French Chicken Casserole a la Normande

If you’re looking for a cozy dish that wraps you in warmth and comfort, then French Chicken Casserole a la Normande is just what you need! This delightful recipe combines tender chicken with the sweet notes of apple cider and fresh thyme. It’s a family favorite that never fails to impress, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. The fragrant aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes will have everyone asking for seconds!

This casserole is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, giving you more time to enjoy with your loved ones. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a festive occasion, this dish brings people together around the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting flavors: Enjoy the rich taste of chicken cooked slowly in apple cider with herbs.
• Easy to make: With simple steps and wholesome ingredients, this dish is beginner-friendly.
• Feeds a crowd: Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, serving up to six people!
• Versatile sides: Pair it with rice or mashed potatoes for an extra comforting meal.
• Make-ahead option: Prepare it in advance and simply reheat for a hassle-free dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to create this beautiful dish. Each component plays an important role in building flavor, so be sure to use the freshest options you can find!

For the Casserole

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 lbs chicken thighs and legs
• Salt (to taste)
• 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 parts about this French Chicken Casserole a la Normande is its flexibility! You can easily customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: Try using turkey thighs instead of chicken for a different flavor.
• Change the fruit: Pears can be a delightful substitute for apples, adding their own sweetness.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some carrots or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
• Make it lighter: Use coconut cream in place of heavy cream for a dairy-free option.

How to Make French Chicken Casserole a la Normande

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Turn the oven on to 180C/350F. First, pat dry those beautiful chicken thighs and legs with a paper towel. Season them generously with salt all over. Drying helps achieve that nice golden-brown crust when you cook them!

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

In a large casserole dish, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add your chicken parts and brown them until golden on all sides. This step adds depth of flavor to the final dish! Once browned, transfer them to a separate platter and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Bacon

In the same pan, add your bacon lardons over medium heat. Cook until they render their fat and become crispy. If there’s too much fat from the bacon, feel free to discard some—too much can overwhelm your dish.

Step 4: Sauté Vegetables

Now it’s time to add those diced shallots and celery back into the pan along with two sprigs of thyme. Cook over low heat until softened but not colored—about 5-7 minutes. This gentle cooking brings out their natural sweetness!

Step 5: Build Your Sauce

Stir in minced garlic for an aromatic touch, cooking it briefly until fragrant—just about 30 seconds. Add in your apple juice or barley tea to deglaze the pan; this helps lift those delicious browned bits stuck at the bottom.

Step 6: Thicken It Up

Sprinkle flour into the mixture, stirring well until it forms a paste with the fat. Gradually pour in chicken stock while stirring constantly until smooth. Then add in your apple cider. It’s starting to come together beautifully!

Step 7: Combine Everything

Return your chicken and bacon back into the casserole dish along with another couple of sprigs of thyme. Bring everything to a gentle boil before transferring it into your preheated oven.

Step 8: Bake Away!

Cover your casserole and let it cook in the oven for 30 minutes. After that time has passed, uncover it and let it bake for an additional 30 minutes. The aim here is tender chicken that pulls apart easily!

Step 9: Sauté Apples

While waiting on that heavenly aroma from your casserole, fry those apple wedges in two tablespoons of reserved chicken fat—or butter if preferred—until golden brown and caramelized.

Step 10: Finish It Off

Remove your casserole from the oven after its total baking time is complete. Stir in heavy cream gently; allow it to cook uncovered for another 20 minutes so those flavors meld beautifully together.

Step 11: Serve It Up!

Finally, fold in those sautéed apple wedges right before serving! This French Chicken Casserole a la Normande is perfect enjoyed alongside potatoes or rice—a comforting hug on a plate!

Pro Tips for Making French Chicken Casserole a la Normande

Cooking can be a wonderful adventure, and with these helpful tips, you’ll ensure your casserole turns out perfectly every time!

• Choose the right chicken pieces: Using thighs and legs adds rich flavor and keeps the meat juicy during cooking. Boneless options may dry out faster, so stick with bone-in cuts for the best results.

• Don’t rush the browning process: Taking the time to brown the chicken properly creates a delicious depth of flavor in your casserole. The caramelization adds a beautiful color and enhances the overall taste.

• Scrape the pan well: When deglazing with apple juice, make sure to scrape up all those tasty bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. This not only boosts flavor but also helps in creating a luscious sauce.

• Control your oven temperature: A consistent oven temperature is key to even cooking. Make sure your oven is fully preheated before placing your casserole inside for best results.

• Use fresh herbs for garnish: Fresh thyme or parsley sprinkled on top right before serving elevates both the look and taste of this dish, making it feel like a true gourmet meal.

How to Serve French Chicken Casserole a la Normande

Serving this delightful casserole can be just as enjoyable as making it! Here are some ideas to present your creation beautifully.

Garnishes

• Fresh Thyme: A few sprigs of fresh thyme on top add not only a pop of color but also enhance the aromatic elements of the dish.
• Chopped Parsley: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley brings brightness and freshness that contrasts nicely with the richness of the casserole.

Side Dishes

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: These classic mashed potatoes provide a smooth, buttery complement that soaks up all that delicious sauce.
• Steamed Green Beans: Bright green beans add a lovely crunch and vibrant color, balancing out the richness of the casserole.
• Crusty French Bread: Perfect for sopping up any remaining sauce, crusty bread brings an authentic French touch to your meal.
• Simple Salad: A light mixed greens salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette offers freshness and contrast against the hearty casserole.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to enjoy an unforgettable meal centered around your French Chicken Casserole a la Normande!

Make Ahead and Storage

This French Chicken Casserole a la Normande is a fantastic option for meal prep! With its rich flavors and comforting ingredients, it makes for perfect leftovers that only get better with time.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

• Cool the casserole completely and portion it into freezer-safe containers.
• Label each container with the date and contents.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. To enjoy later, simply thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat in a pot over medium heat until warmed through.
• You can also use a microwave: heat in short intervals, stirring between each, until hot.
• If reheating from frozen, thaw first for even heating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making this delicious dish!

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

Absolutely! You can omit the bacon or use turkey bacon as an alternative. The dish will still be flavorful with the other ingredients.

How do I store French Chicken Casserole a la Normande leftovers?

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months.

What side dishes pair well with French Chicken Casserole a la Normande?

This casserole pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice. A simple green salad would also complement it nicely!

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs and legs?

While chicken thighs and legs offer more flavor due to their fat content, you can certainly use chicken breasts if that’s what you prefer. Just be mindful of cooking times as they may vary.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in preparing this French Chicken Casserole a la Normande! Its warm, comforting flavors are sure to become a staple at your dinner table. Don’t hesitate to share your experience or any twists you put on the recipe—I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Happy cooking!

---

Dinner