French Chicken Casserole a la Normande

If you’re looking for a cozy dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening, then this French Chicken Casserole a la Normande is just what you need. It’s the kind of meal that fills the house with delightful aromas and brings everyone together around the dinner table. With tender chicken braised in apple cider, fresh thyme, and sweet apples, it’s both comforting and elegant. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or hosting family and friends, this recipe is sure to impress.

This casserole has become one of my go-to dishes because it’s easy to prepare and absolutely bursting with flavor. Plus, it’s versatile enough for any occasion — from casual dinners to special gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting flavors: This dish combines savory chicken with the sweetness of apples and cider, creating a perfect harmony in every bite.
• One-pot wonder: Everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze!
• Family-friendly: Even picky eaters will love the taste of this casserole, which makes it great for family meals.
• Make-ahead option: You can prepare it ahead of time and simply bake it when you’re ready to serve.
• Perfect for leftovers: The flavors deepen as they sit, making leftovers just as delicious!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients will be a breeze! This recipe uses simple and wholesome items that you may already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 lbs chicken thighs and legs
• salt

For the Aromatics

• 4 shallots (diced or one medium onion)
• 1 rib celery (diced)
• 4-5 thyme sprigs
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

For Flavor

• 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

For the Sauce

• 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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Swap the protein: If chicken isn’t your favorite, try using turkey or even a hearty vegetable mix for a vegetarian version.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some carrots or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
• Change up the fruit: Pears make a lovely substitute for apples if you’re looking to switch things up.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon for an extra layer of warmth in the dish.

How to Make French Chicken Casserole a la Normande

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Chicken

Turn the oven on to 180C/350F. Pat dry chicken legs and thighs with a paper towel and sprinkle salt all over them. This step helps season the chicken while also ensuring that it browns nicely when cooked.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

In a large casserole dish, brown the chicken parts in 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat until they turn golden. This process not only adds flavor but also gives your casserole that beautiful color we all love. Once browned, remove them from the pot and set aside on a separate platter.

Step 3: Cook the Bacon

Next, fry the bacon lardons over medium heat until they render their fat. If there’s too much fat left behind after cooking, feel free to discard some of it—your dish will still be rich with flavor! Add this crispy goodness to your platter with the chicken.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatics

In that same pan, add diced shallots and celery along with two sprigs of thyme. Cook over low heat until soft but not colored—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. The goal here is to coax out their natural sweetness without burning them. Add minced garlic last; just cook for about 30 seconds while stirring until fragrant.

Step 5: Make Your Sauce Base

Hit the pan with some apple juice (or barley tea), scraping up all those lovely bits stuck at the bottom—this adds so much flavor! Once that’s done cooking down, sprinkle in flour and stir until you form a paste. Gradually whisk in chicken stock until thickened like gravy before pouring in apple cider.

Step 6: Bake It Up

Return your browned chicken and bacon back into that flavorful sauce along with more sprigs of thyme. Bring everything to a gentle boil before covering your casserole dish with a lid. Bake in your preheated oven for about 30 minutes; then remove the lid for another 30 minutes so everything can get nice and bubbly.

Step 7: Finish It Off

While your casserole bakes away happily in the oven, take some time to fry those apple wedges in reserved chicken fat or butter until they’re golden brown—watch them closely as they can burn quickly! Once your casserole is done baking, stir in heavy cream followed by those cooked apple wedges right before serving.

Now dig into this fabulous French Chicken Casserole a la Normande! Serve it alongside fluffy potatoes or rice for an unforgettable meal everyone will cherish. Enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making French Chicken Casserole a la Normande

Cooking this delightful dish is all about the little details, and I’m here to help you make it even better!

• Choose the Right Chicken: Opting for bone-in chicken thighs and legs enhances the flavor and keeps the meat juicy throughout the cooking process. The bones add depth to your casserole that boneless cuts simply can’t provide.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme sprigs not only infuse your dish with aromatic flavor but also elevate its presentation. Dried herbs can work in a pinch, but fresh ones pack a punch that’s hard to beat!
• Patience While Browning: Take your time when browning the chicken and bacon. This step builds a rich, flavorful base for your casserole. Don’t rush it; golden-brown bits are full of flavor!
• Creamy Finish: Stirring in heavy cream at the end creates a luscious sauce that brings all the ingredients together beautifully. It also adds a velvety texture that makes this casserole feel indulgent.
• Don’t Skip the Apples: Frying the apple wedges until golden gives them a lovely caramelized flavor that complements the savory chicken perfectly. It adds a delightful sweetness that balances the dish.

How to Serve French Chicken Casserole a la Normande

Presentation is key, and this casserole deserves to shine at your dinner table! Here are some ideas to serve it up beautifully.

Garnishes

• Fresh Thyme Leaves: A sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves right before serving adds an aromatic touch and brightens up the dish visually.
• Chopped Parsley: A handful of chopped parsley can bring a pop of color and freshness, making your casserole look even more inviting.

Side Dishes

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The buttery richness of mashed potatoes complements the hearty flavors of the casserole, making each bite comforting.
• Steamed Green Beans: These add a vibrant color and crisp texture that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy sauce while providing a healthy balance.
• Crusty Baguette: A slice of freshly baked baguette is perfect for soaking up every drop of that delicious sauce; it’s a simple yet effective side to elevate your meal.
• Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf flavored with herbs can soak up the sauce while adding another layer of taste, making it an excellent accompaniment.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re sure to impress friends and family with your French Chicken Casserole a la Normande! Enjoy!

Make Ahead and Storage

This French Chicken Casserole a la Normande is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time and enjoy the rich flavors throughout the week.

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

• Let the casserole cool completely before freezing.
• Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed, about 20 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delightful dish:

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

Absolutely! You can simply omit the bacon or substitute it with a plant-based alternative for added flavor without using animal products.

What sides pair well with French Chicken Casserole a la Normande?

This casserole goes wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, rice, or even a fresh green salad.

How can I adjust the seasoning for French Chicken Casserole a la Normande?

Feel free to add more herbs like rosemary or parsley according to your taste preference. A splash of lemon juice can also enhance its flavor profile!

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This dish is perfect for meal prep as it stores well in the fridge and just gets better as it sits, allowing all those wonderful flavors to meld together.

Final Thoughts

I hope you give this French Chicken Casserole a la Normande a try! It’s truly one of those comforting dishes that brings warmth and joy to your table. The combination of tender chicken, sweet apples, and creamy sauce is simply irresistible. Enjoy making it as much as I enjoyed sharing it with you! Happy cooking!