Creamy Cider Chicken with Mushrooms and Bacon

For those seeking a flavourful dinner that doesn’t compromise on time, this creamy cider chicken recipe is the ideal solution. It’s a dish designed for maximum efficiency, allowing you to prepare a rich, indulgent sauce while the chicken cooks to perfection. The combination of dry apple cider with the creaminess of single cream and the distinct flavour of smoked streaky bacon creates a beautifully balanced taste that’s surprisingly simple to achieve. We’ve crafted each step to minimise idle time, ensuring every ingredient is added at the right moment to build layers of flavour without any stress. This approach not only makes the dish utterly delicious but also perfectly manageable for the busiest evenings, transforming a quick meal into a truly satisfying culinary experience. With just a few quality ingredients, you’ll achieve a result that pleases the palate and frees up precious time.

Quick Overview

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 18 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 14.1 oz (400g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3.5 oz (100g) smoked streaky bacon, cut into lardons
• 7.1 oz (200g) button mushrooms, sliced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 7 fl oz (200ml) dry apple cider
• 5.3 fl oz (150ml) single cream
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh chopped parsley, to garnish (optional)

Method

1. Prepare your ingredients: Cut the chicken breast into 2-3cm (approx. 1 inch) bite-sized pieces. Slice the smoked streaky bacon into lardons, finely chop the onion and mince the garlic, then clean and slice the mushrooms.
2. Render the bacon: In a large, heavy-based frying pan over a medium-high heat, cook the bacon lardons until crisp, about 3-4 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
3. Cook the chicken: Add the olive oil to the pan if needed, then add the chicken pieces. Cook for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides. Remove the chicken and set it aside with the bacon.
4. Sauté the aromatics and mushrooms: In the same pan, add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until softened and they have released their liquid.
5. Create the sauce: Pour in the dry apple cider, allowing the alcohol to evaporate for 2-3 minutes. Stir in the single cream and bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 3 minutes until the sauce has slightly thickened.
6. Finish the dish: Return the cooked chicken and crisp bacon to the pan with the sauce. Stir well to combine, allowing the flavours to meld for 1 minute. Taste and adjust for salt and pepper if necessary.

Serving & Leftovers

Serve the creamy cider chicken immediately, perhaps accompanied by basmati rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over a low heat or in the microwave, adding a tablespoon of water or stock if the sauce becomes too thick.

Nutrition

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients and portions.

One Last Thing

Having a repertoire of reliable, quick recipes is a practical way to manage daily cooking. When a dish proves both effective and delicious, it becomes an integral part of your routine, simplifying meal planning and reducing stress. This approach to cooking allows you to focus on the joy of preparing and savouring a good meal, without unnecessary complications.