French Chicken Casserole Normande (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
01 -
1 tbsp olive oil
02 -
2 lbs chicken thighs and legs
03 -
Salt, to taste
04 -
4 shallots, diced or 1 medium onion, diced
05 -
1 rib of celery, diced
06 -
4-5 thyme sprigs
07 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
08 -
125g bacon lardons or 6 strips of bacon, chopped
09 -
2 tbsp brandy or whiskey
10 -
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
11 -
85ml chicken stock
12 -
400ml hard dry apple cider
13 -
2 apples, peeled, cored, and cut into wedges
14 -
125ml double cream/heavy cream
# Instructions:
01 -
Turn the oven on to 180°C/350°F.
02 -
Pat dry the chicken legs and thighs with a paper towel, then season all over with salt.
03 -
In a large casserole dish, brown the chicken parts in 1 tbsp of oil over medium-high heat until golden. Remove the chicken to a separate platter and set aside.
04 -
Fry the bacon lardons over medium heat until the fat is rendered. Remove the bacon to the same platter as the browned chicken.
05 -
Add the shallots, celery, and 2 thyme sprigs to the same casserole dish and cook over low heat until soft but not colored, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
06 -
Add the brandy to the pan and scrape the bottom with a spatula to deglaze, cooking until the alcohol evaporates.
07 -
Stir in the flour, combining it with the fat to form a paste. Slowly add the chicken stock, stirring until the mixture thickens like gravy. Pour in the apple cider and combine well.
08 -
Return the chicken and bacon to the casserole dish. Add 2-3 thyme sprigs and bring the dish to a boil.
09 -
Cover the casserole and place it in the preheated oven. Cook for 30 minutes covered, then uncover and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
10 -
While the chicken is cooking, fry the apple wedges in 2 tbsp of reserved chicken fat or butter until golden, taking care not to burn them.
11 -
Remove the casserole from the oven, stir in the heavy cream, and cook uncovered for another 20 minutes.
12 -
Stir in the cooked apple wedges and serve with potatoes or rice.