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French Chicken Casserole

French Chicken Casserole: A Cozy Comfort Food Classic

French Chicken Casserole is a comforting embrace on a plate with succulent chicken braised in apple cider, tender apples, and aromatic shallots.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Chicken
Cuisine: French
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Casserole
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil For browning the chicken; use high-quality oil.
  • 4 pieces Chicken Thighs and Legs (Bone-in, skin-on) Skinless chicken can be used for a lighter option.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Enhances flavor; season generously to taste.
  • 4 pieces Shallots Or onion; adds sweetness and depth.
  • 2 stalks Celery Contributes texture and flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Thyme Aromatic herb; swap for rosemary.
  • 4 cloves Garlic (Minced) Fresh garlic is preferred.
  • 150 grams Bacon Lardons Infuses a smoky flavor; omit for vegetarian.
  • 60 ml Brandy For deglazing; skip for non-alcoholic version.
  • 2 tablespoons Flour Thickens the sauce; use cornstarch for gluten-free.
  • 500 ml Chicken Stock Homemade stock is recommended.
  • 250 ml Hard Dry Apple Cider Apple juice can be a substitute.
  • 2 pieces Apples Try Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
  • 100 ml Double Cream For a dairy-free option, replace with coconut cream.

Equipment

  • Dutch oven
  • skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for French Chicken Casserole
  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Prepare your Dutch oven for the dish.
  2. Season the chicken with salt and brown in olive oil for 5-7 minutes.
  3. Cook bacon in the same pot until crispy, then remove and leave drippings.
  4. Sauté shallots and celery in bacon fat until soft, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Add minced garlic and thyme; cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Deglaze the pan with brandy, scraping the bottom and simmering for 1-2 minutes.
  7. Stir in flour, then gradually add chicken stock and cider, stirring until thickened.
  8. Combine chicken and bacon back into the pot, cover, and bake for 30 minutes.
  9. Uncover and bake for an additional 30 minutes until chicken is crispy.
  10. Fry apple wedges in reserved bacon fat until golden, about 5-7 minutes.
  11. Stir optional double cream and fried apples into the casserole before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 30gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Customize this dish easily for dietary needs, like skip bacon for vegetarian or use skinless chicken for a lighter option.

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