French Chicken Casserole a la Normande

If you’re looking for a cozy meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day, you’ve come to the right place! This French Chicken Casserole a la Normande is one of my all-time favorites. The tender chicken, braised in apple cider, paired with aromatic thyme and sweet apples, creates a dish that’s not only comforting but also bursting with flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or special family gatherings, this recipe is sure to impress everyone at the table!

The magic of this casserole lies in its simplicity. With just a few wholesome ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a dish that looks and tastes like it came straight from a fancy French restaurant. Trust me; your loved ones will be asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With simple steps and easy-to-find ingredients, this casserole is perfect for beginner cooks.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the delicious flavors of chicken and apples.
• Make-ahead convenience: Prepare it in advance for those busy evenings when you need a quick meal.
• Comforting flavors: The combination of apple cider and thyme makes each bite feel like home.
• Impressive presentation: Serve it up with some rice or potatoes, and watch your guests be wowed!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To whip up this delightful French Chicken Casserole a la Normande, you’ll need some simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. 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! You can easily adapt it to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas to try:

• Swap the protein: Use turkey thighs or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option!
• Change up the veggies: Add carrots or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
• Experiment with spices: Try adding rosemary or sage for a different herbal note.
• Use other fruits: Pears can be an excellent substitute for apples for a unique twist.

How to Make French Chicken Casserole a la Normande

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by turning your oven on to 180°C (350°F). This ensures it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to pop in your casserole.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Pat dry the chicken legs and thighs with a paper towel. Sprinkle salt all over—this helps enhance the flavor of the meat during cooking.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken

In a large casserole dish, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken parts until they are golden on all sides. This step is crucial because it adds depth of flavor to your dish. Once browned, remove them to a separate platter.

Step 4: Sauté the Bacon

In the same pan, fry the bacon lardons until the fat is rendered. If there’s too much fat left over afterward, feel free to discard some. This will keep your casserole from becoming too greasy.

Step 5: Cook Aromatics

Add shallots and celery along with 2 sprigs of thyme to the pan. Cook over low heat until soft but not colored—about 5-7 minutes. Then add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds while stirring; this brings out all those lovely flavors.

Step 6: Create Your Sauce

Pour in some apple juice while scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan—it’s packed with flavor! Next, add flour to create a paste before slowly whisking in chicken stock until smooth.

Step 7: Add Cider & Chicken Back In

Pour in the apple cider next! Stir everything together before returning your browned chicken and bacon back into the pot along with additional thyme sprigs.

Step 8: Bake It Up

Cover your casserole dish with a lid and place it in your preheated oven for about 30 minutes. Then uncover it and let it bake for another 30 minutes.

Step 9: Fry Apple Wedges

While your casserole bakes away, take those apple wedges and fry them in reserved chicken fat or butter until golden brown—watch them closely as they can burn quickly!

Step 10: Final Touches

Once done baking, stir in heavy cream into your casserole mix. Let it cook uncovered for another 20 minutes so everything melds together beautifully. Finally, gently fold in those deliciously fried apple wedges before serving alongside potatoes or rice.

Enjoy every bite! Your friends and family will surely adore this delightful dish that warms both heart and soul!

Pro Tips for Making French Chicken Casserole a la Normande

Making this delightful casserole is a breeze with a few handy tips to ensure the best results!

• Choose Quality Chicken: Using fresh, high-quality chicken thighs and legs enhances the flavor and tenderness of the dish, making it truly memorable.

• Don’t Rush the Browning: Taking your time to brown the chicken well adds depth and richness to the overall flavor. A good sear creates those beautiful caramelized bits that elevate your casserole.

• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme sprigs give an aromatic lift to the dish. Dried herbs can work in a pinch, but fresh will infuse your casserole with more vibrant flavors.

• Adjust Creaminess to Taste: Feel free to modify the amount of cream you add at the end. If you prefer a lighter dish, reduce it slightly or swap for a plant-based cream alternative.

• Let It Rest: After taking the casserole out of the oven, let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and makes serving easier.

How to Serve French Chicken Casserole a la Normande

Presenting your French Chicken Casserole a la Normande can be just as enjoyable as cooking it! With thoughtful garnishes and perfectly paired sides, you can create an unforgettable dining experience.

Garnishes

• Fresh Thyme: A sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves on top not only adds visual appeal but also enhances that lovely herbal aroma.
• Sliced Apples: Thinly sliced, sautéed apples can be placed on top for an elegant touch while echoing the flavors in your casserole.

Side Dishes

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Smooth and buttery mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce from the casserole.
• Green Beans Almondine: Lightly sautéed green beans tossed with toasted almonds provide a crunchy contrast and bright color on your plate.
• Crusty Baguette: A warm baguette is ideal for dipping into the savory sauce, making every bite even more delightful.
• Simple Garden Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing balance to this hearty dish.

Enjoy exploring these serving suggestions as you share this comforting French classic with family and friends!

Make Ahead and Storage

This French Chicken Casserole a la Normande is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and savor the flavors throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Cool the casserole completely and portion it into freezer-safe containers.
• Label each container with the date and contents.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe that might help you out!

What is French Chicken Casserole a la Normande?

French Chicken Casserole a la Normande is a delightful dish featuring chicken braised in apple cider, complemented by apples and thyme, offering a unique blend of savory and sweet flavors.

Can I use other types of chicken in this casserole?

Yes! While this recipe calls for thighs and legs, you can substitute with boneless chicken breasts or any preferred cut. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

How do I make French Chicken Casserole a la Normande vegan?

To adapt this recipe, replace chicken with plant-based protein such as tofu or seitan, use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock, and opt for coconut cream or a non-dairy alternative in place of heavy cream.

Can I add vegetables to French Chicken Casserole a la Normande?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as carrots or green beans for added nutrition and flavor. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as necessary.

What should I serve with French Chicken Casserole a la Normande?

This casserole pairs wonderfully with potatoes or rice. A side salad also complements the dish beautifully, adding freshness to your meal.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making this French Chicken Casserole a la Normande as much as I do! It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with comforting flavors that bring warmth to your table. Whether it’s for family dinners or meal prepping for busy weekdays, this dish is sure to impress. Happy cooking, and bon appétit!