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Cider Chicken Casserole

Cider Chicken Casserole

Cozy Normandy Cider Chicken Casserole recipe with apples & herbs. Tender braised chicken in a creamy, savory sauce. Perfect comfort food for any night.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 460
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 lbs chicken thighs and drumsticks
  • q.s. salt
  • 4 shallots or 1 medium onion
  • 1 stalk celery
  • 4-5 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 4.5 oz turkey bacon lardons
  • 2 tablespoons cognac or whisky optional
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • ⅓ cup chicken broth
  • 1.75 cups dry apple cider
  • 2 apples apples peeled, cored, and quartered
  • ½ cup heavy cream or whole cream

Equipment

  • Large Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon
  • Tongs
  • Cutting board and sharp knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Small skillet

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and pat the chicken dry, seasoning it with salt.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat; brown chicken pieces for 4-5 minutes per side.
  3. Crisp the turkey bacon in the same pot, then set it aside with the chicken.
  4. Add shallots (or onion), celery, and thyme to the pot; cook for 5-7 minutes until soft, then stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  5. Deglaze with cognac or whisky, scraping up browned bits from the pot.
  6. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables, stir, then slowly whisk in chicken broth followed by the dry cider.
  7. Return chicken and bacon to the pot, add thyme, bring to a boil, cover, and bake for 30 minutes; uncover and bake for another 30 minutes.
  8. Cook apple quarters in a skillet over medium heat until tender and caramelized, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  9. Stir in heavy cream to the pot, return to the oven for a final 20 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 460kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 36gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This dish can be made ahead; just add cream and cook apples fresh before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. A good dry cider is key for an authentic flavor—avoid sweet ciders for the best result.
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