Cheddar, Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Red Leicester, Parmesan, Crumbled Lancashire, Cheshire, Wensleydale, Crumbled Stilton, or a mixture of different cheeses |
| Cheese Placement | On top of the BBQ sauce, inside the chicken breast, or in the middle of the chicken breast |
| Cheese Texture | Melty |
| Cheese Quantity | 150 grams |
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What You'll Learn
Cheddar is the traditional choice
Cheddar is a great choice for Hunter's Chicken because of its strong flavour. It pairs well with the barbecue sauce, adding a sharp tanginess that complements the sweetness of the sauce. The sharpness of cheddar also cuts through the richness of the bacon and chicken, enhancing the overall flavour of the dish. In addition, cheddar has a relatively high melting point, which means it can be grated and sprinkled on top of the chicken without disappearing into a greasy puddle. It will retain its texture and flavour, adding a nice, gooey, stretchy element to the dish without becoming oily or separating.
While cheddar is the traditional choice, other cheeses can also be used in Hunter's Chicken. Some recipes suggest a combination of cheddar and mozzarella, with the mozzarella providing a nice stretch to the cheese topping. Other options include Monterey Jack, Red Leicester, crumbled Lancashire, Cheshire, Wensleydale, or even a blue cheese like Stilton. These cheeses offer different flavour profiles and melting qualities, allowing for a more personalised take on the classic dish.
Ultimately, the choice of cheese comes down to personal preference. Cheddar is a classic option that delivers on flavour and texture, but feel free to experiment with different cheeses or combinations to find your ideal Hunter's Chicken. The versatility of the dish is part of its appeal, and you can easily customise it to suit your taste buds.
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Mozzarella in the middle
Hunters Chicken is a British pub classic, and a delicious, comforting dish that's easy to make at home. It's made with chicken breasts wrapped in bacon, baked in barbecue sauce and cheese. While cheddar is the traditional cheese to use, some recipes call for mozzarella in the middle of the chicken breast, with another cheese, like more mozzarella or cheddar, sprinkled on top.
If you want to add mozzarella to the middle of your chicken breast, you'll need to cut a slit in the chicken and then stuff the cheese inside. You can use a knife to make the slit, or you can butterfly the chicken breast and then roll it up with the mozzarella inside. Make sure the mozzarella is secured inside the chicken breast so that it doesn't melt out while cooking.
Once you've prepared your chicken breasts, wrap them in bacon and secure the ends underneath. Place the chicken in a baking dish and follow the rest of your Hunters Chicken recipe as usual. Enjoy your cheesy creation!
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Parmesan for a stronger flavour
While cheddar is the traditional cheese used in Hunter's Chicken, you can use Parmesan for a stronger flavour. Parmesan is a hard, aged cheese with a sharp, nutty flavour that can add a tangy twist to the classic British pub dish.
To make Hunter's Chicken with Parmesan, start by wrapping chicken breasts in bacon and smothering them in barbecue sauce, as you would in a traditional recipe. Then, instead of topping with cheddar, mix grated Parmesan with breadcrumbs and garlic powder. Fry the chicken breasts until golden brown, then transfer them to a baking pan. Add your sauce and top with the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture. Bake until the cheese is melted and the topping is golden.
Using Parmesan in this way adds a crunchy texture and an extra layer of flavour to the dish. You can also add some Parmesan to the dredging station when coating your chicken cutlets in flour, egg, and panko for an even stronger flavour. This technique is used in Chicken Parmesan, a popular Italian-American dish.
For an extra indulgent twist on Hunter's Chicken, you could try using a combination of cheeses. Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and Red Leicester all work well with Parmesan. If you want to stick with the traditional cheddar, you could try embedding a strip of mozzarella into the middle of the chicken breast for a cheesy surprise.
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Crumbled Lancashire, Cheshire or Wensleydale for tang
Hunters Chicken is a British pub classic, typically made with chicken, bacon, barbecue sauce, and cheese. While cheddar is the traditional choice, you can use any cheese that melts well. For a tangy flavour profile, crumbled Lancashire, Cheshire, or Wensleydale are excellent options. These cheeses will add a sharp, savoury taste to the dish.
Lancashire cheese is a semi-hard English cheese with a creamy texture and a tangy flavour. It is typically made with cow's milk and has a deep orange colour. The cheese is aged for several months, during which time it develops its characteristic tangy flavour and crumbly texture. When used in Hunters Chicken, Lancashire cheese adds a sharp and savoury note to the dish.
Cheshire cheese is another English cheese variety known for its crumbly texture and tangy flavour. It is typically made with cow's milk and has a pale cream to yellow colour. Cheshire cheese has a slightly salty taste with a hint of tanginess, making it a perfect match for the barbecue sauce in Hunters Chicken.
Wensleydale cheese, made famous by the popular British cartoon "Wallace and Gromit," is a traditional English cheese with a creamy texture and a mild, slightly tangy flavour. It is often made with cow's milk and has a pale yellow colour. The addition of Wensleydale cheese to Hunters Chicken will contribute a subtle tanginess that complements the other flavours in the dish.
When using crumbled Lancashire, Cheshire, or Wensleydale cheese in Hunters Chicken, it is essential to consider the texture and melting properties of these cheeses. While they may not melt as smoothly as cheddar or mozzarella, they can still be incorporated into the dish. You can mix the crumbled cheese with a small amount of melted butter or cream to create a cohesive mixture that can be spread over the chicken. Alternatively, you can sprinkle the crumbled cheese on top of the barbecue sauce, allowing it to melt slightly in the oven's residual heat.
In conclusion, Hunters Chicken is a versatile dish that accommodates various cheeses, including tangy options like crumbled Lancashire, Cheshire, or Wensleydale. These cheeses contribute a sharp and savoury flavour profile to the classic combination of chicken, bacon, and barbecue sauce. By experimenting with different cheeses, you can create a unique and delicious variation of this beloved British pub classic.
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Blue cheese lovers should try Stilton
Hunters Chicken is a British pub classic, and a delicious, low-fuss family favourite. The dish is made up of chicken, bacon, cheese, and barbecue sauce. While cheddar is the traditional cheese used in this recipe, blue cheese lovers should try using Stilton.
The strong flavour of cheddar pairs well with barbecue sauce, but if you're a fan of blue cheese, Stilton is a great substitute. Its tangy, sharp flavour will add a unique twist to the classic Hunters Chicken. It will also complement the smokiness of the bacon and the sweetness of the barbecue sauce.
When making Hunters Chicken, you can choose to season the chicken with spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. The chicken breasts are then wrapped in bacon and cooked in the oven. After cooking the chicken, pour barbecue sauce over it and sprinkle with cheese before returning it to the oven to melt the cheese.
If you want to add a special touch, you can embed a strip of mozzarella or some grated cheese inside the chicken breasts. This will ensure a burst of flavour in every bite. You can also experiment with different types of cheese like Crumbled Lancashire, Cheshire, or Wensleydale for a tangy twist.
So, if you're a blue cheese enthusiast, don't be afraid to swap out the cheddar in your Hunters Chicken recipe and give Stilton a try. It will surely elevate your dining experience and impress your family and friends.
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Frequently asked questions
A blend of grated mozzarella and cheddar cheese is often used for Hunter's Chicken, creating a melty, gooey topping that adds a creamy richness to the dish.
Yes, you can use all mozzarella, but it may lack slightly in flavour. Other options include Monterey Jack, Red Leicester, crumbled Lancashire, Cheshire, Wensleydale, and crumbled Stilton.
Hunter's Chicken is made by wrapping chicken breasts in bacon and smothering them in barbecue sauce and melted cheese. It is typically served with sides such as chips, mashed potatoes, and vegetables.
