French Chicken Casserole a la Normande
If you’re looking for a dish that’s as comforting as a warm hug on a chilly evening, then you’ve stumbled upon the perfect recipe: French Chicken Casserole a la Normande. This delightful casserole combines tender chicken with the sweetness of apples and a hint of thyme, all beautifully braised in apple cider. It’s my go-to for busy weeknights and family gatherings alike. The aroma that fills your kitchen while it cooks is enough to make anyone hungry!
This recipe not only warms your heart but also brings everyone together around the dinner table. Whether you’re preparing a cozy meal for two or feeding the whole family, this casserole is sure to impress and satisfy. Let’s dive into why you’ll adore making this French Chicken Casserole a la Normande.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to prepare: With simple steps, you can whip this up even on hectic days.
- Family-friendly: Kids love the flavors, especially the sweet apples!
- Make ahead convenience: Prepare it in advance and just pop it in the oven when ready to eat.
- Flavorful delight: The combination of chicken, apples, and thyme creates a mouthwatering dish.
- Comfort food at its best: Perfect for chilly evenings or when you need something cozy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering fresh ingredients is part of the joy of cooking! For this French Chicken Casserole a la Normande, you’ll need some wholesome staples that create a rich flavor profile. Here’s what you’ll need:
Main Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 lbs chicken thighs and legs
- salt
- 4 shallots (diced or one medium onion)
- 1 rib celery (diced)
- 4-5 thyme sprigs
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 125g/4 oz bacon lardons (or 6 strips of bacon, chopped)
- 2 tbsp apple juice or barley tea
- 2 tbsp flour
- 85 ml/1/3 cup chicken stock
- 400ml/1 1/2 cups hard dry apple cider (such as Strongbow)
- 2 apples (peeled, cored and cut into wedges)
- 125ml/1/2 cup double cream/heavy cream
Variations
This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to put your own spin on it with these ideas:
- Swap the protein: Use chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner option.
- Add more veggies: Toss in some carrots or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Try different fruits: Pears can be used instead of apples for a unique twist.
- Make it lighter: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
How to Make French Chicken Casserole a la Normande
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Turn on the oven to 180C/350F. Pat dry those lovely chicken legs and thighs using a paper towel, then sprinkle salt all over. This step is crucial because seasoning helps enhance the meat’s flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
In a large casserole dish, heat up 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken parts and brown them until golden brown – about 5-7 minutes. This browning process adds depth to your dish by creating that beautiful caramelized flavor. Once browned, remove them to a separate platter and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Bacon
Next, fry those bacon lardons over medium heat until they render their fat, which adds an incredible richness to our casserole. If there’s too much fat, feel free to discard some. Remove the bacon and set aside with your chicken.
Step 4: Sauté the Veggies
In that same pan (don’t wash it yet!), add your diced shallots and celery along with two sprigs of thyme. Sauté over low heat until soft but not colored—this should take about 5-7 minutes. Then toss in your minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds while stirring. The key here is bringing out their natural sweetness without burning them!
Step 5: Build Your Sauce
Pour in some apple juice while scraping up any delicious bits stuck at the bottom of your pan—this enhances flavor! After that, stir in flour until combined into a paste; slowly add in chicken stock until thickened like gravy before pouring in that apple cider. Bring everything back together by returning both chicken and bacon to the pot along with more thyme.
Step 6: Bake Away!
Cover your casserole dish with its lid and place it in your preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes covered, then uncover and allow it to cook for another 30 minutes. While that’s happening, fry those lovely apple wedges in butter or any reserved fat from earlier – watch them closely since they can burn quickly!
Step 7: Finish It Off
After baking time is up, stir in heavy cream into your casserole mixture before baking uncovered for another 20 minutes. Finally, add those beautifully cooked apple wedges before serving alongside potatoes or rice to soak up all that amazing sauce!
Enjoy every bite of this comforting French Chicken Casserole a la Normande! It’s sure to become one of your favorites just like it is mine!
Pro Tips for Making French Chicken Casserole a la Normande
Cooking this delightful dish can be a breeze with a few simple tips that will enhance the flavors and ensure your casserole turns out perfectly every time!
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Choose the right chicken parts: Using thighs and legs adds richness and moisture to the dish. Dark meat has more flavor and tends to stay tender during cooking, making it ideal for casseroles.
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Sauté the aromatics well: Taking the time to gently cook the shallots, celery, and garlic until soft and fragrant builds a deep flavor base. This step is crucial for developing that comforting taste that embodies French cuisine.
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Monitor the cider: If you’re unsure about using apple cider, opt for a non-alcoholic version or use apple juice instead. The sweetness of the cider complements the savory elements of the dish beautifully.
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Don’t skip frying the apple wedges: Sautéing apple wedges until they are lightly caramelized before adding them to the casserole enhances their sweetness and adds another layer of flavor to your dish.
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Let it rest before serving: Allowing the casserole to sit for a few minutes after baking helps meld all those delicious flavors together. Plus, it makes serving easier!
How to Serve French Chicken Casserole a la Normande
Presenting your French Chicken Casserole a la Normande can turn an everyday meal into something truly special. A little care in presentation goes a long way in impressing family or guests.
Garnishes
- Fresh thyme sprigs: A few sprigs added on top not only look beautiful but also enhance the dish’s aroma.
- Chopped parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley brings a vibrant color contrast and fresh flavor that brightens up each bite.
- Cracked black pepper: A light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper adds an extra kick and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The velvety texture of mashed potatoes pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce of the casserole, making for a comforting combination.
- Steamed Green Beans: Bright green beans add color and crunch to your plate while balancing out the richness of the casserole.
- Herbed Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with herbs like parsley or dill provides a lovely base for soaking up all those delicious juices from your casserole.
- Mixed Salad: A refreshing salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette creates a wonderful contrast to the warm, hearty casserole.
With these tips on serving suggestions, your French Chicken Casserole a la Normande will not only taste divine but also look appealing on any dining table! Enjoy bringing this taste of France into your home.
Make Ahead and Storage
This French Chicken Casserole a la Normande is not just a delicious meal; it’s also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and enjoy it later, which makes weeknight dinners a breeze.
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing.
- Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freezing
- Let the casserole cool completely.
- Portion the casserole into freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. Make sure to label the containers with the date!
Reheating
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 25-30 minutes.
- Alternatively, reheat in a microwave-safe dish in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
FAQs
Here are some common questions you might have about this recipe.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for French Chicken Casserole a la Normande?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they may cook more quickly than thighs. Keep an eye on them to avoid drying out.
What sides pair well with French Chicken Casserole a la Normande?
This casserole is excellent served with crusty bread, rice, or mashed potatoes. A fresh green salad also complements it well!
How long does it take to make French Chicken Casserole a la Normande?
The total time is about 100 minutes, including preparation and cooking time. It’s worth every moment for such flavorful results!
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making this French Chicken Casserole a la Normande as much as I do! This comforting dish is perfect for family dinners and gatherings. It brings together rich flavors that will warm your heart and fill your home with delightful aromas. Don’t hesitate to give it a try; I’m sure you’ll love serving it as much as you’ll enjoy eating it!
French Chicken Casserole a la Normande
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 100 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Description
Indulge in the comforting warmth of French Chicken Casserole a la Normande. This heartwarming dish features tender chicken braised to perfection with sweet apples, aromatic thyme, and a savory sauce enriched by apple juice and chicken stock. Easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this casserole fills your home with enticing aromas that draw everyone to the dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or a festive gathering, this recipe is bound to impress with its rich flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 lbs chicken thighs and legs
- Salt to taste
- 4 shallots (diced) or 1 medium onion
- 1 rib celery (diced)
- 4–5 thyme sprigs
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp apple juice
- 2 tbsp flour
- 85 ml chicken stock
- 2 apples (peeled, cored, and cut into wedges)
- 125 ml heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Pat the chicken dry and season with salt.
- In a large casserole dish, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until golden; remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté diced shallots and celery until soft. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Deglaze the pan with apple juice, then stir in flour until combined. Gradually add chicken stock until thickened.
- Return browned chicken to the pot along with thyme sprigs; cover and bake for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for another 30 minutes while frying apple wedges in butter until caramelized.
- Stir in heavy cream before baking uncovered for an additional 20 minutes. Serve warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
