Creamy French Chicken Casserole That's Pure Comfort Delight

Discover a comforting dish with our Creamy French Chicken Casserole, ideal for warming your soul with rich flavors and minimal cleanup.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 1 30

Total Time 1 45

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Chicken

Cuisine: French

Calories: 620

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

For the Chicken

2 lb Chicken Legs & Thighs Main protein; dark meat stays juicy.
2 tbsp Olive Oil Add fat for cooking chicken; substitute with vegetable oil if desired.

For the Aromatics

4 Shallots or Onion Add sweetness and depth; shallots are milder.
1 rib Celery Contributes aromatic flavor; can substitute with bell pepper.
4 to 5 sprigs Fresh Thyme Gives herbal notes; substitute with dried thyme (use 1 tsp).
2 cloves Garlic, minced Provides pungent flavor.

For the Richness

4 oz Bacon Lardons or Bacon Brings smokiness and richness.
2 tbsp Brandy or Whiskey Adds complexity when deglazing; can omit.
2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour Thickens the sauce; substitute with cornstarch if gluten-free.
1/3 cup Chicken Broth Provides liquid for the sauce.

For the Flavor Base

1½ cups Hard Dry Apple Cider Main flavor component; can substitute with unsweetened apple juice.
2 Apples, peeled, cored, and cut into wedges Adds sweetness and contrasting texture.
½ cup Heavy or Double Cream Enriches the sauce; use half-and-half for a lighter version.

Equipment

casserole dish
Skillet
whisk

Method

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Pat the chicken legs and thighs dry with paper towels and season with salt. Heat olive oil over medium-high heat, add chicken, and brown for 5-7 minutes on each side.
Remove chicken and sauté bacon for 4-5 minutes until crispy, then add shallots and celery for 3 minutes until softened.
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Sprinkle flour, stirring constantly to create a roux and cook for 2 minutes until lightly golden.
Deglaze with brandy and scratch the bottom of the dish, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
Whisk in chicken broth and apple cider, return chicken and bacon, bring to boil.
Cover and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover to let the top develop color.
Fry apple wedges in olive oil for 3-4 minutes until golden.
Stir in heavy cream after 30 minutes of baking, return to oven for another 20 minutes.
Fold in fried apple wedges before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 620kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 30gFat: 45gSaturated Fat: 20gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Perfect for busy weeknights and can be customized with various veggies or proteins.

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