French Chicken Casserole a la Normande

If you’re looking for a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug, then you’re going to love this French Chicken Casserole a la Normande. This recipe is one of those treasures that brings family and friends together around the table. With succulent chicken braised in apple cider, fragrant thyme, and sweet apples, every bite is a delightful blend of flavors. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings, making it a staple you’ll want to return to time and again.

What makes this casserole so special is how easy it is to prepare! Just a little prep and then let your oven do the magic. The combination of tender chicken, savory bacon, and creamy sauce will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple preparation: This dish comes together with minimal fuss, making it ideal for busy nights.
• Family-friendly appeal: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the rich flavors and comforting textures.
• Perfect for meal prep: You can make it ahead of time and reheat for an effortless dinner option.
• Deliciously versatile: The ingredients are flexible, allowing you to use what you have on hand.
• Impressive presentation: Serve this at your next gathering and watch your guests be wowed by its rustic charm.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this French Chicken Casserole a la Normande is half the fun! These simple, wholesome items will create a dish that’s bursting with flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken

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

For the Vegetables

• 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
• 400ml/1 1/2 cups hard dry apple cider (such as Strongbow)

For the Apples

• 2 apples (peeled, cored and cut into wedges)

For Creaminess

• 125ml/1/2 cup double cream/heavy cream

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to customize it based on what you have available or your personal taste preferences. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

• Swap the protein: Use turkey or even vegetarian alternatives like chickpeas if you’re looking for a meatless option.
• Change up the veggies: Add carrots or mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.
• Try different herbs: Use rosemary or parsley instead of thyme for a fresh twist.
• Make it dairy-free: Substitute coconut cream or cashew cream for the heavy cream to keep it creamy without dairy.

How to Make French Chicken Casserole a la Normande

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 180C/350F. This ensures that once everything is ready to go in, it’ll cook evenly right from the start.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Pat dry the chicken thighs and legs with a paper towel. Sprinkle salt all over them. In a large casserole dish, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Brown the chicken pieces until golden on all sides — this step adds depth of flavor to your casserole. Once browned, remove them from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Bacon

In the same pan, add your bacon lardons over medium heat. Cook until they’re crispy and golden brown. If there’s too much fat rendered from the bacon, feel free to discard some. Once done, transfer them to join the chicken on that platter – we want all those delicious flavors together!

Step 4: Sauté Vegetables

Now it’s time for those aromatic vegetables! In that same pan, toss in diced shallots and celery along with two sprigs of thyme. Cook them over low heat until softened but not colored — about 5-7 minutes will do. Add minced garlic and stir it around for another 30 seconds until fragrant! Then splash in some apple juice while scraping up any tasty bits stuck on the bottom of your pan; this adds even more flavor!

Step 5: Create Your Sauce

Next up: add flour! Stir it into your mixture until it’s combined – this will thicken things beautifully later. Gradually pour in chicken stock while stirring until you achieve a thick gravy-like consistency. Now pour in that lovely apple cider (no alcohol here!), stir again, and bring back those chicken pieces along with crispy bacon into this luscious sauce.

Step 6: Bake It Up!

Cover your casserole dish with a lid or foil and place it into your preheated oven. Bake for about 30 minutes before removing the cover; bake uncovered for another 30 minutes so everything gets nice and bubbly.

Step 7: Finish with Apples

While that’s happening, take those apple wedges you prepared earlier and fry them in either reserved chicken fat or butter until they turn golden brown — keep an eye on them as they can burn quickly! After baking time is up, stir in heavy cream into your casserole followed by cooked apple wedges before popping it back into the oven uncovered for an additional 20 minutes.

When everything’s done cooking, serve up this delightful French Chicken Casserole a la Normande with some creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice on the side! Enjoy every comforting bite!

Pro Tips for Making French Chicken Casserole a la Normande

Cooking this delightful casserole is a breeze, especially with a few handy tips to enhance your dish!

• Use fresh thyme: Fresh herbs like thyme bring out the best flavors in your dish. They add a fragrant aroma and deepen the overall taste of the casserole.

• Brown the chicken well: Taking the time to brown the chicken pieces creates a lovely crust and adds depth of flavor. This step enhances the richness of your casserole and makes it even more delicious.

• Don’t rush the cooking: Allowing the casserole to simmer in the oven ensures that all the flavors meld beautifully. Patience here leads to a tender chicken that falls off the bone!

• Experiment with apples: Different varieties of apples can change the dish’s flavor profile. Sweet apples like Fuji or tart ones like Granny Smith offer unique tastes that pair wonderfully with chicken and cider.

• Adjust cream to taste: Feel free to modify the amount of cream based on your preference for richness. A little less cream will yield a lighter version, while more will create a decadent sauce.

How to Serve French Chicken Casserole a la Normande

Presenting your French Chicken Casserole a la Normande can be just as enjoyable as making it! Here are some ideas for serving it up beautifully.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme adds vibrant color and freshness, making your dish visually appealing.

• Apple slices: Thinly sliced raw apples placed atop each serving can add an attractive crunch and enhance the apple flavor in the casserole.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide a comforting base that complements the rich sauce of your casserole perfectly.

• Steamed Green Beans: Bright green beans add color and contrast, plus their crisp texture balances out the tender chicken. A squeeze of lemon juice brings freshness!

• Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf cooked with broth and herbs absorbs all those wonderful flavors from your casserole, making every bite satisfying.

• Crusty Baguette: A warm baguette is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate. Plus, it adds an authentic French touch to your meal!

Enjoy creating this delightful dish that not only warms the heart but also impresses with its rich flavors!

Make Ahead and Storage

This French Chicken Casserole a la Normande is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy its delicious flavors throughout the week. You can easily prepare it ahead of time or store leftovers for quick and satisfying meals later on.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Ensure that it’s covered well to prevent drying out.

Freezing

• Cool the casserole completely before freezing.
• Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags for easier reheating.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Label each container with the date for reference.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
• Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions readers may have about this delightful recipe!

Can I use other types of chicken in French Chicken Casserole a la Normande?

Absolutely! While thighs and legs are recommended for their tenderness, you can use chicken breasts if you prefer. Just keep an eye on cooking times as they may cook faster.

How can I make French Chicken Casserole a la Normande healthier?

You can reduce the amount of cream or substitute it with a lighter version. Additionally, using less oil while still ensuring the chicken browns nicely will help cut down on calories without sacrificing flavor.

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

This dish is excellent served with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or rice. A simple green salad also offers a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the casserole.

Can I make French Chicken Casserole a la Normande vegetarian?

Yes! You can replace the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock and omit the bacon lardons or replace them with smoked tempeh for added depth.

Final Thoughts

I hope this French Chicken Casserole a la Normande brings warmth and joy to your dinner table! It’s not just about nourishing our bodies; it’s about creating memories around food that we cherish. Enjoy making this dish and sharing it with your loved ones—every bite is sure to be filled with comfort and delight. Happy cooking!