Description
This classic Hunters Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts wrapped in crispy bacon, smothered in smoky BBQ sauce, and topped with a delicious blend of melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Perfectly baked in the oven for a hearty and flavorful meal served alongside creamy mashed potatoes and fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
Chicken and Bacon
- 4 chicken breasts
- 8 rashers/strips streaky bacon (smoked or unsmoked – your preference)
Sauce and Cheese
- 240 ml (1 cup) BBQ sauce
- 50 g (1/2 packed cup) grated/shredded mature cheddar cheese
- 50 g (1/2 packed cup) grated/shredded mozzarella cheese
To Serve
- Chips or mashed potatoes
- Vegetables (such as carrots, green beans or broccoli)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 200°C (400°F) with a fan setting to ensure even cooking of the chicken.
- Prepare the chicken: Wrap each chicken breast tightly with two rashers/strips of bacon and arrange them in a shallow baking dish, ensuring they are spaced apart for proper heat circulation.
- Bake the chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and cook for 25 minutes, until the chicken breasts are fully cooked through and the meat is no longer pink inside.
- Add BBQ sauce: Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven and spoon the BBQ sauce evenly over and around each chicken breast to infuse that smoky, tangy flavor.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle the grated mature cheddar and shredded mozzarella evenly over each chicken breast for a rich, cheesy topping.
- Melt the cheese: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese has melted perfectly and just started to bubble.
- Serve: Plate the Hunters Chicken with your choice of mashed potatoes or chips and a side of fresh steamed or roasted vegetables such as carrots, green beans, or broccoli for a complete, satisfying meal.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use smoked streaky bacon for wrapping the chicken breasts.
- You can substitute cheddar and mozzarella with other melting cheeses like gouda or Monterey Jack.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) for food safety.
- Try adding a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives just before serving for added freshness.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or coleslaw instead of veggies for variation.
