French Chicken Casserole a la Normande

If you’re looking for a cozy dish that warms the heart and fills the belly, let me introduce you to my favorite comfort dish: French Chicken Casserole a la Normande. This delightful recipe is a harmonious blend of tender chicken, sweet apples, and fragrant thyme all simmered together to create a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, providing both ease in preparation and joy at the dinner table.

Every time I make this casserole, it reminds me of those lovely evenings spent with family, lingering over good food and laughter. The aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes will have everyone asking what’s cooking! Trust me; once you try it, this dish will become a cherished staple in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: This dish comes together with simple steps, allowing you to enjoy more quality time with loved ones.
• Family-friendly: The combination of chicken and apples makes this casserole appealing to both kids and adults alike.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prep this dish earlier in the day and let it slowly cook while you wind down after a busy day.
• Deliciously comforting: The flavors meld beautifully, creating a rich and hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this French Chicken Casserole a la Normande truly special. Luckily, these are simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Casserole

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 lbs chicken thighs and legs
• Salt
• 4 shallots (diced or one medium onion)
• 1 rib celery (diced)
• 4-5 thyme sprigs
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 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)
• 2 apples (peeled, cored and cut into wedges)
• 125ml/1/2 cup double cream/heavy cream

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! If you want to mix things up or cater to different tastes, here are some fun variations to try:

• Swap the protein: Feel free to use chicken breasts instead of thighs if that’s what you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time since they may require less time in the oven.
• Add veggies: Toss in some carrots or mushrooms for an extra dose of nutrition and flavor.
• Use different herbs: Experiment with rosemary or sage instead of thyme for a unique twist on the traditional flavor profile.
• Make it dairy-free: Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream for a delicious dairy-free version that still feels rich and creamy.

How to Make French Chicken Casserole a la Normande

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Chicken

Turn the oven on to 180C/350F. Pat dry the chicken legs and thighs with a paper towel and sprinkle salt all over them. Drying out the chicken helps achieve that lovely golden-brown color when browning later!

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

In a large casserole dish, brown the chicken parts in 1 tbsp of oil over medium-high heat until golden. This step not only adds flavor but also gives your dish a beautiful color. Once browned, remove them from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Bacon

Next, fry the bacon lardons over medium heat until their fat is rendered. If there’s too much fat left in the pan after cooking, feel free to discard some—just keep enough for flavor! Remove this crispy goodness to join the chicken on your platter.

Step 4: Sauté Shallots and Celery

In that same pan, add shallots and celery along with 2 sprigs of thyme. Cook over low heat until soft but not colored for about 5-7 minutes. This gentle cooking brings out their natural sweetness! Add minced garlic next; it only needs about 30 seconds just to get fragrant.

Step 5: Create Your Sauce Base

Pour in some apple juice while scraping up any lovely bits stuck on the bottom of your pan—that’s where all the flavor hides! Stir until most liquid evaporates then add flour to create a paste before slowly adding chicken stock. Stir until combined then pour in apple cider—oh my goodness!

Step 6: Assemble Everything Together

Return both your browned chicken and crispy bacon back into the casserole dish with more thyme sprigs. Bring everything to a boil before placing it in your preheated oven covered with a lid for about 30 minutes.

Step 7: Uncover & Add Apples

After those first 30 minutes, uncover your casserole and let it bake for another 30 minutes. While it’s baking away, fry up those gorgeous apple wedges until they’re golden brown; watch them closely—they can burn quickly!

Step 8: Finish Off with Cream & Serve

Finally, remove your casserole from the oven. Stir in heavy cream—this adds such richness—and then return it uncovered for another 20 minutes so everything melds together perfectly! Add those cooked apple wedges just before serving; they bring sweetness that balances out beautifully with savory flavors.

And there you go—a beautiful homemade French Chicken Casserole a la Normande awaits! Serve it alongside some fluffy potatoes or rice for an unforgettable meal everyone will love! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making French Chicken Casserole a la Normande

Cooking can be a delightful experience, and with these pro tips, your French Chicken Casserole a la Normande will turn out perfectly every time!

• Choose the right chicken parts: Using thighs and legs provides the best flavor and tenderness. These cuts remain juicy during cooking, making your casserole rich and satisfying.

• Don’t skip browning the chicken: Taking the time to brown the chicken develops deeper flavors in your dish. The caramelization adds a lovely richness that enhances the overall taste of the casserole.

• Use fresh thyme: Fresh herbs elevate your dish with vibrant flavors. Thyme pairs beautifully with the apples and cider, adding an aromatic touch that makes your casserole sing.

• Monitor the apple wedges carefully: Frying apple wedges can be tricky; they can burn quickly. Keep an eye on them, turning frequently to achieve a golden-brown color without losing their texture.

• Let it rest before serving: Allowing your casserole to sit for about 10 minutes after removing it from the oven helps develop deeper flavors as everything melds together, making each bite even more delicious.

How to Serve French Chicken Casserole a la Normande

Serving this delectable casserole is all about presentation and pairing it with complementary dishes. Here are some ideas to make your meal shine!

Garnishes

• Fresh thyme sprigs: A few sprigs of fresh thyme on top not only look beautiful but also enhance the fragrant aroma right before serving.

• Chopped parsley: A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the dish visually and flavor-wise.

Side Dishes

• Creamy mashed potatoes: The smooth texture of mashed potatoes perfectly complements the rich sauce of the casserole, soaking up all those wonderful flavors.

• Steamed green beans: These add a nice crunch and vibrant color. Their natural sweetness balances beautifully with the savory elements of the casserole.

• Rustic bread: A crusty loaf is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce on your plate. It adds an inviting touch to your meal, enhancing both taste and presentation.

• Wild rice pilaf: This nutty side dish works wonderfully with chicken casseroles, providing a hearty texture that contrasts nicely with the tender chicken and apples.

With these ideas in hand, you’re ready to impress your family or guests with an exquisite meal! Enjoy every moment as you share this comforting classic at your table.

Make Ahead and Storage

This French Chicken Casserole a la Normande is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make this dish ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Here’s how to store your leftovers and ensure you enjoy it later.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Refrigerate within two hours of cooking.
• Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Let the casserole cool completely before freezing.
• Use a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, label the container with the date.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.
• Alternatively, reheat in a saucepan over medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

FAQs

If you have questions about making this dish, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for French Chicken Casserole a la Normande?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts; however, keep in mind that they may cook faster than thighs. Be sure to monitor their doneness closely.

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

This casserole pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice. A fresh green salad also complements the rich flavors beautifully!

How long does French Chicken Casserole a la Normande last in the fridge?

The casserole will last up to 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can I substitute apple cider in French Chicken Casserole a la Normande?

Absolutely! You can replace apple cider with apple juice or barley tea for a non-alcoholic option that still provides sweetness and depth.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in preparing this delightful French Chicken Casserole a la Normande! It’s not just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate. The combination of tender chicken, sweet apples, and fragrant thyme makes this dish truly special. I can’t wait for you to gather around the table with loved ones and savor every bite. Enjoy your cooking adventure!