Creamy French Chicken Casserole for Cozy Family Dinners

Creamy French Chicken Casserole is a comforting dish that combines rich flavors and simple ingredients for delightful family dinners.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 1 30

Total Time 1 45

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: French

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

For the Chicken

4 pieces Chicken legs and thighs Can substitute with chicken breasts.

For the Sauce

2 tablespoons Olive oil Can be replaced with butter.
150 grams Bacon lardons or strips Optional; can use turkey bacon.
2 pieces Shallots or onion Substitute with yellow onion if needed.
1 stalk Celery Optional; can omit.
1 teaspoon Thyme Use dried thyme in a pinch.
2 cloves Garlic Can substitute with garlic powder.
2 tablespoons All-purpose flour Can be replaced with cornstarch.
500 milliliters Chicken broth Can use vegetable broth.
250 milliliters Hard dry apple cider Do not substitute with sweet cider.

For the Final Touch

2 pieces Apples Any firm apple variety.
200 milliliters Heavy or double cream Can substitute with half-and-half.

Equipment

oven-proof skillet

Method

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Pat the chicken legs and thighs dry and season with salt.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and brown the chicken pieces for 5-7 minutes on each side. Set aside.
In the same skillet, cook the bacon lardons for 3-4 minutes until crispy. Remove bacon, leaving fat in the skillet.
Sauté chopped shallots and diced celery for about 5 minutes, then add minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
Deglaze the pan with brandy or whiskey, scraping any browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes.
Sprinkle flour over the mixture, stir, and add chicken broth and hard dry apple cider. Bring to a gentle boil.
Return chicken and bacon to the skillet, sprinkle thyme, and bring to a boil again. Cover and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the lid and bake for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce.
In a small skillet, heat reserved fat and sauté apple wedges for 4-5 minutes until golden.
Stir heavy cream into the casserole and return to the oven for an additional 20 minutes.
Gently fold in sautéed apples and serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months.

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