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–+ servings
Normandy Chicken Casserole

Normandy Chicken Casserole

Cozy up with a Normandy Chicken Casserole recipe featuring tender chicken braised in cider with apples and thyme for a comforting taste of France.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 900 g chicken thighs and drumsticks
  • to taste Salt
  • 4 shallots, sliced or 1 medium onion
  • 1 celery stalk, diced
  • 4-5 sprigs thyme
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 slices turkey bacon or 125g turkey lardons
  • 2 tablespoons brandy optional
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 85 ml chicken broth
  • 400 ml dry apple cider
  • 2 apples, peeled, cored, and quartered
  • 125 ml heavy cream

Equipment

  • Dutch oven or oven-safe pot with lid
  • Wooden spatula or spoon
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Paper towels for drying chicken
  • Measuring cups

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Pat the chicken dry and season with salt.
  2. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat and brown the chicken on all sides. Remove and set aside.
  3. Fry the turkey bacon in the same pot until crispy. Remove and set aside.
  4. Add shallots and celery with thyme to the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes until soft. Add garlic for another 30 seconds.
  5. Deglaze the pot with brandy (if using), then sprinkle in the flour to form a roux. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and cider until thickened.
  6. Return chicken and turkey bacon to the pot and tuck in additional thyme. Bring to a boil, cover, and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 30 minutes.
  7. Sauté apple quarters in reserved fat until golden. Stir in heavy cream and bake uncovered for 20 minutes. Add sautéed apples and serve hot.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For variations, use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon, or make it gluten-free by substituting the flour with cornstarch. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to three days, and they actually taste better the next day! Consider roasting the apples briefly for a smoky flavor before adding them to the casserole. Enjoy with mashed potatoes or rice for a comforting meal!
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