French Chicken Casserole a la Normande

If you’re looking for a warm, comforting dish that will make your kitchen smell heavenly, you’ve come to the right place! French Chicken Casserole a la Normande is one of my all-time favorites. This delightful recipe features chicken braised in apple cider, which brings out a wonderful sweetness balanced by fresh thyme and tender apples. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings when you want to impress without spending all day in the kitchen.

This casserole is not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying and easy to prepare. You’ll find it’s a dish everyone will love, making it a great addition to your dinner rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
• Family-friendly appeal: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the rich flavors and comforting textures.
• Perfect for meal prep: Make it ahead of time, and simply reheat when you’re ready to serve.
• Flavorful leftovers: The taste improves after sitting a day, so you can enjoy it for lunch too!
• Versatile: Serve it with rice or potatoes, and feel free to swap in your favorite veggies.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Let’s gather what you need for this delicious French Chicken Casserole a la Normande!

For the Casserole

• 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

One of the best things about this French Chicken Casserole a la Normande is its flexibility! You can easily adapt it based on what you have at home or your family’s preferences.

• Swap the protein: Try using turkey thighs or even chicken breasts if that’s what you have on hand.
• Add more veggies: Consider adding carrots or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
• Make it lighter: Use low-fat cream or omit the cream altogether for a lighter version.
• Change up the apples: Different apple varieties can bring unique flavors; try Granny Smith for tartness or Fuji for sweetness.

How to Make French Chicken Casserole a la Normande

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Turn the oven on to 180C/350F. Pat dry your chicken legs and thighs with a paper towel. Sprinkle salt all over them—this helps enhance their flavor as they cook.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

In a large casserole dish, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown those chicken parts until they turn golden brown. This step adds rich flavor! Once browned, remove them from the pan and set them aside on a plate.

Step 3: Cook the Bacon

In that same pan, fry the bacon lardons until they render their fat. If there’s too much fat left over, feel free to discard some of it. Once crispy, move them onto the plate with your chicken.

Step 4: Sauté Vegetables

Now, add your diced shallots and celery along with two sprigs of thyme into the pan. Cook them over low heat until soft but not colored—about 5-7 minutes. Then add minced garlic and stir for another 30 seconds. This builds layers of flavor!

Step 5: Deglaze and Create Sauce

Pour in some apple juice while scraping any flavorful bits stuck on the bottom of the pan. Let it cook until most of the liquid evaporates. Next, stir in flour until combined with the fat—this creates a roux which thickens our sauce! Gradually add chicken stock followed by apple cider, stirring well.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

Return both the chicken and bacon back into your casserole dish along with another couple sprigs of thyme. Bring everything to a boil; this ensures all those beautiful flavors meld together!

Step 7: Bake It Up

Cover your casserole dish with a lid and bake in your preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the lid after that time has passed and continue baking for another 30 minutes—this allows everything to get nice and cozy together.

Step 8: Add Apples & Cream

While waiting on that delicious aroma wafting through your home, sauté those apple wedges in reserved chicken fat or butter until slightly golden—they’ll be delightful! Once done baking, stir in heavy cream into your casserole along with those cooked apples before returning it to bake uncovered for an additional 20 minutes.

And there you have it—a hearty French Chicken Casserole a la Normande perfect for sharing! Serve it warm alongside potatoes or rice, and enjoy every comforting bite!

Pro Tips for Making French Chicken Casserole a la Normande

Cooking this delightful casserole is a joy, and with a few pro tips, you can elevate your dish to perfection!

• Choose the right chicken parts: Using chicken thighs and legs adds richness and moisture to the casserole. They withstand long cooking times better than breasts, ensuring juicy bites every time.

• Don’t rush the browning: Take your time when browning the chicken. This step builds flavor through caramelization, giving your casserole a deeper, richer taste.

• Use fresh thyme: Fresh herbs like thyme add a vibrant flavor that dried herbs simply can’t match. Their aromatic quality will enhance the overall profile of your dish.

• Be patient with the sauce: Allowing the mixture to simmer and thicken before adding the chicken ensures a beautifully cohesive sauce that clings to every bite.

• Experiment with apple varieties: Different apples bring unique flavors—try using tart Granny Smith for a zesty kick or sweet Fuji for extra sweetness. This can personalize your casserole to suit your taste preference.

How to Serve French Chicken Casserole a la Normande

Presenting this dish is as enjoyable as making it! The comforting aroma will have everyone gathering around the table in anticipation.

Garnishes

• Fresh thyme sprigs: A few sprigs of fresh thyme on top not only look appealing but also enhance the herbal aroma of the dish.
• Sliced green onions: Chopped green onions add a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that complements the rich sauce beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide a perfect vehicle for soaking up the delicious sauce from the casserole.
• Steamed Green Beans: Bright green beans offer a crisp contrast in texture and a burst of freshness that balances the richness of the dish.
• Crusty Baguette: A warm, crusty baguette is ideal for scooping up any remaining sauce on your plate, making every bite count.
• Simple Garden Salad: A light garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette adds freshness and helps cut through the richness of the casserole.

Enjoy this comforting French Chicken Casserole à la Normande with loved ones; it’s sure to become a family favorite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This French Chicken Casserole a la Normande is perfect for meal prep, making it an ideal dish to enjoy throughout the week. You can prepare it ahead of time, which means less hassle on busy days!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Cool the casserole completely before freezing.
• Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
• To reheat, warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350F (175C) until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful dish:

Can I make French Chicken Casserole a la Normande without bacon?

Yes! You can simply omit the bacon or use a plant-based alternative for added flavor without any animal-derived ingredients.

What can I serve with French Chicken Casserole a la Normande?

This casserole pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce!

How long does it take to prepare French Chicken Casserole a la Normande?

The total time to make this recipe is about 100 minutes, including both prep and cooking times.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This casserole is excellent for meal prep and can be stored as leftovers or frozen for future meals.

Can I substitute chicken thighs with other cuts of chicken?

While chicken thighs provide great flavor and tenderness, you can substitute them with chicken breasts. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to try this French Chicken Casserole a la Normande! It’s such a heartwarming dish that brings comfort and joy to any dinner table. Whether you’re sharing it with family or enjoying it on your own, I’m sure you’ll find it as delightful as I do. Happy cooking!

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