French Chicken Casserole a la Normande is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken with the sweetness of apples and the aroma of thyme, all braised to perfection. This casserole is perfect for cozy family dinners or special occasions. Its unique flavor profile and creamy texture make it stand out, ensuring it will become a favorite in your household.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of chicken, apples, and thyme creates a rich and comforting taste.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or a weeknight meal.
- Easy Preparation: With simple steps, this casserole can be prepared without fuss.
- Hearty Ingredients: Packed with protein and flavor, it’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The creamy sauce and tender chicken appeal to both kids and adults alike.
Tools and Preparation
To make French Chicken Casserole a la Normande successfully, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having these items on hand will streamline your cooking process and ensure great results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Casserole dish
- Frying pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Casserole dish: Essential for braising the chicken evenly while retaining moisture.
- Frying pan: Ideal for browning the chicken and sautéing vegetables before combining them in the casserole.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps in mixing ingredients without scratching your cookware.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accuracy in ingredient quantities for best results.
Ingredients
Chicken braised in apple cider with thyme and apples.
- 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 Turkey Bacon lardons (or 6 strips of Turkey 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
- 2 apples (peeled, cored and cut into wedges)
- 125ml/1/2 cup double cream/heavy cream
How to Make French Chicken Casserole a la Normande
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Turn the oven on to 180C/350F. Pat dry chicken legs and thighs with a paper towel and salt all over.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
In a large casserole dish, brown the chicken parts in 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium-high heat until golden. Remove to a separate platter and set aside. Discard the chicken fat or reserve it for another use if desired.
Step 3: Cook Turkey Bacon
Fry the Turkey Bacon lardons over medium heat until the fat is rendered. If the Turkey Bacon is very fatty, discard most of the fat. Remove the Turkey Bacon to the same platter as browned chicken.
Step 4: Sauté Vegetables
To the same pan add shallots and celery with two sprigs of thyme. Cook over low heat until soft but not colored for about 5–7 minutes. Add minced garlic, cooking for another 30 seconds while stirring. Pour in apple juice while scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze.
Step 5: Make Gravy Mixture
Add flour to combine it with fat until it becomes a paste. Slowly add chicken stock while stirring until it resembles thick gravy. Pour in apple cider and stir to combine. Return chicken and Turkey Bacon to casserole with more thyme sprigs; bring to a boil.
Step 6: Bake
Place the casserole into preheated oven with a lid on for about 30 minutes. Afterward, uncover it and cook for an additional 30 minutes. While baking, fry apple wedges in reserved chicken fat or butter until lightly browned.
Step 7: Finish & Serve
Remove from oven, stir in heavy cream, then cook uncovered for another 20 minutes. Finally, mix in cooked apple wedges before serving alongside potatoes or rice.
Enjoy your French Chicken Casserole a la Normande!
How to Serve French Chicken Casserole a la Normande
French Chicken Casserole a la Normande is a rich and flavorful dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Here are some creative serving suggestions to complement this delightful casserole.
With Fresh Bread
- Fresh baguette – A crispy baguette is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Rustic country loaf – Its hearty texture pairs well with the rich flavors of the casserole.
Over Rice
- Jasmine rice – The fragrant rice absorbs the sauce beautifully and adds a lovely aroma.
- Brown rice – Offers a nutritious option with a nutty flavor that complements the dish.
Accompanied by Vegetables
- Steamed green beans – Their bright color and crunch provide a nice contrast to the softness of the casserole.
- Roasted carrots – Sweet and caramelized, they add depth to your meal.
Topped with Fresh Herbs
- Chopped parsley – Adds a fresh flavor and vibrant color when sprinkled on top before serving.
- Thyme leaves – Enhances the herbal notes already present in the dish.
How to Perfect French Chicken Casserole a la Normande
To achieve the best results with your French Chicken Casserole a la Normande, consider these helpful tips for preparation and cooking.
- Use quality chicken – Opt for fresh, organic chicken for superior flavor and tenderness.
- Brown well – Ensure you brown the chicken thoroughly for added richness and depth of flavor.
- Let it rest – Allow the casserole to sit for a few minutes after cooking; this helps meld the flavors together.
- Adjust seasoning – Taste before serving; you may want to add more salt or pepper according to your preference.
