What Can I Use Instead Of Cider For The Spring Chicken?

Our answer

Nigella's Spring Chicken (from KITCHEN) poaches chicken thighs, vegetables and bacon in dry cider. The peas and lettuce give the dish a spring-like touch. There are some non-alcoholic ciders available, which may be a possibility if you want to avoid alcohol. But some non-alcoholic ciders can be slightly sweet, which could affect the flavour of the dish.

A light chicken or vegetable stock (broth) would be the best non-alcoholic alternative. Taste the cooking liquid at the end, just before adding the shredded lettuce, as you may find that the sauce needs a small squeeze of lemon juice or a little extra mustard to help to lift it slightly and compensate for the slight acidity that you would get from the cider.