CLUCK ‘N’ CIDER KICK
- John Nickolls
- Jun 13, 2025
- 3 min read
🍎🔥 Cluck ’n’ Cider Kick – The Final Edition Soup That Does It All
Smooth. Creamy. Appley. Spicy. Boozy. Carby. Protein-packed. Ninja Soup Maker-approved.
🥄 Introduction: A Soup for All Seasons (and Appetites)
There are soups.
There are good soups.
And then… there’s Cluck ’n’ Cider Kick – Final Edition.
This isn’t just a soup. It’s a hot, blended autobiography of someone who wanted comfort, depth, heat, sweetness, and a cheeky dash of booze — all in one glorious jug.
Born in the campervan kitchen, tested in the Ninja Soup Maker, and perfected for days when you want a warm hug with a spicy slap, this is autumn in a bowl… with muscle.
🧾 The Full Ingredient List (Serves 3–4)
Ingredient
Amount
Purpose
Chicken breast
300g, diced
Lean protein hero
Apple (Braeburn or similar)
1 medium (120g), chopped
Sweet acidity & smoothness
Carrot (skin-on)
100g, chopped
Adds natural sweetness & bulk
Potato (skin-on)
200g, diced
Carby soup base
Sweet potato (skin-on)
100g, diced
Extra smooth sweetness
Red lentils (dry)
60g
Protein + natural thickness
Frozen peas
60g
Green freshness
Frozen sweetcorn
60g
Sweet pops of joy
Courgette (skin-on)
70g, chopped
Smooth texture enhancer
Red pepper
50g, chopped
Colour and flavour depth
Onion
80g, chopped
Classic soup base
Celery
50g, chopped
Aromatic backbone
Garlic
1 clove (5g)
Rich depth
Chicken stock (hot)
250ml
Umami and savoury depth
Semi-skimmed milk
300ml
Creamy, lighter than cream
Dry cider
200ml
Adds apple zing and adult energy
Chilli flakes
½ tsp
The “kick” in Cluck ’n’ Kick
Smoked paprika
½ tsp (optional)
Adds fire-cooked depth
Mixed herbs (thyme/sage)
1 tsp
Herby, rustic balance
Baby spinach
30g
Wilts in at the end
Cheddar (optional)
30g
Melty finish
Salt & pepper
To taste
Adjust to perfection
🧙♂️ Method – Souping Like a Legend
🥄 Step 1: Load the Ninja
Add to your Ninja Soup Maker, in this order:
Chicken breast (raw, diced)
All veg, fruit, garlic and lentils
Frozen peas & sweetcorn
Herbs, chilli, smoked paprika
Liquids: cider → milk → hot stock
⚠️ Do not exceed the MAX line! The cider will get cheeky when heated.
🔘 Step 2: Hit “SMOOTH”
Close the lid
Press SMOOTH mode
Let the Ninja blend and cook — it takes about 30 minutes
Sit down. Let the smells fill the air. Feel powerful.
🌿 Step 3: Final Touches
After the beep:
Stir in baby spinach – it will wilt like it’s had a long day
Add cheddar, if using
Taste. Add salt. Possibly more cider. Stir again
Serve hot and smug
🧊 Can It Be Frozen?
YES. It freezes like a pro.
✅ Let it cool fully
✅ Portion it out
✅ Label it: Cluck ’n’ Cider Kick – Smooth Final Edition
✅ Reheat gently and stir well
✅ Add cheese after reheating for best results
⚖️ Nutrition Estimate (Per Serving):
Nutrient
Approx Value
Calories
380–420 kcal
Protein
30–35g
Carbs
50g
Fat
8–10g
Fibre
7–9g
Vitamin C
Apple + pepper + spinach jackpot
Booze factor
Mild, mellow, magical 🍎🍺
🧠 Why It Works:
The chicken, lentils & peas bring solid protein
Potato + sweet potato + corn make it satisfyingly thick and carby
Apple + cider add that autumn-tart fruit twist
Chilli + herbs + cheese elevate it from “nice soup” to “Who made this and when can I marry them?”
🍽️ Serving Suggestions:
In a mug, outside the campervan, under a hoodie
With thick-cut sourdough toast
Topped with extra cheddar, cracked pepper, or apple matchsticks
In a thermos on Cannock Chase, like a boss
🎯 Ideal For:
Chilly weather
Long shifts
Post-hike recovery
Fancy soups without faff
Impressing friends with “Oh this? Just something I whipped up in the van…”
💬 Final Thoughts:
This is it. The final version. No yogurt. No shortcuts. More cider. More flavour. More fire.
It’s the soup you’d write a ballad about.
The soup you’d serve in a pub that also sells artisanal chutney.
The soup that makes a slow Thursday night feel like an autumn adventure.
Try it. Freeze it. Share it.
And then name your ladle… because this soup deserves its own weaponry.
Comments