Go Back
–+ servings
The Best French Chicken Casserole a la Normande Recipe Ever

The Best French Chicken Casserole a la Normande Recipe Ever

Indulge in the warmth of The Best French Chicken Casserole a la Normande, featuring chicken, bacon, and apples in an effortlessly prepared dish.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: French
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 pieces Chicken Thighs and Legs skin-on, bone-in for moisture
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil for browning
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
For the Aromatics
  • 2 pieces Shallots
  • 1 piece Medium Onion substitute with yellow onion if needed
  • 2 stalks Celery
  • 1 tablespoon Thyme or Fresh Rosemary use either herb
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced
For the Smokiness
  • 150 grams Bacon Lardons or Turkey Bacon for a lighter option
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup Brandy or Whiskey for deglazing
  • 3 tablespoons Flour substitute with cornstarch for gluten-free
  • 2 cups Chicken Stock use low-sodium if preferred
  • 1 cup Hard Dry Apple Cider or Non-Alcoholic Cider
For the Sweetness
  • 2 pieces Apples Granny Smith or Honeycrisp
  • 1 cup Double Cream or Heavy Cream (or Coconut Cream for dairy-free)

Equipment

  • oven-safe pot or Dutch oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Pat the chicken dry, season with salt.
  2. Brown the chicken in a pot with olive oil for 5-7 minutes each side until golden.
  3. Cook bacon in the same pot for about 5 minutes until crispy, then set aside.
  4. Sauté shallots and celery in bacon fat for 5-7 minutes, then add garlic.
  5. Deglaze with brandy or whiskey, scraping up the bits.
  6. Sprinkle in flour, then whisk in chicken stock and cider until smooth.
  7. Add chicken and bacon to the sauce, cover and bake for 30 minutes.
  8. Uncover and bake for another 30 minutes to create a crust.
  9. Sauté apple wedges in olive oil until golden, then add them and cream to the casserole.
  10. Bake uncovered for an additional 20 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 35gFat: 40gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 20gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!