Wash and cut all vegetables into even pieces. Slice onions and carrots. Mince garlic finely. Pat chicken dry with paper towel. Keeping everything ready makes cooking smooth and stress-free.

Place your casserole pot on medium heat. Add oil and let it warm gently. Do not overheat. Warm oil helps cook chicken evenly and builds good flavor from the start.

Add chicken pieces to the pot. Cook for 5–6 minutes until lightly golden. Turn them once for even color. This step locks in juices and adds rich taste to the casserole.

Take chicken out and set aside. In the same pot, add onions, carrots and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes. Stir gently until vegetables soften and release a sweet aroma.

Add sliced mushrooms to the pot. Stir and cook for 2 minutes. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables. Mix well so flour coats everything. This helps thicken the sauce later.

Slowly pour apple cider and chicken broth into the pot. Stir continuously to avoid lumps. The sauce will begin to form. Scrape the bottom to lift all tasty bits.

Add thyme, salt, black pepper and mustard. Stir well. These ingredients bring warmth and depth to the dish. Let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes.

Place the chicken back into the pot. Make sure it is covered with sauce. Reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let it cook slowly for 40 minutes.

Check if the chicken is tender and fully cooked. The sauce should be thick and rich. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm and enjoy your Hairy Bikers Chicken Cider Casserole Recipe.