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French Chicken Casserole a la Normande

Hearty French Chicken Casserole a la Normande for Cozy Nights

This French Chicken Casserole a la Normande delivers comforting flavors and a rich creamy experience, perfect for cozy dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: French
Calories: 500
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Casserole
  • 6 pieces Chicken thighs and legs use skin-on, bone-in for richer flavor
  • to taste teaspoons Salt adjust to taste
  • 2 pieces Shallots or substitute with one medium onion
  • 1 stalk Celery optional but enhances texture
  • 3 sprigs Thyme fresh thyme, dried thyme works as substitute
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced
  • 150 grams Bacon lardons can replace with pancetta or omit
  • 120 ml Brandy or whiskey used for deglazing
  • 3 tablespoons Flour for thickening
  • 500 ml Chicken stock homemade or store-bought
  • 330 ml Hard dry apple cider star flavor, can swap with non-alcoholic cider
  • 2 pieces Apples firm varieties preferred
  • 200 ml Double cream/heavy cream can be omitted for dairy-free option

Equipment

  • Casserole Dish
  • skillet
  • wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups
  • Paper towels

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Pat the chicken thighs and legs dry and season with salt.
  3. Brown the chicken in a large casserole dish for 6-8 minutes on each side.
  4. Cook the bacon lardons until crispy in the same casserole.
  5. Sauté shallots and optional celery in bacon fat until softened, then add thyme and garlic.
  6. Deglaze the pan with brandy or whiskey, scraping the bottom for flavor.
  7. Create a sauce by whisking in flour, then chicken stock and apple cider.
  8. Combine the browned chicken and bacon with the sauce, then bake for 30 minutes.
  9. Uncover and continue baking for another 30 minutes.
  10. Fry apple wedges in reserved bacon fat until golden and caramelized.
  11. Stir in double cream and cook uncovered for an additional 20 minutes.
  12. Fold in the fried apple wedges before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 35gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For optimal flavor, sear the chicken well and don't skip deglazing. Adjust seasonings before serving. This casserole can be prepared a day in advance for improved flavors.

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