Description
A cozy and saucy French chicken casserole made with apples, cider, and cream, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces Chicken legs or thighs (Bone-in, skin-on is preferred)
- 4 slices Bacon or pancetta (For added flavor)
- 1 large Onion (Or 2 shallots)
- 2-3 cloves Garlic (Minced)
- 2 cups Dry hard cider (Not sweet cider)
- 1 cup Chicken stock (For additional liquid if needed)
- 1-2 pieces Apples (Firm varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- 1 cup Heavy cream (Or an alternative like crème fraîche)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (Optional for extra tang)
- to taste Salt and pepper (For seasoning)
- 1-2 tablespoons Flour (Optional for light thickening)
Instructions
Browning Chicken and Bacon
- Pat the chicken dry and season it well with salt and pepper.
- Cook chopped bacon in a Dutch oven until it is browned, then scoop it out and leave the drippings.
- Sear the chicken skin side down until it is golden. Do not crowd the pot.
- Remove the chicken for a moment and toss in chopped onions, cooking until soft.
Building the Sauce
- Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
- Pour in the dry hard cider, stirring to loosen browned bits.
- Add fresh thyme and return the bacon to the pot, adding chicken stock if more liquid is needed.
Braising
- Put the chicken back in, skin side up, and bring the pot to a gentle simmer.
- Cover and move it into the oven, letting it braise until tender (about 45-60 minutes).
Finishing the Dish
- Sauté apple slices in butter until golden edges are formed.
- Once chicken is tender, move it to a plate and stir in the cream to the sauce on the stove.
- Return the chicken, adding sautéed apples, and let everything blend for a few minutes.
Notes
This dish is best served with mashed potatoes, buttery noodles, or a crisp green salad. It is great for make-ahead meals as it tastes even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 850
- Fat: 40
- Saturated Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 30
