The British pub classic transformed into the most delicious sandwich
Hunter’s chicken is one of my favourite pub dishes: simple, satisfying and full of flavour. Here I turn that classic into a hearty sandwich, keeping the familiar trio of chicken, bacon and BBQ sauce, but adapting the method so the chicken stays juicier and everything holds together perfectly. Read on for tips and the full recipe.
What is Hunter’s Chicken?
Traditional hunter’s chicken features a chicken breast topped with bacon, BBQ sauce and melted cheese. I keep those core ingredients but prefer to wrap the bacon around the breast instead of laying it on top. Wrapping locks in moisture, keeps the bacon and chicken together while cooking and makes slicing neater for the sandwich.
Seasoning the Chicken
Seasoning is optional but recommended. I use smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt and black pepper. If you don’t have all the spices, salt and black pepper are the minimum to bring the chicken to life.
Turning It into a Sandwich
After cooking, let the chicken rest so it retains its juices, then slice into strips for the sandwich. The rest of the assembly is quick and flexible.
Which Bread Works Best?
Use sturdy rolls such as ciabatta or panini rolls and toast them. A firm bread helps contain the saucy, cheesy filling without becoming soggy.
Optional Fillings
The sandwich is excellent with just BBQ sauce and cheese, but you can add sliced tomatoes, red onion and jalapeños for freshness and heat. These extras are optional and can be tailored to taste.
Best Cheese Choices
Cheddar is the classic choice and works brilliantly, but any good melting cheese will do. Mozzarella or Monterey Jack are both great alternatives.
Serving Suggestions
These sandwiches are substantial, so they can be served on their own. If you want sides, crisp coleslaw, fries or potato wedges are classic companions that pair well with the smoky BBQ flavour.
Ready to make the full recipe?
How to Make Hunter’s Chicken Sandwiches (Full Recipe)
Hunter’s Chicken Sandwich
The British pub classic transformed into a delicious sandwich.
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: British
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Calories per serving: 960 kcal
Equipment
- Large cast iron skillet or baking dish (for cooking chicken)
- Baking tray (for grilling the sandwich)
- Small bowl for seasoning
- Sharp knife and chopping board
- Cheese grater
Ingredients
Hunter’s Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (around 200g / 7oz each)
- 12 slices streaky bacon (smoked or unsmoked)
- 1 cup / 240ml good-quality BBQ sauce
- 1–1.5 cups / 100–150g grated cheese
Seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp each: salt, black pepper, cayenne (adjust cayenne to taste)
Sandwich
- 4 ciabatta or panini rolls, halved
- Olive oil for toasting rolls
- Sliced tomatoes, red onion and jalapeños (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°C / 400°F.
- Mix the seasoning in a small bowl. Evenly sprinkle over both sides of each chicken breast—don’t rub too hard to avoid clumping.
- Wrap each breast with three slices of bacon, tucking the ends underneath so they don’t unravel. Place the wrapped breasts in a cast iron skillet or baking dish and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and white in the centre. Remove and let rest.
- Place the halved rolls centre-side-up on a baking tray, drizzle with olive oil and switch the oven to the grill setting. Grill the rolls until golden and crisp. Remove from the oven and set the tops aside.
- Slice the rested chicken into strips, cutting between the bacon ridges where possible to keep the bacon intact.
- Assemble: top the toasted ciabatta bottoms with onion and tomato if using, add the sliced chicken, spoon over BBQ sauce and sprinkle with a generous amount of cheese. Place under the grill until the cheese has melted.
- If desired, add jalapeños, then finish with the top half of the roll and serve immediately.
Quick Demo
Notes
a) BBQ Sauce — Use a good-quality BBQ sauce, as it features prominently in the sandwich. A sweeter sauce works well here.
b) Cheese — Cheddar is classic, but mozzarella or Monterey Jack melt nicely. Slices are fine if you don’t have grated cheese; just cover the chicken well.
c) Seasoning — If you lack some spices, be sure to at least season with salt and pepper.
d) Serving — This sandwich is great on its own, but coleslaw, fries or wedges make excellent sides.
e) Calories — The calorie estimate assumes 1 cup / 100g cheddar, no optional veg and 1 tbsp olive oil, per sandwich.
Your Private Notes
Nutrition
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