French Chicken Casserole a la Normande

If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty dish that brings the taste of France right into your kitchen, then this French Chicken Casserole a la Normande is just what you need. It’s a delightful blend of tender chicken, sweet apples, and aromatic thyme, all simmered together in a rich sauce. This dish has been a staple in my home for years, perfect for everything from busy weeknights to cozy family gatherings. There’s something magical about the combination of flavors that makes it feel both special and homey.

What I love most about this casserole is how easy it is to prepare. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll find yourself enjoying cooking as much as you enjoy eating. Trust me, once you have this recipe in your repertoire, it will quickly become a favorite at your dinner table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious meal on the table in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves the comforting flavors of chicken and apples—it’s a sure hit with kids and adults alike!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: This casserole is perfect for meal prep. You can even make it ahead and reheat when you’re ready to eat.
• Deliciously Versatile: Pair it with rice or potatoes for a complete meal that satisfies every time.
• Heartwarming Flavor: The combination of thyme and apple cider creates an irresistible aroma that will fill your home with warmth.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients for our French Chicken Casserole a la Normande. You’ll find that these items are likely already in your pantry or easily available at your local grocery store:

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/1/2cup double cream/heavy cream

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Here are some fun variations you might consider trying:

• Swap the protein: Instead of chicken, try using turkey or even a mix of hearty vegetables for a vegetarian version!
• Change the fruit: Swap apples for pears or add some dried cranberries for an extra burst of flavor.
• Alter the herbs: Feel free to experiment with different herbs like rosemary or sage to give it a unique twist.
• Make it spicy: Add some red pepper flakes to bring in a little heat!

How to Make French Chicken Casserole a la Normande

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Chicken

Turn the oven on to 180C/350F. Pat dry those lovely chicken legs and thighs with a paper towel and sprinkle salt all over them. This step ensures your chicken browns nicely while also enhancing its flavor.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

In a large casserole dish, heat up the olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken parts until they are golden on both sides. This step not only adds color but also locks in moisture and flavor. Once browned, remove them from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Bacon

In the same pan, fry the bacon lardons over medium heat until they’re crispy. If there’s too much fat rendered, feel free to discard some—balance is key! After cooking, transfer the crispy bacon onto the platter with your chicken.

Step 4: Sauté Your Vegetables

Now it’s time to add those diced shallots and celery along with two sprigs of thyme into the pan. Cook them over low heat until they’re soft but not colored—this takes about 5-7 minutes. The goal here is to build layers of flavor without burning anything!

Step 5: Create Your Sauce

Add minced garlic to your sautéed veggies and stir for another 30 seconds. Then deglaze by adding apple juice—scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Next, whisk in flour until it’s combined into a paste before slowly adding chicken stock followed by apple cider. This will create a rich sauce that envelops your chicken beautifully.

Step 6: Bake It Up

Return your browned chicken and crispy bacon back into the casserole dish along with more thyme sprigs. Bring everything to a boil before placing it into your preheated oven covered for 30 minutes. After that time, uncover it and let it cook for another 30 minutes while you fry those apple wedges in reserved fat.

Step 7: Finish Off with Cream

Once cooked through, take out your casserole from the oven and gently fold in heavy cream along with those sautéed apple wedges. Let everything bubble away uncovered for another 20 minutes before serving up this delightful dish alongside potatoes or rice!

And there you have it—a delicious French Chicken Casserole a la Normande that’s sure to warm hearts and bellies alike! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making French Chicken Casserole a la Normande

Creating the perfect French Chicken Casserole a la Normande is all about technique and attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out beautifully every time!

• Choose the right chicken parts: Using thighs and legs ensures juicy, tender meat as these cuts are more flavorful and less likely to dry out during cooking.
• Don’t rush the browning: Take your time to brown the chicken properly; this step adds depth of flavor to your casserole that makes a big difference in the final taste.
• Use fresh herbs: Fresh thyme brings an aromatic quality that dried herbs just can’t match. If possible, use fresh thyme for the best results!
• Let it rest before serving: Allowing the casserole to sit for about 5-10 minutes after baking helps the flavors meld together, leading to a more harmonious dish.
• Adjust seasoning at the end: Taste before serving! You might want to add a pinch more salt or pepper after stirring in the cream for that perfect final touch.

How to Serve French Chicken Casserole a la Normande

Serving this delightful casserole is about presentation and complementing its rich flavors. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal.

Garnishes

• Fresh thyme sprigs: A few sprigs of fresh thyme on top not only look beautiful but also enhance the dish’s aromatic profile.
• Chopped parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that balances the richness of the casserole.

Side Dishes

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The buttery smoothness of mashed potatoes pairs wonderfully with the savory sauce of the casserole, soaking up all those delicious flavors.
• Steamed Green Beans: Bright green beans add a crisp texture and vibrant color, making for an appealing plate while providing a healthy crunch.
• Crusty Baguette: A loaf of crusty baguette is perfect for mopping up any remaining sauce—every bite deserves to be enjoyed!
• Simple Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole, making it an ideal side.

With these tips and serving ideas in mind, you’re ready to impress your family or guests with this comforting French Chicken Casserole a la Normande! Enjoy every moment in the kitchen as you create this delightful dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

This French Chicken Casserole a la Normande is perfect for meal prep, as it not only reheats wonderfully but also allows the flavors to deepen over time. Making it in advance can save you time on busy weeknights while still delivering a comforting and delicious meal.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer any leftover casserole to an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• To freeze, let the casserole cool fully and then portion it into freezer-safe airtight containers.
• Label each container with the date and contents.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• To reheat, place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil.
• Heat at 180C/350F until warmed through (about 25-30 minutes) or until it reaches an internal temperature of 75C/165F.

FAQs

Here are some commonly asked questions about this delightful dish:

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

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts; however, they may dry out more easily than thighs. Consider adjusting cooking times accordingly.

What makes this recipe special for a French Chicken Casserole a la Normande?

The unique combination of apple cider, fresh thyme, and creamy sauce elevates this casserole, making it a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for sharing!

How can I enhance the flavor of my French Chicken Casserole a la Normande?

Adding extra herbs like rosemary or incorporating vegetables like carrots or mushrooms can enhance the depth of flavor in your casserole.

Is this casserole suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! The French Chicken Casserole a la Normande holds up beautifully in the fridge and tastes even better after the flavors meld together over time.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to try this French Chicken Casserole a la Normande as I am to share it with you! This dish is not just a recipe; it’s an experience filled with warmth and comfort. Whether you’re serving it on a cozy family night or preparing meals ahead for busy days, it’s sure to impress. Enjoy making it, savoring each bite, and creating wonderful memories around your table!