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French Chicken Casserole a la Normande

Cozy Up with French Chicken Casserole a la Normande

This French Chicken Casserole a la Normande offers comforting flavors for weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: French
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Casserole
  • 2 lbs Chicken Thighs and Legs skin-on and bone-in recommended
  • to taste Salt
  • 4 Shallots, diced or 1 medium onion
  • 1 rib Celery, diced
  • 4-5 sprigs Thyme fresh preferred
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 125 g/4 oz Bacon Lardons can substitute with pancetta
  • 2 tbsp Brandy or Whiskey for deglazing
  • 2 tbsp Flour gluten-free blend works as substitute
  • 85 ml/1/3 cup Chicken Stock homemade adds richness
  • 400 ml/1 1/2 cups Hard Dry Apple Cider or non-alcoholic cider
  • 2 Apples, peeled, cored, cut into wedges Granny Smith preferred
  • 125 ml/1/2 cup Double Cream heavy cream can substitute
  • as needed Olive Oil for browning chicken

Equipment

  • Large casserole dish
  • Skillet
  • Slotted spoon

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and season the chicken with salt. Brown the chicken in olive oil for 5-7 minutes on each side, then set aside.
  2. Cook the bacon lardons in the same dish until crispy, then remove and set aside.
  3. Sauté shallots, celery, and thyme in the remaining fat for about 5 minutes, then add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
  4. Deglaze the pan with brandy, scraping up any browned bits for about 2 minutes.
  5. Sprinkle flour into the pan, stirring for 1-2 minutes until golden. Gradually whisk in the chicken stock and cider, cooking until thick.
  6. Return the chicken and bacon to the casserole, bring to a boil, cover, and bake for 30 minutes.
  7. Uncover and bake for an additional 30 minutes to reduce the sauce.
  8. Sauté apple wedges in butter until golden, about 5-7 minutes.
  9. Stir sautéed apples and double cream into the casserole, then bake uncovered for another 20 minutes.
  10. Serve and enjoy alongside mashed potatoes or crusty bread.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Use skin-on, bone-in chicken for the best flavor. Adjust liquids based on preference for a saucier casserole.

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