Hairy Bikers Somerset Chicken Recipe
If you love warm, comforting food, you must try this Hairy Bikers Somerset Chicken Recipe. It is a classic dish from the heart of the English countryside.
Ingredients
- 4 skinless chicken breasts or thighs for more flavor.
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- 1 large knob of butter.
- 2 medium leeks sliced into rounds.
- 2 crisp dessert apples like Cox or Gala, sliced.
- 300 ml of dry apple cider.
- 150 ml of chicken stock.
- 100 ml of double cream heavy cream.
- 1 tablespoon of fresh sage chopped.
- 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard.
- Salt and black pepper to taste.
Instructions
Season the Chicken
- Sprinkle salt and pepper over both sides of the chicken. Make sure the seasoning is even. This helps the meat develop a nice crust when you fry it.
Brown the Meat
- Heat the oil and butter in your large pan. Place the chicken in the hot pan. Fry until both sides are golden brown. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Sauté the Leeks
- Add the sliced leeks to the same pan. Cook them on medium heat until they are soft. They should smell sweet and look bright green. Do not let them burn.
Add the Apples
- Put the apple slices into the pan with the leeks. Cook them for about three minutes. They should start to soften but still keep their shape. This adds a nice texture.
Deglaze the Pan
- Pour the dry cider into the pan. Use your wooden spoon to scrape the bottom. This releases all the tasty brown bits. Let the liquid bubble for a minute.
Simmer with Stock
- Stir in the chicken stock and the chopped sage. Add the chicken breasts back into the liquid. Lower the heat and let it simmer gently for fifteen minutes.
Stir in Cream
- Remove the chicken again once it is cooked through. Stir the cream and Dijon mustard into the sauce. Let it thicken for a few minutes. It should look glossy.
Final Serving
- Place the chicken back into the creamy sauce. Garnish with a little extra sage. Serve it while it is steaming hot. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
Notes
- Use Chicken Thighs: Use bone-in thighs for a juicier result. They take longer to cook but stay very tender.
- Cider Choice: Always use a dry or medium-dry cider. Avoid very sweet ciders as they can make the sauce too sugary.
- Alcohol-Free: You can use sparkling apple juice instead of cider. Add a splash of vinegar to balance the sweetness.
- Add Bacon: Fry some smoky bacon bits at the start. This adds a salty, savory layer to the dish.
- Mustard Kick: Add an extra teaspoon of mustard if you like a sharper flavor.