When it comes to British comfort food, few chefs do it better than James Martin. Known for his love of butter, bold flavors, and simple yet sophisticated techniques, James has spent decades refining the art of the perfect chicken dinner. Whether he’s exploring the French countryside for a creamy Poulet Sauté au Vinaigre or whipping up a quick spatchcocked bird on a Saturday morning, his recipes are designed to be both indulgent and achievable.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up the 10 Top James Martin Chicken Recipes that prove why he’s a household favorite. From hearty, wine-infused casseroles to crispy, Parmesan-crusted Milanese, these dishes bring the warmth of a country kitchen straight to your table.
1. James Martin Sticky Chicken Wings
These James Martin Sticky Chicken Wings are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, balancing a sweet, soy-based glaze with a hint of heat. James elevates this classic by ensuring the wings are perfectly rendered and crispy before tossing them in a rich, finger-licking sauce. Ideal as a party snack or a casual weekend treat, they embody his signature style: simple ingredients transformed into a high-impact, restaurant-quality dish that everyone will love.
2. James Martin Chicken Curry
This James Martin Chicken Curry is a masterclass in building deep, aromatic flavors without overcomplicating the process. Known for his “Saturday Kitchen” flair, James uses a fragrant base of ginger, garlic, and toasted spices to create a rich, comforting sauce. It’s a versatile dish that balances mild heat with a creamy finish, making it a perfect family dinner that rivals any high-end takeaway for authenticity and taste.
3. James Martin Buttermilk Chicken
This James Martin Buttermilk Chicken is the ultimate recipe for achieving an incredibly tender interior and a shatteringly crisp crust. By marinating the chicken in seasoned buttermilk, James ensures the meat stays succulent while providing a tangy base for the golden-brown coating to cling to. It’s a sophisticated take on a classic comfort food, delivering a restaurant-style crunch that makes it an irresistible highlight of any chicken recipe collection.
4. James Martin Hunters Chicken
This James Martin Hunters Chicken is a quintessential British pub classic elevated with his signature touch. By wrapping succulent chicken breasts in smoky streaky bacon and smothering them in a rich, tangy BBQ sauce topped with bubbling melted cheese, James creates a dish that is pure indulgence. It’s a hearty, crowd-pleasing favorite that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, making it a guaranteed hit for any mid-week family dinner.
5. James Martin Chicken Bonne Femme Recipe
This James Martin Chicken Bonne Femme is a rustic, one-pot French classic that epitomizes “good housewife” cooking. James stays true to tradition by braising succulent chicken thighs with smoky bacon lardons, baby onions, and earthy chestnut mushrooms in a rich white wine sauce. It’s a beautifully simple, all-in-one meal that delivers deep, savory flavors with minimal effort, making it the ultimate elegant yet effortless Sunday lunch option.
6. James Martin Chicken Kiev
This James Martin Chicken Kiev is a masterclass in classic indulgence, featuring a golden, breaded exterior that hides a decadent, molten garlic and herb butter center. James emphasizes using high-quality butter and fresh parsley to ensure every bite is bursting with flavor. Perfectly crisp on the outside and incredibly succulent within, it’s a nostalgic favorite elevated with professional techniques, making it the definitive version of this beloved retro dish.
7. James Martin Chicken Forestière
This James Martin Chicken Forestière is a decadent celebration of earthy, woodland flavors, perfectly capturing the essence of French country cooking. James pairs golden-seared chicken with a luxurious sauce made from smoky bacon, nutty wild mushrooms, and a generous splash of white wine and heavy cream. It’s a sophisticated, velvet-smooth dish that feels like a warm embrace, making it the ideal centerpiece for an elegant weekend dinner or a special occasion.
8. James Martin Lemon Chicken
This James Martin Lemon Chicken is a vibrant, zesty dish that brings a refreshing lightness to any meal. James expertly balances the sharp tang of fresh citrus with aromatic herbs and a touch of butter to create a silky, bright sauce that perfectly coats succulent pan-roasted chicken. It’s a clean yet flavorful recipe that feels incredibly sophisticated, making it a brilliant choice for a quick yet elegant weeknight dinner.
9. James Martin Spatchcock Chicken
This James Martin Spatchcock Chicken is a masterclass in achieving perfectly even cooking and maximum flavor in record time. By removing the backbone and flattening the bird, James ensures every inch of skin becomes irresistibly crisp while the meat remains incredibly succulent. Infused with aromatic herbs, garlic, and a signature glug of olive oil, it’s a brilliant, fuss-free centerpiece that brings a touch of professional flair to your Sunday roast.
10. James Martin’s Slow Cooker Chicken Chasseur
This James Martin’s Slow Cooker Chicken Chasseur is the ultimate “set and forget” comfort dish, transforming humble ingredients into a rich, French-style hunter’s stew. James combines succulent chicken with a deep, savory base of mushrooms, shallots, and red wine, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully over several hours. It’s a fuss-free, hearty meal that delivers restaurant-quality depth with minimal effort—perfect for a warming family dinner on a busy weekday.
