Description
Hearty French chicken casserole à la Normande brings rustic countryside comfort straight to kitchen tables. Creamy apple-infused sauce and tender chicken create a delightful culinary journey you’ll savor with each comforting bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Fruits and Vegetables:
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 8 ounces (225 grams) mushrooms, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup (15 grams) chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Liquids and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) dry apple cider
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare culinary equipment by heating the oven to a precise 375F (190C), ensuring an ideal environment for transforming chicken and vegetables into a sumptuous French-inspired casserole.
- Transform chicken thighs into golden treasures by generously seasoning with salt and pepper. Sear the meat in a scorching hot oven-safe skillet, allowing the skin to develop a crisp, mahogany-like exterior that promises rich flavor complexity.
- Create a fragrant foundation by gently sweating sliced onions in butter until they become translucent and silky. Introduce diced apples and sliced mushrooms, coaxing out their caramelized essence through careful browning.
- Elevate the dish’s character by deglazing the skillet with aromatic apple cider, capturing the delectable browned remnants clinging to the pan’s surface. Incorporate chicken broth, velvety heavy cream, tangy Dijon mustard, and earthy thyme, whisking these elements into a harmonious sauce.
- Reintroduce the seared chicken thighs into the vegetable-laden liquid, allowing them to nestle comfortably among the ingredients. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven, where gentle heat will transform the components into a cohesive, tender masterpiece.
- After approximately 25-30 minutes, verify the chicken has reached a safe internal temperature of 165F. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the surface, creating a vibrant finish that signals the dish is ready to be savored alongside crusty bread or creamy accompaniments.
Notes
- Swap chicken thighs with skinless chicken breasts for a leaner protein option, adjusting cooking time to prevent dryness.
- Enhance dairy-free adaptability by replacing heavy cream with coconut cream or unsweetened almond milk for a lighter sauce.
- Select firm apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to maintain texture and prevent mushiness during cooking.
- Use bone-in chicken for deeper flavor complexity and more succulent meat that remains juicy throughout baking process.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg