French Chicken Casserole a la Normande

French Chicken Casserole a la Normande is a delightful dish that showcases tender chicken braised in apple cider, infused with aromatic thyme and sweet apples. This comforting casserole is perfect for family dinners or special occasions, offering a unique blend of flavors that will impress your guests. The combination of savory chicken and the sweetness of apples creates a meal that is both hearty and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The blend of chicken, apples, and thyme creates an irresistible taste that warms the heart.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal prep time, this dish is accessible for cooks of all levels.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread for a complete meal that suits any occasion.
• Comforting Dish: Perfect for cozy evenings or festive gatherings, it brings everyone together around the table.
• Hearty Portions: Serves up to six people, making it ideal for family meals or small dinner parties.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools can make cooking this French Chicken Casserole a la Normande smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large casserole dish
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large casserole dish: Essential for browning the chicken and cooking everything together evenly.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring ingredients without scratching your cookware.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure precise ingredient amounts for consistent results every time.

Ingredients

Chicken braised in apple cider with thyme and apples.

For the Chicken

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 lbs chicken thighs and legs
• salt

For the Vegetables

• 4 shallots (diced or one medium onion)
• 1 rib celery (diced)
• 4-5 thyme sprigs
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

For the Flavor Boost

• 125g/4 oz Turkey Bacon lardons (or 6 strips of Turkey Bacon, chopped)
• 2 tbsp apple juice or barley tea
• 2 tbsp flour
• 85 ml/1/3 cup chicken stock
• 400ml/1 1/2 cups hard dry apple cider (such as Strongbow)

For the Apples

• 2 apples (peeled, cored, and cut into wedges)

For Creaminess

• 125ml/1/2 cup double cream/heavy cream

How to Make French Chicken Casserole a la Normande

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Turn the oven on to 180°C/350°F. Pat dry chicken legs and thighs with a paper towel and season all over with salt.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

In a large casserole dish:
1. Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Brown the chicken parts until golden on both sides.
3. Remove them to a separate platter and set aside. Discard any excess fat.

Step 3: Cook the Turkey Bacon

In the same pan:
1. Fry Turkey Bacon lardons over medium heat until rendered.
2. If there’s excess fat from the Turkey Bacon, discard most but keep some to flavor other ingredients.
3. Move the cooked Turkey Bacon to the platter with browned chicken.

Step 4: Sauté Vegetables

Add shallots and celery to the pan:
1. Cook with 2 sprigs of thyme over low heat until soft but not colored (5-7 minutes).
2. Stir in minced garlic; cook for an additional 30 seconds.
3. Pour in apple juice while scraping up bits from the bottom of the pan.

Step 5: Create Gravy Base

Add flour:
1. Stir until combined with fat creating a paste.
2. Gradually add chicken stock while stirring until it resembles thick gravy.
3. Pour in apple cider; stir well before returning chicken and Turkey Bacon back into the casserole dish along with remaining thyme sprigs.

Step 6: Bake

Cover with a lid:
1. Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes.
2. Uncover and bake for another 30 minutes while frying apple wedges in reserved fat or butter until lightly caramelized.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

After baking:
1. Stir in heavy cream; continue cooking uncovered for another 20 minutes.
2. Mix in cooked apple wedges before serving alongside potatoes or rice.

Enjoy your comforting French Chicken Casserole a la Normande!

How to Serve French Chicken Casserole a la Normande

Serving French Chicken Casserole a la Normande is all about enhancing its rich flavors and comforting nature. You want to complement the dish while maintaining its delightful essence. Here are some serving suggestions that bring out the best in this classic casserole.

With Crusty Bread

• Pair your casserole with slices of crusty baguette or rustic bread to soak up the creamy sauce and enhance your dining experience.

Over Rice

• Serve the chicken and sauce over fluffy white rice or brown rice for a filling meal. The rice absorbs the flavors beautifully.

With Mashed Potatoes

• Creamy mashed potatoes make a perfect base for this dish, providing a smooth contrast to the hearty casserole.

Accompanied by Steamed Vegetables

• Lightly steamed green beans or broccoli add freshness and color, balancing the richness of the casserole.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Garnish your dish with fresh thyme or parsley for added flavor and a pop of color, making it visually appealing.

With a Side Salad

• A crisp green salad with vinaigrette can offer a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy, savory casserole.

How to Perfect French Chicken Casserole a la Normande

To ensure your French Chicken Casserole a la Normande turns out perfectly, consider these helpful tips that will elevate your cooking process.

• Use quality chicken: Opt for organic or free-range chicken thighs and legs for better flavor and tenderness in your casserole.

• Brown the chicken well: Properly browning the chicken adds depth of flavor. Don’t rush this step; let it get golden before moving on.

• Adjust seasoning gradually: Taste as you go! This way, you can adjust salt and other seasonings to your preference without overpowering the dish.

• Cook apples carefully: When frying apple wedges, watch them closely to prevent burning. They should be caramelized but not too dark.

• Let it rest: Allowing the casserole to sit for a few minutes after baking helps meld flavors together and makes serving easier.

• Experiment with herbs: Feel free to add different herbs like rosemary or sage for unique flavor profiles that suit your taste.

Best Side Dishes for French Chicken Casserole a la Normande

Pairing side dishes with your French Chicken Casserole can enhance your meal significantly. Here are some excellent options that complement this flavorful casserole well.

1. Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread adds crunch and flavor, perfect for dipping into the sauce.

2. Roasted Root Vegetables: A mix of roasted carrots, parsnips, and potatoes offers sweetness and texture that goes well with the casserole.

3. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cucumbers and lemon dressing provides a nutritious contrast and freshness.

4. Herbed Couscous: Fluffy couscous seasoned with herbs makes an ideal accompaniment that absorbs flavors beautifully.

5. Sautéed Spinach: Quickly sautéed spinach adds vibrant color and nutrients, creating balance alongside the rich casserole.

6. Baked Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness pairs nicely while providing additional fiber, making them an excellent side choice.

7. Creamy Polenta: Soft polenta topped with parmesan cheese creates a comforting foundation that complements the dish’s creaminess.

8. Grilled Asparagus: Lightly charred asparagus offers an elegant touch while adding freshness to each bite of chicken casserole.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making French Chicken Casserole a la Normande, small mistakes can lead to big flavor losses. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using the wrong type of chicken – Always opt for thighs and legs for more flavor and tenderness. Avoid breast meat as it can dry out during cooking.
• Skipping the browning step – Failing to brown the chicken properly can result in a lack of depth in flavor. Take your time to achieve that golden crust.
• Not adjusting the seasoning – Taste your dish before serving. Add salt and pepper as needed to enhance the flavors.
• Overcooking the apples – Apples should be added at the right time to keep them slightly firm. Adding them too early can turn them mushy.
• Using low-quality cider – A good quality apple cider enhances the dish’s taste significantly. Choose a cider that you enjoy drinking for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing French Chicken Casserole a la Normande

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags; it can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating French Chicken Casserole a la Normande

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake covered for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave – Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until hot. This usually takes around 5-7 minutes depending on portion size.
• Stovetop – Warm over medium heat in a skillet, stirring frequently until heated all the way through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about preparing French Chicken Casserole a la Normande.

What is French Chicken Casserole a la Normande?

French Chicken Casserole a la Normande is a comforting dish made with chicken, apples, and thyme, braised in apple cider for rich flavors.

Can I use different meats?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with turkey or even beef if you prefer. Adjust cooking times accordingly based on the meat used.

How can I customize this casserole?

Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor. You can also vary the herbs to suit your preference.

Is this casserole suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! It stores well and tastes even better after sitting overnight, making it perfect for meal prep.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it up to baking and store it in the fridge for up to a day before cooking. Just remember to adjust baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Final Thoughts

French Chicken Casserole a la Normande is not just delicious but also versatile. Its rich flavors combined with tender chicken and sweet apples make it perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite ingredients or sides!