Go Back
–+ servings
French Chicken Casserole a la Normande

Savory French Chicken Casserole a la Normande for Cozy Nights

Experience the heartwarming magic of French Chicken Casserole a la Normande, a cozy dish perfect for chilly evenings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Quick Meals
Cuisine: French
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Casserole
  • 2 lbs Chicken Thighs and Legs skin-on, bone-in preferred
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil or any neutral oil
  • 1 tbsp Salt adjust according to taste
  • 4 Shallots diced
  • 1 Medium Onion can substitute for shallots
  • 1 rib Celery diced
  • 4-5 Thyme Sprigs fresh preferred
  • 2 Garlic Cloves minced
  • 125 g Bacon Lardons or 6 strips of chopped bacon
  • 2 tbsp Brandy or Whiskey for deglazing
  • 2 tbsp Flour for thickening
  • 85 ml Chicken Stock about 1/3 cup
  • 400 ml Hard Dry Apple Cider or non-alcoholic cider
  • 2 Apples peeled, cored, cut into wedges
  • 125 ml Double Cream/Heavy Cream for creaminess
For Frying Apples
  • 1 tbsp Butter or Chicken Fat for frying

Equipment

  • Oven-safe casserole dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Season chicken with salt and pat dry. Sear in olive oil skin-side down for 5–7 minutes until golden, then brown the other side for 5 minutes.
  3. Render the bacon in the same dish over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes until crispy. Remove and set aside.
  4. In the rendered fat, sauté shallots and celery over low heat for 5–7 minutes, then add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
  5. Deglaze the pan with brandy or whiskey, scraping the bottom, and bubble for 2 minutes. Add flour and stir to combine for a roux.
  6. Gradually pour in chicken stock and apple cider, stirring to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle boil to thicken.
  7. Return chicken and bacon to the casserole, ensuring it is submerged in the sauce. Cover and bake for 30 minutes.
  8. Uncover and bake for 30 more minutes to reduce the sauce.
  9. Fry apple wedges in butter or chicken fat for 4-5 minutes until golden.
  10. Stir in heavy cream into the casserole, return to oven uncovered for 20 minutes.
  11. Serve warm, enjoy with sides like mashed potatoes or rustic bread.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 35gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Perfect for chilly evenings and impressing guests with minimal effort.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!