Description
Hearty French chicken casserole brings rustic Provençal comfort straight to dinner tables with rich, layered flavors of herbs and tender chicken. Regional ingredients blend seamlessly, inviting you to savor a classic countryside culinary experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 6–8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Vegetables:
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 2 cups button mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Liquid and Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
- 2 tablespoons (16 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) dry white wine
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or a few sprigs if fresh)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350°F, preparing a cozy cooking environment for the French-inspired chicken dish.
- Generously coat chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then caramelize in a blend of olive oil and butter within a substantial ovenproof vessel.
- Transfer the golden-brown chicken to a temporary plate, then introduce onions, garlic, carrots, and mushrooms to the same cooking pot, sautéing until they become soft and translucent.
- Pour white wine into the pot, expertly lifting the concentrated flavor fragments from the bottom of the cookware.
- Incorporate chicken broth, sprinkle fresh thyme, and nestle bay leaves into the aromatic liquid, carefully returning the chicken pieces to the mixture.
- Secure the pot with a tight-fitting lid and slide into the preheated oven, allowing the ingredients to meld and tenderize for 45 minutes.
- During the final 10 minutes, remove the lid to encourage a delicate golden crust to form across the casserole’s surface.
- Present the fragrant, rustic chicken casserole alongside crusty artisan bread or atop creamy mashed potatoes, inviting diners to savor the rich, comforting flavors.
Notes
- Opt for bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs to boost flavor and keep the meat incredibly juicy during baking.
- Choose a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to enhance the dish’s depth without overpowering other ingredients.
- Swap regular chicken for skinless chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner protein, but reduce cooking time to prevent drying out.
- Accommodate gluten-sensitive diners by using tamari instead of traditional wine and ensuring all broth is gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 45816
- Calories: 12 kcal
- Sugar: 0.2 g
- Sodium: 15 mg
- Fat: 0.7 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1.1 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Protein: 1.4 g
- Cholesterol: 3 mg