This hearty Hairy Bikers Chicken Cider Casserole is a simple and satisfying meal for a chilly evening. It is made with tender chicken, salty bacon, sweet leeks, and a rich, creamy sauce infused with dry cider and fresh tarragon. The result is a savory, comforting, and beautifully balanced main course that is perfect for a weekend dinner and serves 4-6 people.
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
- Brown the chicken and bacon: Preheat your oven to 200°C/400°F. In a large, flameproof casserole dish, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper and sear in batches over high heat until lightly golden on both sides. Remove the chicken to a plate. Add the bacon lardons to the same pot and fry until golden and crispy. Remove the bacon and add it to the plate with the chicken.
- Sauté the vegetables and create the sauce base: Reduce the heat and add the remaining ½ tablespoon of oil. Stir in the sliced leeks and garlic and cook gently for 3-4 minutes until softened. Sprinkle in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Simmer the casserole: Return the chicken and bacon to the pot, including any juices from the plate. Pour in the cider and chicken stock, stirring to combine and scrape up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the potatoes.
- Bake the casserole: Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the dish with a lid, and cook in the oven for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and cook for a further 15 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and the potatoes are cooked through.
- Finish and serve: Stir in the frozen peas for the final 2 minutes of cooking. Remove the casserole from the heat and stir through the crème fraîche, wholegrain mustard, and most of the chopped tarragon. Serve the casserole immediately, garnished with the remaining fresh tarragon.
Recipe Tips
- Use Dry Cider: A dry, unsweetened cider is best for this recipe as it provides a crisp, savory flavor without making the dish too sweet.
- Brown the Meat: Don’t skip the step of browning the chicken and bacon. This crucial step develops a deep, rich flavor that will make your casserole much more delicious.
- Deglaze the Pan: After browning the meat, use the cider and stock to scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the pot. This is called deglazing and adds a huge amount of flavor.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Using fresh tarragon at the end brightens up the entire dish with a subtle, licorice-like flavor.
What To Serve With Chicken Cider Casserole
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, thanks to the addition of potatoes. However, for a more elaborate dinner, you can serve it with some crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. A side of steamed green vegetables, like broccoli or green beans, would also be a great choice to add extra color and a fresh crunch.
How To Store Chicken Cider Casserole Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Let the casserole cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Freeze: This casserole freezes well. Transfer cooled leftovers to a freezer-safe container, leaving a little room at the top for expansion. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Hairy Bikers Chicken Cider Casserole Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 573 kcal
- Total Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 650mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 52g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 46g
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs? Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. However, thighs are better suited for a long-simmering casserole as they stay moist and tender, whereas breasts can become dry if overcooked.
- What if I can’t find crème fraîche? You can substitute crème fraîche with an equal amount of full-fat sour cream. Stir it in at the very end to prevent it from curdling.
- Can I make this in a slow cooker? Yes, this recipe works great in a slow cooker. Brown the chicken and bacon on the stovetop first, then transfer them to the slow cooker with the vegetables, cider, and stock. Cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3 hours. Stir in the crème fraîche, mustard, and tarragon just before serving.
Try More Recipes:
- Hairy Bikers Cauliflower Cheese Recipe
- Hairy Bikers Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
- Hairy Bikers Beef Enchiladas Recipe
Hairy Bikers Chicken Cider Casserole Recipe
Description
A delicious Hairy Bikers Chicken Cider Casserole with tender chicken and potatoes in a creamy, rich sauce made with dry cider, bacon, and fresh tarragon. This is a perfect, comforting meal for a cold day.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown: Sear chicken and bacon in a casserole dish until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté: Cook leeks and garlic in the same pot, then stir in flour.
- Simmer: Return chicken and bacon to the pot. Add cider, stock, and potatoes. Bring to a simmer.
- Bake: Cover and bake at 200°C/400°F for 30 minutes, then uncover for 15 minutes.
- Finish: Stir in peas for the final 2 minutes, then remove from heat and add crème fraîche, mustard, and tarragon.
