Hunters Chicken Sandwich

Hunter’s Chicken Sandwich is a hearty and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breast smothered in barbecue sauce, topped with melted cheese and crispy bacon, all sandwiched in a chewy bun. 

It’s loaded with incredible tastes and textures and finds its roots in the hearty British pub classic, Hunter’s Chicken. 

Perfect for a cozy dinner, a weekend treat, or even as a show-stopping meal for guests, this dish is versatility at its best.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to the kitchen, my tips and tricks will ensure your Hunter’s Chicken Sandwich is nothing short of spectacular. 

So, tie on your apron, preheat your oven, and let’s create a sandwich that’s sure to become a new favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Hunter’s Chicken Sandwich

This sandwich combines juicy chicken breast with rich barbecue sauce, crispy bacon, and melted cheese. 

How can you beat that?

It’s a messy yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or any time you’re craving something delicious and comforting.

Plus, it uses pantry staples and comes together in no time. 

Even better, the kids will love it! Serve it with potato chips, sweet potato fries, or a tasty salad, and you’ve got a full meal.

Ingredients

As mentioned, this sandwich has its roots in the British pub classic, Hunter’s Chicken, known in France as Chicken Chasseur. 

The traditional dish typically features chicken cooked in a sauce made of tomatoes, mushrooms, and herbs. It’s often served with a side of potatoes or rice. 

The sandwich adaptation maintains the core elements of chicken, bacon, and a rich sauce while introducing cheese and bread to transform it into a portable, pub-style delight. 

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious sandwich:

• Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper and cooked in olive oil
• Barbecue sauce: Choose your favorite but make sure it’s nice and thick. 
• Cheddar or mozzarella cheese: I like mature cheddar for the flavor. Whatever you choose, be sure the grate it yourself so it’s nice and melty.
• Bacon strips: For a kick of meaty, salty goodness. 
• Thick-Cut Bread or Rolls: You want something tough enough to hold up to all the fillings! Thick-cut sourdough, ciabatta, brioche buns, or a baguette would all work well. 
• Tomato slices and red onion slices (optional): For flavor, texture, and color.

How to Make Hunter’s Chicken Sandwich

Ready to get cooking? Here are the steps:

1. Cut and pound chicken breasts to even thickness. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Cook the bacon from a cold skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove and set aside.
3. Cook the chicken in the hot skillet until golden brown and cooked through (6-7 minutes per side).
4. Preheat the broiler to medium.
5. Place the cooked chicken in a baking dish, add the BBQ sauce, and sprinkle with cheese. Broil until cheese is melted and bubbly (3-5 minutes).
6. Prepare the bread: cut rolls in half, brush with oil, and toast under the broiler.
7. Assemble sandwiches: place lettuce on the bottom bun, add BBQ chicken, bacon, and optional tomato/onion slices. Cover with the top bun.
8. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Tips for the Perfect Hunter’s Chicken Sandwich

This recipe is foolproof. Seriously, there’s no way you can go wrong!

Still, I have a few quick tips to keep in mind:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken and high-quality cheese will provide the best flavor.
• Cook Chicken Properly: Ensure the chicken is cooked through but still juicy. Use a thermometer for the best results.
• Toast the Buns: Toasting the buns adds a nice texture and helps keep them from getting soggy.
• Try turkey Bacon: For a leaner option, swap regular bacon for turkey bacon.
• Go for Chicken Thighs: If you prefer juicier meat, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts.

Recipe Variations

While I love the classic combo of chicken, BBQ sauce, and bacon, I also like to switch things up.

So, try one of these tasty alternatives:

• Spicy Hunter’s Chicken Sandwich: Add a few slices of jalapeños or try some spicy aioli!
• BBQ Ranch Hunter’s Chicken Sandwich: Drizzle some ranch dressing along with the barbecue sauce for added flavor.
• Grilled Hunter’s Chicken Sandwich: Grill the chicken breasts instead of cooking them in a skillet for extra smoky flavor.
• Portobello Mushroom Sandwich: Replace the chicken with large portobello mushrooms, seasoned and grilled for a vegetarian version.
• Hunter’s Lettuce Wraps: Skip the bread and use large lettuce leaves as wraps for a low-carb, keto-friendly alternative.

Cheese Variations:

• Blue Cheese: Add a strong, tangy flavor with crumbled blue cheese.
• Gouda or Gruyere: For a nuttier flavor, try gouda or gruyere instead of cheddar.
• Vegan Cheese: Use vegan cheese for a dairy-free version.

BBQ Sauce Twists:

• Spicy BBQ Sauce: Use a spicy BBQ sauce or add a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
• Honey BBQ Sauce: For a sweeter profile, opt for a honey-infused BBQ sauce.

Bread Alternatives:

• Gluten-Free Rolls: Use gluten-free bread or rolls for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Whole Wheat Buns: For a healthier option, choose whole wheat buns.

Additional Toppings:

• Avocado: Add slices of avocado for creaminess and a dose of healthy fats.
• Grilled Pineapple: Top with a slice of grilled pineapple for a sweet and tangy twist.

Serving Suggestions

If you ask me; the sides are just as important as the main course. And with these tasty dishes, your sandwich will be quite the feast!

• Classic Sides: Serve with crispy chips or fries, a staple pairing for sandwiches. They add a crunchy texture contrast. Mashed potatoes are another comforting option, especially if you prefer a softer side.
• Fresh Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing can balance the richness of the sandwich. Consider ingredients like mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a sprinkling of seeds or nuts.
• Vegetables: Steamed or roasted vegetables such as carrots, green beans, broccoli, or a medley can add a healthy and colorful component to the meal​​​​.
• Coleslaw: A side of coleslaw, either creamy or vinegar-based, can add a fresh and tangy element that complements the savory flavors of the sandwich.
• Pickle or Relish: A sharp pickle or a sweet and tangy relish can cut through the richness of the sandwich and add a different flavor dimension.
• Beverage Pairings: Consider pairing with a cold beer, a glass of white wine, or a non-alcoholic beverage like iced tea or lemonade for a refreshing contrast.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used. Simply adjust the cooking time as needed.

What type of barbecue sauce is best?

Use your favorite barbecue sauce. A smoky, tangy sauce works well with this recipe.

How long do these sandwiches last?

These sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Can I make these sandwiches ahead of time?

You can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble the sandwiches just before serving. Reheat the chicken and bacon in a skillet or oven before assembling the sandwich.