Hairy Bikers Chicken Cider Casserole Recipe

This Hairy Bikers Chicken Cider Casserole Recipe is a rich and hearty recipe, which uses chicken thigh fillets and cider. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner, ready in about 1 hour and 5 minutes.

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Hairy Bikers Chicken Cider Casserole Ingredients

• 1 ½ tbsp olive oil
• 2 x 640g packs chicken thigh fillets, halved
• 1 x 250g pack smoked bacon lardons
• 500g leeks, trimmed and thickly sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, sliced
• 3 tbsp plain flour
• 500ml dry cider
• 500ml chicken stock
• 500g baby new potatoes, halved
• 150g frozen peas
• 75g crème fraîche
• 2 tbsp wholegrain mustard
• ½ x 20g pack tarragon, leaves chopped
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

How To Make Hairy Bikers Chicken Cider Casserole

1. Brown the chicken and bacon: Preheat oven to 200°C / 400°F. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large flameproof casserole. Season chicken with salt and pepper and sear until golden. Remove to a plate. Fry bacon until golden and crispy; add to the chicken plate.
2. Sauté the vegetables and create the sauce base: Add remaining ½ tbsp oil. Cook leeks and garlic 3–4 minutes until softened. Sprinkle in flour and cook 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly.
3. Simmer the casserole: Return chicken and bacon to the pot with juices. Pour in cider and chicken stock, scraping bottom for flavour. Bring to a boil and add potatoes.
4. Bake the casserole: Cover with lid and cook in oven 30 minutes. Remove lid and cook 15 more minutes until chicken is tender and potatoes cooked through.
5. Finish and serve: Stir in peas for final 2 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in crème fraîche, mustard, and most of the tarragon. Serve garnished with remaining tarragon.

Recipe Tips

• How to make the sauce richer? Use full-fat crème fraîche or add a splash of cream.
• Can I use chicken breast? Yes, but cook carefully as breast can dry out.
• How to ensure potatoes cook evenly? Halve them and add with the cider for consistent cooking.
• Can I prepare ahead? Assemble ahead and refrigerate; bake when needed.
• Serving suggestion? Serve with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

What To Serve With Chicken Cider Casserole

• Crusty bread
• Steamed green vegetables
• Mashed potatoes (optional)

How To Store Chicken Cider Casserole

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
Freeze: Freeze in portions for up to 1 month. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat.

Chicken Cider Casserole Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 573
• Total Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 120mg
• Sodium: 650mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 52g
• Dietary Fiber: 5g
• Sugars: 12g
• Protein: 46g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I use another type of cider?
Dry or semi-dry cider works best; avoid overly sweet cider.

Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes, add a pinch of chili flakes with the leeks and garlic.

Do I need a flameproof casserole dish?
Yes, it allows you to sear on the stove and transfer to the oven safely.

How long will leftovers keep?
Up to 3 days in the fridge or 1 month in the freezer.

Try More Recipes:

• Hairy Bikers Coq Au Vin Recipe
• Hairy Bikers Cod Wrapped In Parma Ham Recipe
• Hairy Bikers Cod And Chorizo Stew Recipe