French Style Chicken Casserole in the Norman Way

why make this recipe

French Style Chicken Casserole in the Norman Way is a delightful dish that brings comfort and warmth to your table. The combination of chicken, apples, and cream creates a rich flavor that is unique and inviting. It is easy to prepare and perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners. The apples add a touch of sweetness that balances the savory flavors, making it a dish everyone will enjoy.

how to make French Style Chicken Casserole in the Norman Way

Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs total)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced (About 1 1/2 cups when sliced)
• 2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (About 4-5 sprigs stripped. Dried works in a pinch (use 1 tsp))
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper (To taste)

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Pat chicken thighs dry and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
3. Heat a 12-inch oven-safe skillet over medium heat and melt the butter until foaming but not browned.
4. Add chicken thighs, skin-side down, to the skillet, ensuring not to crowd the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes until beautifully caramelized and golden. Flip and brown the other side for about 3 minutes. Transfer the browned chicken to a plate.
5. In the same skillet, add your sliced onions and apples. Cook gently, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes, until they are softened and sweet.
6. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up all the tasty browned bits from the pan bottom (this adds pure flavor gold).
7. Nestle the browned chicken thighs back into the skillet, skin-side up, tucking them into the apple-onion mixture.
8. Slowly pour the heavy cream over everything. Sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves.
9. Transfer the entire skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the cream is bubbling gently around the edges, the chicken skin is irresistibly golden, and the chicken registers 165°F (74°C) at its thickest part.
10. Once done, let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken perfectly.

how to serve French Style Chicken Casserole in the Norman Way

Serve this comforting casserole with some crusty bread or a simple green salad. The creamy sauce is perfect for dipping bread, enhancing the flavor of the meal. It can also be served over rice or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.

how to store French Style Chicken Casserole in the Norman Way

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven or microwave until warmed through. The flavors may deepen even more after a night in the fridge!

tips to make French Style Chicken Casserole in the Norman Way

• Make sure to pat the chicken dry before seasoning. This helps achieve a nice golden color when searing.
• Use a heavy-bottomed skillet to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking.
• Taste the sauce before serving to adjust seasoning if needed. You can add more thyme or a splash of lemon juice for brightness.

variation

You can substitute the Granny Smith apples with pears for a different taste. Adding some diced carrots or celery can also give a nice texture to the casserole.

FAQs

Q: Can I use boneless chicken thighs?

A: Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs, but adjust the cooking time as they may cook faster than bone-in thighs.

Q: Is this dish freezable?

A: Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?

A: Absolutely! You can prepare it a day ahead and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it.