Description
A hearty and flavorful French Chicken Casserole a la Normande, featuring tender chicken, smoky bacon, and sweet apples, all simmered in a rich cider sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1kg / 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 brandy or whiskey
- 2 tbsp flour
- 85 ml / 1/3 cup chicken stock
- 400ml / 1½ cups hard dry apple cider
- such as Strongbow
- 2 apples
- peeled
- cored and cut into wedges
- 125ml / 1/2cup double cream/heavy cream
Instructions
- In a large ovenproof casserole, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat and brown the chicken pieces on all sides. Season with salt.
- Add the diced shallots or onion, celery, thyme, and minced garlic to the casserole. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the bacon lardons and cook until crispy. Add the brandy or whiskey and allow it to evaporate for 1-2 minutes.
- Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir well, cooking for an additional minute.
- Pour in the chicken stock and cider, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the apple wedges, then cover and transfer the casserole to a 180°C (350°F) oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and stir in the double cream. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
For a richer flavor, let the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pot / Simmering
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 590 kcal
- Sugar: 13 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 190 mg
Keywords: French Chicken Casserole a la Normande,chicken casserole,apple cider casserole,French cuisine,comfort food