Description
Rich French Chicken Casserole a la Normande blends hearty Normandy ingredients with classic culinary techniques. Creamy apple-infused sauce and tender chicken create a memorable dining experience you will savor.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 8 oz (225 g) mushrooms, sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 2 tbsps butter
- ½ cup (120 ml) dry apple cider
- 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- ¼ cup (15 g) chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring a consistent cooking environment for the French chicken casserole.
- Searing: Heat olive oil and butter in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces and sear until golden brown on all sides, creating a rich, caramelized exterior.
- Aromatics: Remove chicken and in the same skillet, sauté onions until translucent. Add garlic and mushrooms, cooking until they develop a delicate caramelized texture.
- Fruity Layer: Introduce apple slices to the skillet, gently incorporating them into the aromatic vegetable medley.
- Liquid Foundation: Deglaze the pan with Calvados or apple cider, scraping up the flavorful browned bits. Pour in chicken stock, creating a robust cooking liquid.
- Braising: Return chicken to the skillet, nestling it among the apples and mushrooms. Cover and transfer to the preheated oven, allowing the ingredients to meld and tenderize for 30 minutes.
- Finishing Touch: Remove from oven and stir in creme fraiche, transforming the sauce into a luxurious, creamy coating. Briefly simmer on the stovetop to intensify flavors and slightly thicken the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley, presenting a rustic and elegant French chicken casserole ready to delight the senses.
Notes
Control Chicken Moisture: Pat chicken pieces completely dry before searing to ensure a perfect golden-brown crust and prevent steaming instead of browning.
Enhance Flavor Depth: Use homemade chicken stock instead of store-bought for richer, more complex taste profile in the sauce.
Choose Right Apples: Select firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Braeburn that hold shape during cooking and provide balanced acidity to the dish.
Adapt for Dietary Needs: Substitute creme fraiche with coconut cream for dairy-free version or Greek yogurt for lower-fat alternative without compromising overall creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg