Hairy Bikers Somerset Chicken Recipe

If you love warm and cozy meals, you need the Hairy Bikers Somerset Chicken Recipe. This dish is a classic from the British countryside. It uses sweet apples and creamy sauce to make magic.

I remember making this for a Sunday lunch last year. The smell of cider and bacon filled my whole house. Everyone asked for seconds! This Hairy Bikers Somerset Chicken Recipe is the ultimate comfort food for any night of the week.

What Makes This Somerset Chicken Special

This dish is special because it balances sweet and salty flavors perfectly. It uses ingredients from Somerset, like crisp apples and hard cider. The chicken stays juicy while the sauce gets thick and rich.

It feels like a fancy restaurant meal but is very easy to make. It brings a rustic, farmhouse vibe to your dining table. Your family will love the creamy texture and the smoky bacon bits.

Equipment List

• Large frying pan or skillet
• Tongs for turning chicken
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring jug
• Wooden spoon for stirring

Recipe Overview

• Recipe Name: Hairy Bikers Somerset Chicken
• Servings: 4 People
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 45 mins
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: British
• Calories: 450 kcal per serving

Ingredients You Need for Hairy Bikers Somerset Chicken Recipe

• 4 skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 25g unsalted butter
• 150g smoked streaky bacon, chopped
• 2 medium dessert apples, sliced
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 300ml dry apple cider
• 150ml double cream
• 1 tablespoon wholegrain mustard
• 2 teaspoons fresh sage, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Season the Chicken

Sprinkle salt and pepper over the chicken breasts. Make sure both sides are covered well. This helps the meat stay flavorful during the cooking process.

2. Brown the Chicken

Heat oil and butter in your large pan. Fry the chicken until it turns golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.

3. Fry the Bacon and Onion

Add the chopped bacon to the same pan. Fry until the bacon is crispy and fat melts. Throw in the sliced onions and cook until they are soft.

4. Sauté the Apples

Push the bacon and onions to the side. Add the apple slices to the pan. Cook them for two minutes until they start to soften and turn brown.

5. Pour in the Cider

Pour the apple cider into the hot pan slowly. Use a spoon to scrape the tasty brown bits from the bottom. Let the liquid bubble and reduce slightly.

6. Add Cream and Mustard

Stir in the double cream and the wholegrain mustard. Add the chopped sage for a fresh herb flavor. The sauce should look rich, pale, and very creamy.

7. Return Chicken to Pan

Place the browned chicken breasts back into the sauce. Turn the heat down to low. This allows the chicken to cook through without making the cream break.

8. Simmer and Finish

Let everything simmer gently for about 10 to 12 minutes. Check that the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink. The sauce should be thick and glossy.

Expert Tips & Variations

• Use Chicken Thighs: You can use skinless thighs for a deeper flavor and juicier meat.
• Alcohol-Free: Use cloudy apple juice instead of cider for a kid-friendly version.
• Add Mushrooms: Sliced chestnut mushrooms taste amazing in this creamy sauce.
• Don’t Overcook: Watch the apples closely so they don’t turn into mushy applesauce.
• Extra Herbs: If you don’t like sage, thyme is a great second choice.

Interesting Facts About Somerset Chicken

Somerset is a county in England famous for its apple orchards. They have been making cider there for hundreds of years. This recipe celebrates that history by using local produce.

The “Hairy Bikers” are two famous chefs known for their love of hearty food. They popularized this version to show off British ingredients. It is a dish that represents the heart of English country cooking.

Perfect Dishes to Serve With Somerset Chicken

• Mashed Potatoes: This is the best way to soak up the extra creamy cider sauce.
• Steamed Green Beans: The crunch of the beans balances the soft texture of the chicken.
• Crusty Bread: A warm baguette is perfect for cleaning your plate at the end.
• Roasted Carrots: The sweetness of carrots matches the apples in the dish very well.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Warm it slowly in a pan on the stove. Add a splash of water if the sauce is too thick.
• Freezing: This dish does not freeze well because the cream may separate when thawed.
• Microwave: You can microwave it, but do it in short bursts to avoid rubbery chicken.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	450 kcal
Total Fat	28g
Saturated Fat	15g
Carbohydrates	12g
Protein	35g
Sodium	650mg

Health Benefits

The Hairy Bikers Somerset Chicken Recipe provides a good amount of lean protein from the chicken. Protein is essential for muscle repair and keeping you full. Apples add a small boost of fiber and Vitamin C to your meal.

Sage is known for its antioxidant properties and can help with digestion. Using fresh onions and garlic provides heart-healthy nutrients. While it is a rich meal, you can use light cream to reduce the fat content.

FAQs about Hairy Bikers Somerset Chicken Recipe

What is the best cider to use for this recipe?

You should use a dry or medium-dry cider. Avoid very sweet fruit ciders because they will make the sauce taste like candy instead of dinner.

Can I make this dish ahead of time for a party?

Yes, you can cook it a few hours early. Just keep it on a very low heat or reheat it gently so the chicken doesn’t get tough.

How do I make the sauce thicker if it is too watery?

Let the sauce simmer for a few extra minutes without a lid. The steam will escape, and the cream will naturally thicken as it reduces down.

Is Somerset Chicken gluten-free?

Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just check your mustard and cider labels to ensure there is no hidden flour or barley used in processing.

Final Thoughts

The Hairy Bikers Somerset Chicken Recipe is a true hug in a bowl. It is simple enough for a Tuesday but fancy enough for guests. The mix of salty bacon and sweet apples is simply unbeatable.

I hope you enjoy cooking this “How to make Somerset Chicken” guide at home soon. Happy cooking and enjoy your delicious meal!