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Creamy French Chicken Casserole

Creamy French Chicken Casserole: Your Ultimate Comfort Dish

Creamy French Chicken Casserole is a comforting, one-pot meal that combines tender chicken and a rich cream sauce for a delightful dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: French
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Casserole
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can be substituted with butter or favorite oil.
  • 2 pounds Chicken Legs and Thighs Bone-in chicken breasts can be used with adjustments.
  • to taste Salt Feel free to adjust based on palate.
  • 4 shallots Shallots or Onion, diced Onion works as a substitute.
  • 1 rib Celery, diced Other vegetables can be substituted.
  • 4-5 sprigs Fresh Thyme Dried thyme can be used if necessary.
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced Can be omitted or replaced with garlic powder.
  • 4 ounces Bacon Lardons or Bacon, chopped Smoked turkey can be substituted or omitted.
  • 2 tablespoons Brandy or Whiskey Chicken broth can replace it.
  • 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour Cornstarch is a gluten-free substitute.
  • 1/3 cup Chicken Broth Vegetable broth is a vegetarian alternative.
  • 1 1/2 cups Hard Dry Apple Cider Avoid sweet apple juice.
  • 2 Apples, peeled, cored, and cut into wedges Any firm variety works well.
  • 1/2 cup Heavy or Double Cream Half-and-half can be used for a lighter option.

Equipment

  • Large Oven-Safe Skillet
  • Casserole Dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Gather your ingredients and prepare your cooking equipment.
  2. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, season with salt, then brown in olive oil for 5-7 minutes on each side.
  3. In the same skillet, cook the bacon until crispy and remove, leaving the fat.
  4. Sauté shallots or onions and celery in bacon fat for 4-5 minutes, then add garlic for 1-2 minutes.
  5. Deglaze the pan with brandy or whiskey, scrape brown bits, and mix in flour to form a paste.
  6. Whisk in chicken broth and apple cider until smooth, bring to boil, then add chicken and bacon back.
  7. Cover and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
  8. Remove cover and bake for an additional 30 minutes to reduce the sauce.
  9. Sauté apple wedges in remaining fat until golden and caramelized.
  10. Stir heavy cream into casserole, bake uncovered for another 20 minutes, then fold in sautéed apples before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 40gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 2gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. Serve and enjoy this comforting casserole with loved ones.

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