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This French Chicken Casserole a la Normande features tender chicken braised slowly in apple cider with fragrant thyme and sweet apples. It’s a comforting dish that delivers layers of flavor through a rich sauce that’s perfect for cooler evenings or weekend family dinners.
Ingredients
- Olive oil: for browning the chicken and developing a deep flavor; choose extra virgin if possible
- Chicken thighs and legs: skin on and bone in for the juiciest texture and richest taste
- Salt: essential for seasoning throughout and bringing out all the other flavors
- Shallots or onion: gently soften to form a flavorful base; fresh and firm produce works best
- Celery: adds subtle earthiness and depth to the sauce
- Fresh thyme sprigs: aromatic herb that brightens the dish; use fresh for the best effect
- Garlic: minced to infuse the sauce with warmth
- Bacon lardons or chopped bacon: contributes savory smokiness and fat for browning
- Brandy or whiskey: for deglazing the pan and intensifying flavor; sherry can also work
- Flour: thickens the sauce to a luscious consistency
- Chicken stock: use homemade or good quality stock for deeper flavor
- Hard dry apple cider: the star ingredient giving the sauce a fruity, tangy lift; Strongbow or similar brands are ideal
- Apples: peeled and wedged for a sweet contrast; choose firm varieties like Granny Smith or Braeburn
- Double cream or heavy cream: rounds out the sauce for silky richness
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté the chicken:
- Pat the chicken dry and sprinkle generously with salt. Heat olive oil in a large casserole dish over medium-high heat and brown the chicken pieces until golden on all sides. Transfer to a platter and set aside.
- Cook the bacon:
- In the same dish, cook the bacon lardons over medium heat until fat is rendered. If the bacon is very fatty, discard most of the fat for a balanced sauce. Remove the bacon to the platter with the chicken.
- Build the flavor base:
- Add diced shallots and celery along with two sprigs of thyme to the pan. Cook gently on low heat for 5 to 7 minutes until softened but not browned. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
- Deglaze the pan:
- Pour in the brandy or whiskey and stir, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom of the pan. Allow the alcohol to cook off.
- Make the sauce:
- Sprinkle in the flour and mix to form a paste with the fat. Gradually add the chicken stock, stirring as you pour to avoid lumps. Pour in the hard apple cider and stir everything together until it thickens into a rich gravy.
- Combine and braise:
- Return the browned chicken and bacon to the casserole and tuck in 2 to 3 more thyme sprigs. Bring the mixture to a boil and place the casserole in a preheated oven at 180C or 350F. Cover with a lid and cook for 30 minutes.
- Prepare the apples:
- While the chicken cooks, fry the apple wedges in some of the reserved chicken fat or butter. Keep a close eye to avoid burning as they cook quickly and should be golden.
- Finish cooking:
- Remove the lid from the casserole and continue to cook uncovered for another 30 minutes. Stir in the double cream and bake uncovered for an additional 20 minutes to thicken the sauce beautifully.
- Serve:
- Stir the fried apples gently into the casserole before serving. Pair with buttery mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or rice for a complete, satisfying meal.
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Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator; consume within three days for peak freshness. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop to prevent the cream from separating. This casserole also freezes well; thaw overnight in the fridge before warming slowly.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap the bacon for pancetta or smoked ham for a slightly different smoky flavor. If apple cider is unavailable or you prefer to avoid alcohol, substitute apple juice plus a splash of white wine vinegar to mimic acidity. For a dairy-free option, coconut cream can be used instead of double cream with a subtle twist on the sauce’s richness.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken casserole pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes that soak up the luscious sauce. A simple green salad or steamed green beans lighten the plate. Crusty French bread is perfect to mop up every last bit of the fragrant sauce.
Cultural Context
This recipe is inspired by traditional Normande cuisine from Normandy, France, which is famous for its use of apples, cream, and cider. The region’s tending to rich, rustic flavors is beautifully embodied here with the balance of apple sweetness and savory braised chicken.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → What cut of chicken works best for this dish?
Using bone-in, skin-on thighs and legs ensures the chicken stays moist and develops richer flavors during slow cooking.
- → Why is the chicken browned before braising?
Browning creates golden, caramelized skin which adds depth and complexity to the final sauce.
- → Can I substitute the hard apple cider?
Non-alcoholic apple cider or apple juice with a splash of white wine vinegar can replace hard cider without losing much flavor.
- → How does brandy improve the dish?
Deglazing with brandy lifts the browned bits from the pan, enhancing the sauce’s aroma and richness.
- → What is the purpose of cooking apples separately?
Sautéing apple wedges caramelizes their natural sugars, adding a delicate sweetness and texture contrast at the end.
- → How long should the chicken be braised?
Braising for at least one hour allows the sauce to thicken and the chicken to become tender and flavorful.