EASY FRENCH CHICKEN CASSEROLE A LA NORMANDE

Craving a dish that transports you straight to a cozy French countryside kitchen? This French Chicken Casserole A La Normande is exactly that – a symphony of tender chicken, sweet apples, and a creamy Calvados-infused sauce that will make your taste buds sing. Imagine the delightful aroma filling your home as this masterpiece bakes to golden perfection, promising a meal that’s both comforting and elegant. Get ready, because you’re about to master a classic that’s surprisingly simple to make!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Vegetables & Fruit:

• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp or Gala), peeled, cored, and diced
• 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc)
• 1/4 cup Calvados (apple brandy) or apple juice
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Topping:

• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp melted butter

Let’s Gather Our Ingredients & Gear

Before we even think about turning on the stove, let’s make sure we have everything prepped and ready to go. This is the key to stress-free cooking, trust me! Chop your onion, mince your garlic, dice those apples (don’t forget to peel them!), slice your mushrooms, and measure out all your spices and liquids. Having everything at your fingertips will make the cooking process so much smoother. And speaking of gear, you’ll need a large skillet or Dutch oven that’s oven-safe. If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can transfer the casserole to a baking dish before putting it in the oven. A good cutting board and a sharp knife are essential, too.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Building the Flavor

Step 1: Searing the Chicken

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
3. Heat the olive oil in your large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
4. Add the chicken in a single layer (work in batches if necessary) and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the chicken will steam instead of sear.
5. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Building the Base

1. Add the chopped onion and sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook over medium heat until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Watch out not to burn the garlic, it can get bitter very quickly.
3. Add the diced apples and cook for 3-5 minutes, until slightly softened. The apples will release some of their juices, adding to the flavour base.

Step 3: Creating the Creamy Sauce

1. Pour in the white wine and Calvados (or apple juice) and deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. This is where all that delicious flavour lives! Let the liquid reduce slightly for a couple of minutes.
2. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
3. Stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, thyme, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Assembling the Casserole

1. Return the seared chicken to the skillet and nestle it into the creamy sauce. Make sure the chicken is mostly submerged in the sauce.

Step 5: Baking to Golden Perfection

1. If using, mix together the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
2. Cover the skillet or Dutch oven with a lid or aluminum foil.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbly.
4. If using the breadcrumb topping, remove the lid or foil during the last 5-10 minutes of baking to allow the topping to brown.

Serving Suggestions: The Grand Finale

Once your French Chicken Casserole A La Normande is bubbling hot and golden brown, carefully remove it from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together even more. This casserole is fantastic served over creamy mashed potatoes, rice, or even egg noodles. A side of crusty bread is also a must, for soaking up all that delicious sauce! For a lighter option, serve it alongside a fresh green salad.

Tips & Tricks for Casserole Success

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When searing the chicken, work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding will cause the chicken to steam instead of sear, resulting in less flavor.
• Deglazing is Key: Don’t skip the deglazing step! Scraping up those browned bits from the bottom of the skillet adds a ton of flavor to the sauce.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce throughout the cooking process and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remember, salt and pepper are your friends!
• Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Wine Substitution: If you don’t have white wine on hand, you can substitute it with more chicken broth or apple cider.
• Calvados Alternative: If you don’t want to use Calvados, apple juice will work just fine, although you’ll miss a little depth of flavor.

Variations to Make it Your Own

• Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the casserole, such as carrots, celery, or parsnips.
• Use Different Apples: Experiment with different types of apples, such as Granny Smith or Braeburn.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little bit of heat.
• Herb Variations: Try using different herbs, such as rosemary or sage, instead of or in addition to thyme and parsley.
• Cheese, Please! Stir in some shredded Gruyere or Comte cheese into the sauce for an extra layer of cheesy goodness.

Other Comforting Chicken Dishes

If you’re in the mood for more comforting chicken dishes, be sure to check out these other recipes: Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken for an incredibly flavorful and easy weeknight meal. You might also enjoy a classic Chicken Casserole or the family-friendly Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake. For a creamy and delicious option, try Baked Cream Cheese Chicken. If you’re watching your carbs, Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole is a great choice, or you can add some greens with Chicken And Spinach Casserole.

A French Classic, Simplified for You

There you have it – a French Chicken Casserole A La Normande that’s easier to make than you might have thought! With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and sweet apples, this dish is sure to become a new family favorite. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and get ready to impress your loved ones with your newfound French cooking skills! Bon appétit!