James Martin Hunters Chicken

James Martin’s Hunters Chicken is a comforting, flavour-packed dish made with tender chicken breasts wrapped in smoky bacon, topped with rich barbecue sauce and melted cheese. The result is juicy, savoury, and perfectly balanced with a hint of sweetness. This is an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe that feels indulgent but is simple to prepare. Ready in under an hour, it’s ideal for a satisfying midweek meal.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
8 rashers streaky bacon
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the Sauce

150ml barbecue sauce
1 tbsp tomato ketchup
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp smoked paprika

For the Topping

120g mature cheddar cheese, grated
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

How to Make James Martin Hunters Chicken

Prepare the oven: Preheat the oven to 200°C or 180°C fan. Place a shelf in the middle of the oven so the chicken cooks evenly and the topping melts perfectly.
Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Wrap with bacon: Wrap each chicken breast with two rashers of streaky bacon, securing them neatly around the meat.
Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Sear the wrapped chicken for 3–4 minutes on each side until the bacon starts to crisp.
Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, mix the barbecue sauce, tomato ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika until well combined.
Assemble for baking: Transfer the chicken to a baking dish. Spoon the sauce generously over each piece.
Bake the chicken: Place in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Add the cheese: Remove from the oven, sprinkle grated cheddar over each piece, and return to the oven for 5 minutes until melted and bubbling.
Finish and serve: Garnish with chopped parsley if using and serve hot.

Tips

How do I keep the chicken juicy?

Avoid overcooking. Check the chicken at 20 minutes and ensure it is just cooked through to keep it tender.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and assemble the dish, then refrigerate it. Bake just before serving for best results.

What cheese works best?

Mature cheddar gives a strong flavour, but mozzarella can be added for extra meltiness.

How do I get crispy bacon?

Searing the wrapped chicken before baking helps the bacon crisp up and adds extra flavour.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with chunky chips or roast potatoes
Pair with a fresh green salad
Add steamed vegetables such as broccoli or green beans
Enjoy with creamy mashed potatoes

Storage

Room Temperature

Leave to cool for no more than 1 hour before storing.

Refrigerator

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Freezing

Freeze cooked Hunters Chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven until piping hot.

Nutrition

Calories: 420 kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 38g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Sodium: 780mg

These values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredients used.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs work well and can be even juicier. Adjust cooking time slightly if needed.

Can I make this without bacon?

You can skip the bacon, but it adds flavour and helps keep the chicken moist. Consider seasoning well or adding smoked paprika for depth.

What barbecue sauce should I use?

Use your favourite brand or homemade version. A smoky or slightly sweet sauce works best for balance.

How do I know the chicken is cooked?

The chicken should be white throughout with clear juices and reach an internal temperature of 75°C.