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Creamy French Chicken Casserole

Creamy French Chicken Casserole: Comfort in Every Bite

Delight in this Creamy French Chicken Casserole, a cozy dish that pairs tender chicken with a luscious apple cider cream sauce.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: French
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Casserole
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Used for browning chicken, adding depth of flavor; substitute with vegetable oil if preferred.
  • 4 pieces Chicken Legs and Thighs The main protein; dark meat remains juicy during cooking.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Enhances and balances flavors; adjust according to taste.
  • 2 pieces Shallots or Onion Provides aromatic notes; use onion if shallots are unavailable.
  • 2 stalks Celery Adds texture and freshness.
  • 1 teaspoon Fresh Thyme Offers earthy flavor; rosemary can be a great alternative.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Adds aromatic richness; fresh garlic is preferred.
  • 150 grams Bacon Lardons Contributes saltiness and a smoky undertone; prosciutto can be a delightful substitute.
  • 1/4 cup Brandy or Whiskey Used for deglazing and enhancing flavor; omit if desired.
  • 3 tablespoons All-purpose Flour Thickens the sauce; a gluten-free flour blend can replace it.
  • 2 cups Chicken Broth Provides base flavor and moisture; vegetable broth works as a substitute.
  • 1 cup Hard Dry Apple Cider A key ingredient for flavor depth; avoid sweet cider.
  • 2 pieces Apples Adds sweetness to the sauce; Honeycrisp or Granny Smith are excellent choices.
  • 1 cup Heavy or Double Cream Enriches the sauce; use half-and-half for a lighter option.
For the Topping
  • 2 pieces Pan-fried Apples Adds an extra layer of flavor; sauté until golden before folding into the casserole.

Equipment

  • Casserole Dish
  • skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Prepare your casserole dish.
  2. Pat the chicken legs and thighs dry and season with salt. Heat olive oil in the casserole dish and brown the chicken skin-side down for 6-7 minutes. Flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes.
  3. Add the bacon lardons to the same dish and sauté for 5 minutes until crispy, retaining some fat.
  4. Toss in chopped shallots and diced celery. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until soft and fragrant, then add minced garlic for another minute.
  5. Deglaze the dish with a splash of brandy or whiskey, scraping up bits. Simmer for 1-2 minutes, then sprinkle in flour.
  6. Gradually add chicken broth and apple cider, stirring well. Cook for 3-4 minutes to thicken.
  7. Return browned chicken and bacon to the dish. Bring to a gentle boil, cover with a lid or foil, and bake for 30 minutes.
  8. Uncover and bake for another 30 minutes until chicken is fork-tender and sauce thickens.
  9. Sauté sliced apples in a small skillet until golden brown, set aside.
  10. Stir in heavy cream into the casserole and return it uncovered to the oven for another 20 minutes.
  11. Fold in the sautéed apples just before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 45gFat: 40gSaturated Fat: 20gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 900mgFiber: 2gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Serve with buttery mashed potatoes or a freshly baked baguette for an elevated experience.

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