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Creamy French Chicken Casserole

Creamy French Chicken Casserole That Warms the Heart

This Creamy French Chicken Casserole is a comforting blend of juicy chicken, bacon, and apple cider sauce, perfect for family dinners.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: French
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Casserole
  • 2 lbs Chicken Legs and Thighs Bone-in is preferred for juiciness.
  • 4 oz Bacon Lardons Can substitute with 6 slices of chopped bacon.
  • 2 tbsp Brandy or Whiskey For deglazing; chicken broth can be substituted.
  • 2 tbsp All-purpose Flour Thickens the sauce.
  • 1/3 cup Chicken Broth Low-sodium is healthier.
  • 1 1/2 cups Hard Dry Apple Cider Avoid sweet cider.
  • 2 Apples Peeled, cored, and cut into wedges.
  • 1/2 cup Heavy or Double Cream Add at the end to prevent curdling.
  • Olive Oil For sautéing; can substitute with butter.
  • Salt Season generously.
  • 4 Shallots or 1 Medium Onion Either works based on availability.
  • 1 Celery Diced.
  • 4-5 sprigs Fresh Thyme Fresh is best.
  • 2 Garlic Minced.

Equipment

  • casserole dish

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Pat the chicken dry, season with salt, and brown in olive oil for 5-6 minutes per side, then set aside.
  3. Cook bacon in the same dish until crispy, then remove excess fat, leaving about a tablespoon.
  4. Sauté diced shallots and celery in bacon fat for 4-5 minutes, then add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  5. Deglaze with brandy or whiskey, scraping browned bits, and let it reduce for 1-2 minutes.
  6. Sprinkle flour over vegetables, stir to form a paste, then whisk in chicken broth and apple cider.
  7. Return chicken and bacon to the dish, top with thyme, and bake covered for 30 minutes.
  8. Uncover and bake for an additional 30 minutes to reduce and thicken the sauce.
  9. Fry apple wedges in reserved bacon fat for 5 minutes, then fold into casserole with cream and bake for 20 minutes.
  10. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Allow flavors to deepen overnight for best result. Adjust seasoning to taste throughout preparation.

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