Description
French Chicken Casserole a la Normande is a heartwarming dish that brings the flavors of tender chicken, sweet apples, and aromatic thyme together in perfect harmony. This comforting casserole is ideal for family gatherings or cozy dinners, offering a delightful blend of savory and sweet notes. Infused with apple juice and complemented by a creamy sauce, it pairs beautifully with rice or potatoes, making it a complete meal that will impress your guests. Enjoy the warmth and richness of this classic French recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 lbs chicken thighs and legs
- Salt
- 4 shallots (diced) or one medium onion
- 1 rib celery (diced)
- 4–5 sprigs thyme
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 6 strips turkey bacon (chopped)
- 2 tbsp apple juice
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1/3 cup chicken stock
- 2 apples (peeled, cored, cut into wedges)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Pat dry chicken and season with salt.
- Heat olive oil in a large casserole dish over medium-high heat; brown the chicken on all sides, then set aside.
- In the same dish, cook chopped turkey bacon until crispy. Add shallots and celery; sauté until soft.
- Stir in minced garlic for about 30 seconds. Pour in apple juice and scrape any bits off the bottom of the pan.
- Mix in flour to form a paste, then gradually add chicken stock until thickened. Incorporate apple cider and return chicken to the dish with thyme sprigs.
- Cover and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake another 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, sauté apple wedges until lightly browned in reserved fat or butter.
- Stir heavy cream into casserole after baking; fold in cooked apple wedges before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 100 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 150mg