Description
French Chicken Casserole a la Normande is a heartwarming dish that combines tender chicken, sweet apples, and fragrant thyme, creating a comforting meal perfect for family dinners or special occasions. This classic French recipe features juicy chicken braised in hard apple cider and creamy goodness, making every bite a delightful experience. It’s easy to prepare and serves six people, making it an excellent choice for gatherings. Pair it with crusty bread or fluffy mashed potatoes for a complete dining experience that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs chicken thighs and legs
- 4 oz bacon lardons
- 4 shallots (or 1 medium onion)
- 2 apples (peeled and cored)
- 400 ml dry apple cider
- 125 ml heavy cream
- Fresh thyme sprigs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Season chicken with salt.
- In a large casserole dish, heat olive oil and brown chicken over medium-high heat. Transfer to a platter.
- Cook bacon until crispy in the same dish. Remove bacon and set aside.
- Sauté shallots and celery until soft; add garlic and brandy to deglaze the pan.
- Stir in flour to form a paste; gradually add chicken stock and apple cider, stirring until thickened.
- Return chicken and bacon to the pot. Bring to a boil before covering and baking for 30 minutes; uncover for another 30 minutes.
- Fry apple wedges until golden; stir heavy cream into the casserole before adding apples. Serve hot.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg