The Hairy Bikers Chicken Cider Casserole Recipe brings together tender chicken and the subtle sweetness of cider, resulting in a hearty dish that’s rich in flavor. With just 20 minutes of preparation and a cooking time of about 1.5 hours, this casserole is perfect for a cozy family meal or a weekend gathering. The combination of savory chicken, aromatic herbs, and a hint of sweetness makes it a comforting choice for any occasion.
What is Hairy Bikers Chicken Cider Casserole?
The Hairy Bikers Chicken Cider Casserole is a warming, rustic dish featuring juicy chicken pieces simmered in a rich cider sauce. Infused with herbs, onions, and carrots, it brings together earthy and slightly fruity flavors. The dish is hearty yet sophisticated, perfect for a satisfying dinner with minimal effort.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Rich and comforting flavors: The perfect combination of savory chicken and the subtle sweetness of cider.
- Minimal ingredients: It’s made with simple, easy-to-find ingredients.
- Perfect for meal prep: Great for cooking in bulk and storing for later.
- One-pot wonder: Fewer dishes to clean up afterward!
- Customizable: Adjust the flavors to suit your preferences.
- Family-friendly: A dish that both kids and adults will enjoy.
Ingredients Needed to Make Hairy Bikers Chicken Cider Casserole
- Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on): 6–8 pieces, for tender and juicy meat.
- Cider (dry): 500ml, to add a subtle sweetness and balance the flavors.
- Carrots: 2 medium, peeled and sliced, bringing earthy sweetness.
- Onions: 2 large, finely chopped for a flavorful base.
- Garlic cloves: 3, minced for added depth.
- Thyme (fresh or dried): A few sprigs for that aromatic touch.
- Bay leaves 2, to enhance the richness of the sauce.
- Chicken stock: 300ml, for added moisture and flavor.
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp, for browning the chicken.
- Flour: 2 tbsp, to thicken the sauce.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
Equipment
- Large casserole dish or Dutch oven
- Knife and cutting board
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring jug
- Tongs for turning chicken
- Foil (optional, for covering)
Instructions to Make Hairy Bikers Chicken Cider Casserole
- Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
- Brown the chicken: Heat olive oil in a casserole dish and brown the chicken thighs on both sides. Set aside.
- Sauté the onions and garlic: In the same dish, cook the onions until soft and translucent, then add the garlic.
- Add flour: Sprinkle in the flour, stirring for a minute to form a roux.
- Pour in the cider: Gradually add the cider while stirring to avoid lumps.
- Add vegetables and herbs: Toss in the carrots, thyme, and bay leaves.
- Return chicken to the dish: Place the browned chicken thighs back into the casserole.
- Simmer: Pour in the chicken stock, bring to a simmer, cover, and cook in the oven for about 1.5 hours at 160°C (320°F).
- Check for tenderness: Ensure the chicken is tender and cooked through before serving.
What Goes Well with Hairy Bikers Chicken Cider Casserole
- Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes complement the rich sauce perfectly.
- Crusty bread: Ideal for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
- Steamed greens: Light and healthy sides like broccoli or green beans work well.
- Roasted root vegetables: Add extra heartiness with roasted parsnips or sweet potatoes.
- Buttered new potatoes: A simple and classic side.
- Rice or couscous: For a more filling meal, serve over rice or couscous.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Hairy Bikers Chicken Cider Casserole
To ensure the best possible outcome for your casserole:
- Choose bone-in chicken: Bone-in thighs ensure maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Use dry cider: This prevents the dish from becoming overly sweet.
- Let it simmer slowly: Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Don’t rush the browning step: Brown the chicken thoroughly for added depth of flavor.
- Taste as you go: Adjust seasoning to ensure balance in the flavors.
- Let the dish rest: Allow the casserole to sit for a few minutes before serving to thicken the sauce.
Easy Variations of Hairy Bikers Chicken Cider Casserole
- Swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts: For a leaner option.
- Add apples: Sliced apples bring out more sweetness and texture.
- Try different herbs: Experiment with rosemary or sage for a twist.
- Use different stock: Vegetable or beef stock can alter the flavor profile.
- Add mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms offer a meaty texture and earthy flavor.
