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French Chicken Casserole a la Normande

French Chicken Casserole a la Normande

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French Chicken Casserole a la Normande is a delightful dish that encapsulates the essence of French comfort food. This casserole features tender chicken braised in aromatic apple cider, enhanced by fresh thyme and sweet apples, creating a rich flavor profile that warms the soul. Perfect for cozy family dinners or entertaining friends, this hearty meal showcases the beauty of rustic French cuisine. With straightforward instructions and accessible ingredients, it promises to be a hit at any table. Serve it alongside crusty bread or fluffy rice to soak up the delicious sauce, and enjoy an elegant yet comforting dining experience.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs chicken thighs and legs
  • 125g bacon lardons
  • 4 shallots (or 1 medium onion)
  • 2 apples
  • 400ml hard dry apple cider
  • 85ml chicken stock
  • 125ml double cream
  • Fresh thyme sprigs
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • salt
  • 1 rib celery (diced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 tbsp brandy or whiskey
  • 2 tbsp flour

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 180C/350F. Pat the chicken dry and season with salt.
  2. In a large casserole dish, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and brown the chicken until golden. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same pan, fry bacon until crispy, then add shallots, celery, and thyme; sauté until softened.
  4. Stir in garlic and brandy, scraping the pan to deglaze.
  5. Add flour to form a paste; gradually mix in chicken stock and cider until thickened.
  6. Return chicken and bacon to the pot, bring to a boil, cover, and bake for 30 minutes.
  7. Uncover and bake for another 30 minutes while sautéing apple wedges until tender.
  8. Stir in cream, add cooked apple wedges, and bake uncovered for another 20 minutes before serving.

Nutrition