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–+ servings
Normandy Chicken Casserole

Normandy Chicken Casserole

Discover the rich flavors of Normandy Chicken Casserole, a comforting French dish with tender chicken, apples, and cider. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 550
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 stalk celery sliced
  • 4-5 sprigs thyme
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 125 g turkey bacon lardons (or 6 slices, chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons cognac or whisky (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 85 ml chicken broth (about 1/3 cup)
  • 400 ml dry apple cider (1 cup, preferably Norman cider)
  • 2 apples peeled, cored, and quartered
  • 125 ml heavy cream or whole milk (1/2 cup)

Equipment

  • Dutch oven or oven-safe pot with a lid
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Skillet
  • Paper towels
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season them with salt.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and brown the chicken pieces for about 5-7 minutes on each side.
  4. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
  5. Cook the turkey bacon until crispy, then remove and set aside with the chicken.
  6. Sauté shallots, celery, and 2 sprigs of thyme in the remaining fat until soft (about 5-7 minutes), then add garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds.
  7. Deglaze the pot with cognac, scrape up browned bits, then add flour and stir to form a paste.
  8. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and cider, stirring to combine.
  9. Return chicken and bacon to the pot, adding more thyme, and bring to a boil.
  10. Cover the pot and transfer to the oven; bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 30 minutes.
  11. While it bakes, sauté apple quarters in reserved fat or butter until golden.
  12. Remove the casserole from the oven, stir in cream, and return to uncover for 20 minutes.
  13. Add sautéed apples to the pot before serving hot, garnished with fresh thyme.

Nutrition

Calories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 38gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 180mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 5gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 8IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 20mg

Notes

This recipe is very popular for its comforting flavors and ease. A dish perfect for impressive family gatherings!
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!