Patrick Oconnell
Hunters Chicken is a British pub classic that is easy to make at home. The dish consists of chicken breasts wrapped in bacon, topped with barbecue sauce and cheese. While cheddar and mozzarella are the most popular cheeses for this dish, some recipes call for parmesan or cream cheese. Hunters Chicken is best served straight out of the oven, when the cheese is melty and the chicken is tender.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Cheddar, Mozzarella, Parmesan, Cream Cheese |
| Texture | Stretchy, Bubbling, Melty |
| Flavour | Strong, Tangy |
| Quantity | 50 g (1/2 packed cup) of each type of cheese |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Mozzarella and cheddar
Hunters Chicken is a British pub classic that is easy to make at home. The dish typically consists of chicken breasts wrapped in bacon, topped with barbecue sauce, and smothered in melted cheese. While various cheeses can be used, a combination of mozzarella and cheddar seems to be the most popular choice.
Mozzarella cheese gives Hunters Chicken that desirable stretch and bubbling effect. Its stretchy, stringy, and melty characteristics make it a perfect topping for Hunters Chicken. On the other hand, cheddar cheese adds a burst of flavour to the dish. The strong flavour of cheddar pairs well with the other ingredients in Hunters Chicken, making it a tasty addition.
When making Hunters Chicken, it is recommended to use grated or shredded mozzarella and mature cheddar cheese. About 50 grams of each type of cheese is enough for a single serving. After wrapping the chicken breasts in bacon and topping them with barbecue sauce, sprinkle the cheeses on top. Put the dish back in the oven for a few minutes to melt the cheese, and serve while it's still hot and melty.
While mozzarella and cheddar are a great combination, some people prefer to use cheese slices or a single type of cheese. Parmesan is another option that can be used instead of, or in addition to, mozzarella and cheddar. Ultimately, the choice of cheese depends on personal preference and what is available.
For those who enjoy the flavours of Hunters Chicken, there are also alternative ways to prepare the dish. One variation involves stuffing the chicken breasts with a mixture of cream cheese, grated cheese, egg, salt, and pepper before wrapping them in bacon. This creates a juicy and flavourful centre that complements the barbecue sauce and melted cheese topping.
Cheese Steaks: Which Cheeses Melt and Taste the Best?
You may want to see also
Parmesan
One way to use Parmesan in Hunter's Chicken is to add it to the breading for the chicken. To do this, you can mix Parmesan cheese with breadcrumbs and coat the chicken breasts in this mixture before frying. This will give the chicken a crispy, crunchy texture and an extra flavour boost. You can also add garlic powder to the breading mixture to further enhance the flavour.
Another way to incorporate Parmesan into Hunter's Chicken is to sprinkle it on top of the dish. After coating the chicken in BBQ sauce, you can top it with grated or shredded Parmesan cheese and bake it in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This will create a delicious, cheesy topping for the chicken.
In addition to using Parmesan as a topping or in the breading, you can also use it to make a creamy Parmesan polenta as a side dish to accompany your Hunter's Chicken. Polenta is a type of cornmeal porridge that can be flavoured with Parmesan cheese, creating a rich and creamy texture that pairs well with the flavours of the chicken dish.
When choosing Parmesan for Hunter's Chicken, it's important to select a good quality cheese with a strong flavour. Freshly grated Parmesan will typically have a better flavour than pre-grated options. You can adjust the amount of Parmesan used based on your personal preference, but be careful not to use too much, as it can be a salty cheese.
Overall, Parmesan is a versatile cheese that can enhance the flavour and texture of Hunter's Chicken in a variety of ways. Whether used in the breading, as a topping, or as part of a side dish, Parmesan can take this classic pub grub to the next level.
Irish Cheese: Perfect for Beer Cheese Soup?
You may want to see also
Cream cheese
While the classic British pub grub Hunters Chicken is made with a combination of cheddar and mozzarella, there are some variations of the recipe that use cream cheese.
One recipe suggests using a mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and chives as a filling for the chicken breast, along with a slice of bacon, and topped with butter. The cream cheese mixture is stuffed inside the chicken breast, which is then wrapped with bacon and baked in the oven. This variation is also seasoned with salt and pepper and served with parsnips, carrots, and creamy mashed potatoes.
Another recipe for Hunters Chicken specifically mentions using Philadelphia brand cream cheese as the filling for the chicken breast. The chicken is then wrapped in streaky bacon, washed with oil, and baked in the oven. This version is also seasoned and served with vegetables and mashed potatoes.
Using cream cheese in Hunters Chicken provides a rich and creamy texture to the dish, while the other ingredients like bacon, garlic, and chives add flavour and aroma. The chicken remains juicy and tender when cooked with cream cheese, resulting in a delicious and indulgent meal.
While cream cheese is not the traditional cheese choice for Hunters Chicken, these variations offer a unique twist on the classic dish, providing a different flavour profile and texture that may appeal to those who enjoy the creaminess of cream cheese.
Carnivore Diet: Best Cheeses for Your Meals
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Cheese slices
Hunter's Chicken is a British pub classic that can be easily made at home. It is chicken breast wrapped in bacon, smothered in barbecue sauce, and topped with melted cheese.
While most recipes call for grated cheese, some people prefer to use cheese slices. The type of cheese used is typically a combination of mozzarella and cheddar. Mozzarella gives a nice stretch, while cheddar adds flavour. Using cheese slices instead of grated cheese can be tricky as it may cause the cheese to roll off the chicken. To prevent this, make sure the ends of the bacon strips are tucked underneath the chicken to hold the cheese in place.
Another option is to embed a strip of mozzarella cheese in the middle of the chicken breast. This ensures the cheese stays in place while still creating the desired melting effect.
When preparing Hunter's Chicken with cheese slices, it is important to note that reheating may not yield the best results as the cheese may not melt as well the second time. It is recommended to season and wrap the chicken in bacon, then store it in the fridge until ready to cook and melt the cheese.
The Best Cheeses for Carbonara: A Guide
You may want to see also
Chives
When choosing chives for your Hunter's Chicken, look for bright green, fresh-looking stalks. You can cut the chives into small pieces with a pair of kitchen scissors or a knife. Add them just before serving, so they retain their colour and texture.
Cheese Curds: Which Brand Curds Your Fancy?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
A mixture of mozzarella and strong cheddar is best for hunters chicken. Cheddar adds flavour, while mozzarella gives a nice stretch and a bubbling effect.
Hunter's chicken is a British pub classic consisting of chicken breast wrapped in bacon, smothered in barbecue sauce, and topped with melted cheese.
Mashed potatoes, roast potatoes, chips, and vegetables are all great sides to serve with hunter's chicken.
Hunter's chicken typically takes around 25 minutes to cook in the oven. However, the total cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts and the desired level of doneness.
Yes, you can prepare hunter's chicken ahead of time by seasoning and wrapping the chicken in bacon, then storing it in the fridge until you're ready to cook it.