Best Practices to Store Hairy Bikers Chicken Cider Casserole
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Vacuum sealing: Seal for long-term freezer storage without freezer burn.
- Use mason jars: Store individual servings for grab-and-go meals.
- Label your containers: Write the date on your containers to track freshness.
Best Practices to Reheat Hairy Bikers Chicken Cider Casserole
- Microwave: Reheat in the microwave, covered, on medium power for 3-4 minutes.
- Oven: Heat in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes.
- Stovetop: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Instant Pot: Use the ‘sauté’ function for a quick reheat.
- Slow cooker: Set to warm or low and heat until thoroughly warmed.
How Can I Make Hairy Bikers Chicken Cider Casserole Healthier?
- Use skinless chicken: Reduces the fat content while keeping the meat tender.
- Lower the sodium: Opt for low-sodium stock and reduce added salt.
- Add more vegetables: Bulk up the dish with extra greens or root vegetables.
- Use less oil: Swap out the olive oil for a non-stick spray.
- Choose light cider: A lower-calorie cider option can reduce the overall calorie count.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs in Chicken Cider Casserole?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used as a leaner alternative to thighs in this recipe. However, chicken thighs are recommended for their tenderness and ability to retain moisture during long cooking times. If you choose to use breasts, monitor the cooking time carefully to avoid drying them out.
What type of cider should I use for Chicken Cider Casserole?
Dry cider works best for this recipe as it balances the sweetness of the dish without overpowering the savory flavors. Avoid using sweet or fruity ciders, as they may make the casserole too sweet. If you prefer, you can also use alcoholic or non-alcoholic dry cider depending on your preference.
Can Chicken Cider Casserole be made in advance?
Yes, this casserole can be prepared ahead of time. You can make it the day before, store it in the fridge, and reheat it when ready to serve. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it an excellent option for meal prepping or entertaining.
What can I use instead of cider in Chicken Cider Casserole?
If you don’t have cider, you can substitute it with chicken stock mixed with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or white wine for a similar flavor. This will maintain the balance of acidity and sweetness without altering the overall taste too much.
Final Words
The Hairy Bikers Chicken Cider Casserole Recipe is a must-try for anyone who enjoys comfort food with a hint of sweetness. With its tender chicken, rich cider sauce, and simple ingredients, this dish will quickly become a family favorite.
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- Jamie Oliver Broccoli And Stilton Soup
- Delia Smith Coronation Chicken
Hairy Bikers Chicken Cider Casserole
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 90
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: British
Description
The Hairy Bikers Chicken Cider Casserole is a warming, rustic dish featuring juicy chicken pieces simmered in a rich cider sauce. Infused with herbs, onions, and carrots, it brings together earthy and slightly fruity flavors. The dish is hearty yet sophisticated, perfect for a satisfying dinner with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on): 6–8 pieces, for tender and juicy meat.
- Cider (dry): 500ml, to add a subtle sweetness and balance the flavors.
- Carrots: 2 medium, peeled and sliced, bringing earthy sweetness.
- Onions: 2 large, finely chopped for a flavorful base.
- Garlic cloves: 3, minced for added depth.
- Thyme (fresh or dried): A few sprigs for that aromatic touch.
- Bay leaves 2, to enhance the richness of the sauce.
- Chicken stock: 300ml, for added moisture and flavor.
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp, for browning the chicken.
- Flour: 2 tbsp, to thicken the sauce.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
- Brown the chicken: Heat olive oil in a casserole dish and brown the chicken thighs on both sides. Set aside.
- Sauté the onions and garlic: In the same dish, cook the onions until soft and translucent, then add the garlic.
- Add flour: Sprinkle in the flour, stirring for a minute to form a roux.
- Pour in the cider: Gradually add the cider while stirring to avoid lumps.
- Add vegetables and herbs: Toss in the carrots, thyme, and bay leaves.
- Return chicken to the dish: Place the browned chicken thighs back into the casserole.
- Simmer: Pour in the chicken stock, bring to a simmer, cover, and cook in the oven for about 1.5 hours at 160°C (320°F).
- Check for tenderness: Ensure the chicken is tender and cooked through before serving.