Best Side Dishes for French Chicken Casserole a la Normande
Pairing side dishes with French Chicken Casserole a la Normande can elevate the entire meal. Here are some excellent options:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make for a comforting accompaniment.
- Herbed Quinoa – A light and nutritious option, quinoa seasoned with herbs complements the casserole’s richness.
- Cauliflower Gratin – This cheesy dish provides a deliciously creamy contrast while remaining satisfying.
- Sautéed Spinach – Lightly sautéed spinach seasoned with garlic offers freshness alongside your rich casserole.
- Mixed Green Salad – A simple salad with vinaigrette adds brightness and balances out the meal’s heaviness.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Their crispy texture and slight bitterness create an excellent balance of flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making French Chicken Casserole a la Normande, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Neglecting to season: Failing to season the chicken properly can result in bland flavors. Always salt your chicken well before cooking.
- Overcrowding the pan: Packing too much chicken into one pan prevents even browning. Cook in batches if necessary for a perfect golden color.
- Not using fresh herbs: Using dried herbs instead of fresh can dull the flavor profile. Fresh thyme enhances the dish significantly, so use it whenever possible.
- Skipping the browning step: Skipping the browning step for chicken or turkey bacon may lead to a less flavorful casserole. Take the time to brown these ingredients properly for depth of flavor.
- Ignoring cooking times: Not following recommended cooking times can lead to undercooked chicken or overly soft apples. Use a timer and check doneness carefully.
- Using low-quality stock: A poor-quality chicken stock can ruin your sauce’s flavor. Opt for homemade or high-quality store-bought stock for the best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing French Chicken Casserole a la Normande
- Allow the casserole to cool completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating French Chicken Casserole a la Normande
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil. Bake for about 25-30 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a lid, and heat on medium power in 2-minute intervals until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat gently over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making French Chicken Casserole a la Normande.
How do I make my French Chicken Casserole a la Normande more flavorful?
You can enhance the flavors by adding more fresh herbs such as parsley or tarragon, and ensuring that you brown the ingredients well before braising.
Can I substitute chicken with another protein in this recipe?
Yes, you can use turkey or even lean cuts of beef as an alternative protein, though cooking times may vary depending on the protein used.
How long does it take to prepare French Chicken Casserole a la Normande?
The total prep and cook time is about 100 minutes, including both preparation and baking time.
What sides pair well with French Chicken Casserole a la Normande?
This dish pairs nicely with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread that can soak up the delicious sauce.
Final Thoughts
French Chicken Casserole a la Normande is not only delicious but also versatile enough for various occasions. The combination of savory chicken with sweet apples creates an irresistible flavor profile. Feel free to customize by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting spices according to your taste!
French Chicken Casserole a la Normande
Indulge in the comforting flavors of French Chicken Casserole a la Normande, a delightful dish that marries tender chicken with the sweetness of crisp apples and fragrant thyme. This creamy casserole is perfect for family dinners or special occasions, providing a rich and satisfying meal that will quickly become a household favorite. The combination of braised chicken and apple-infused sauce creates a unique flavor profile that is both hearty and comforting, while the simple preparation makes it accessible for cooks of all skill levels. Serve this dish alongside rustic bread or fluffy rice for an unforgettable dining experience.
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 lbs chicken thighs and legs
- Salt to taste
- 4 shallots (diced) or one medium onion
- 1 rib celery (diced)
- 4–5 sprigs thyme
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 125g turkey bacon lardons or 6 strips of turkey bacon (chopped)
- 2 tbsp apple juice
- 2 tbsp flour
- 85 ml chicken stock
- 400 ml non-alcoholic apple cider
- 2 apples (peeled, cored, cut into wedges)
- 125 ml double cream/heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Pat chicken dry, season with salt, and brown in olive oil in a large casserole dish over medium-high heat until golden. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, cook turkey bacon until crispy; remove and place with the chicken.
- Sauté shallots and celery in the remaining fat until soft. Add minced garlic for another 30 seconds.
- Stir in apple juice, then mix flour to create a paste. Gradually add chicken stock, stirring until thickened. Pour in apple cider and return chicken and turkey bacon to the pot; bring to a boil.
- Cover and bake for about 30 minutes; uncover and bake for another 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, sauté apple wedges until lightly browned. Stir cream into the casserole after removing from the oven, then add cooked apples before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 80 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 150mg