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French Chicken Casserole a la Normande

Cozy Up with French Chicken Casserole a la Normande

Enjoy a heartwarming French Chicken Casserole a la Normande, featuring tender chicken with apple cider and fried apples.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Casserole
Cuisine: French
Calories: 500
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Casserole
  • 2 lbs Chicken Thighs and Legs Skin-on and bone-in
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil Can be substituted with butter
  • to taste tbsp Salt
  • 4 Shallots Diced or use one medium onion
  • 1 rib Celery Diced
  • 4-5 Thyme Sprigs Dried thyme works in a pinch
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced
  • 125 g Bacon Lardons Or 6 bacon strips, chopped
  • 2 tbsp Brandy or Whiskey For deglazing
  • 2 tbsp Flour Gluten-free flour is a substitute
  • 85 ml Chicken Stock Low-sodium recommended
  • 400 ml Hard Dry Apple Cider Or non-alcoholic option
  • 2 Apples Peeled, cored, and cut into wedges
  • 125 ml Double Cream/Heavy Cream Omit for lighter dish
For Topping
  • Fried Apple Wedges Adds crunch and sweetness

Equipment

  • Casserole Dish
  • Skillet
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Gather your ingredients and prepare your casserole dish.
  2. Pat the chicken dry and season with salt. Heat olive oil in the casserole dish and brown the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side.
  3. Cook the bacon in the same dish for about 5 minutes until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside.
  4. Add diced shallots and celery to the dish, stir for 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic for another 30 seconds.
  5. Deglaze the pan with brandy, simmer for 2-3 minutes until most alcohol evaporates.
  6. Sprinkle flour, stir well, then gradually add stock and apple cider, stirring until smooth.
  7. Return chicken and bacon to the dish, bring to a boil, cover, and bake for 30 minutes.
  8. Remove cover and bake for another 30 minutes to allow flavors to concentrate.
  9. Meanwhile, fry apple wedges in skillet until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes.
  10. Stir in heavy cream, bake uncovered for an additional 20 minutes.
  11. Gently stir in fried apple wedges before serving. Enjoy with mashed potatoes or rice.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 35gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This casserole is perfect for chilly evenings and can easily be adapted to gluten-free diets.

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