This Bored of Lunch Slow Cooker Hunter’s Chicken is another one of those speedy recipes that is perfect for when you are in a mad dash, made with chicken breasts, Parma ham, onion, garlic, passata, and barbecue sauce.

To make Hunter’s Chicken in your slow cooker or crockpot, wrap the chicken breasts in ham, add all ingredients except cheese, and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 7 hours.

This recipe is incredibly easy and convenient. I enjoy the cheesy topping and usually serve it with chips and green beans for a complete meal.

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What is Hunter’s Chicken?

Hunter’s Chicken, also known as Chicken Chasseur, is a classic dish featuring chicken breasts wrapped in Parma ham. The dish is slow-cooked with a savory sauce made from passata, barbecue sauce, and seasonings. It’s topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

Slow Cooker Hunter’s Chicken Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts
• 4 slices of Parma ham (use more if you like)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, crushed or grated
• 1 tsp of paprika
• 1 tbsp of Italian herb seasoning
• 500g of passata
• 1 tbsp of tomato purée
• 4 tbsp of barbecue sauce (any will do or you could make your own)
• 80g of reduced-fat mozzarella, shredded or grated
• 1 tbsp of grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 100g of air-fried homemade chips per person, to serve
• 80g of green beans per person, to serve

How To Make Slow Cooker Hunter’s Chicken

1. Prepare the chicken and slow cooker: Wrap each chicken breast in a slice of Parma ham, ensuring it’s fully covered. Place the wrapped chicken breasts on top of the chopped onion, spreading them evenly in the slow cooker.
2. Add the base ingredients: Add the crushed or grated garlic, paprika, Italian herb seasoning, passata, tomato purée, and barbecue sauce to the slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper to taste, making sure the ingredients are well-distributed.
3. Cook the chicken: Set your slow cooker to high and cook for 4 hours or choose the low setting for 7 hours. Ensure the chicken is cooked through and the flavors have melded together nicely.
4. Finish with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top of the chicken for the last 15 minutes of cooking. For a nicely browned cheese topping, place the ovenproof slow-cooker pot (without the lid) under a hot grill for about 7 minutes.
5. Serve: Serve the Hunter’s Chicken with 100g of air-fried homemade chips and 80g of green beans per person. Make sure each portion has an even amount of chicken, chips, and green beans.

What should I do if my chicken breasts are very large?

If your chicken breasts are very large, you can cut them in half. This ensures they cook evenly and fully within the given cooking time. Smaller pieces also absorb more flavor from the sauce and seasoning, making the dish more delicious.

Recipe Tips

• Choose quality chicken breasts: Use fresh, high-quality chicken breasts for the best flavor and texture. Avoid using frozen chicken breasts as they can release too much water during cooking, which can dilute the sauce.
• Wrap the chicken tightly: When wrapping the chicken breasts in Parma ham, make sure they are tightly wrapped. This helps keep the chicken moist and infuses it with the delicious flavors of the ham.
• Use homemade barbecue sauce: For a richer and more personalized taste, make your own barbecue sauce. It’s easy to prepare and allows you to control the sweetness, tanginess, and spiciness according to your preference.
• Check the internal temperature: Always check that the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F. This ensures the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer to avoid undercooked or overcooked chicken.
• Let the cheese brown: For an extra flavorful topping, place the slow-cooker pot under a hot grill. Let the cheese brown and bubble for a few minutes, giving it a delightful crispy texture that enhances the dish.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Hunter’s Chicken: Add some heat by including chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. This gives the dish a spicy kick without overwhelming the other flavors. Adjust the spice level according to your preference.
• Smoky Hunter’s Chicken: Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor. This variation adds a subtle smokiness that pairs wonderfully with the barbecue sauce and Parma ham.
• Hunter’s Chicken with Vegetables: Add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the slow cooker. These veggies will cook down nicely and soak up the delicious sauce, making the dish heartier and more nutritious.
• Cheesy Hunter’s Chicken: Mix different cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or Monterey Jack with mozzarella and Parmesan. This creates a richer, more complex cheese topping that melts beautifully and adds more depth to the dish.
• Hunter’s Chicken with Bacon: Substitute the Parma ham with bacon for a different flavor profile. The bacon will add a smoky, salty taste that complements the barbecue sauce and chicken perfectly.

What To Serve With Hunter’s Chicken

Serve your Hunter’s Chicken with creative sides like slow cooker French Fries, garlic butter asparagus, and lemon herb quinoa.

Try a fresh cucumber and tomato salad or Parmesan roasted Brussels sprouts. You can also pair it with honey-glazed carrots or cheesy cauliflower mash.

How To Store Leftover Hunter’s Chicken

In The Fridge:

Store leftover Hunter’s Chicken in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Refrigerate it promptly and consume it within 3 days. Make sure to label the container with the date to track freshness. Always reheat thoroughly before eating.

In The Freezer:

Hunter’s Chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. Place portions in airtight containers or freezer bags. Ensure there’s no air inside the bag to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date and contents for easy identification.

How To Reheat Leftover Hunter’s Chicken

Reheat your leftover Hunter’s Chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for 20 minutes, until fully warmed.

Alternatively, microwave on medium power for 3-4 minutes, stirring halfway. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.

Check out More Slow Cooker Recipes:

• Slow Cooker Poached Chicken
• Slow Cooker Apricot Chicken Without French Onion Soup
• Slow Cooker Sticky Honey Chicken